I love a heroine who is bursting with bright-eyed optimism and ambition—and this book's namesake character fits the bill. "Ruby's Wish" invites readers to China, where a winsome young girl boldly yearns for knowledge and adventure.

When a gust of wind swipes the Queen of England's hat, it sets her off on a wild chase through the streets of London. Readers are swept along on what amounts to a thoroughly enjoyable and wanderlust-y jaunt past notable destinations like Big Ben and the Tower of London.

Admittedly, this is a Christmas tale, but here's why I argue this sweet book about a family in Mexico is worth reading all year long: Soto crafts a story about tradition, family, and heritage that manages to be lighthearted, memorable, and full of life. It also involves an attempt at covering one's tracks by, well, eating them—and that part is just delightful.

Page through this book and young readers will find themselves transported to Morocco, where a shopkeeper's son chases his curiosity through a bustling marketplace. Vibrant illustrations bring life to Ichikawa's heartwarming reflection on the power of imagination.

In this Irish folktale, a cunning Leprechaun King is no match for a brave and clever young girl. When the king hoards the luck of the Irish, the country's future appears grim. Readers will cheer Fiona on through this beautifully illustrated story as she attempts to outsmart her magical foe.

A vintage classic, "Anatole" promises to whisk children off for a delicious Parisian adventure as the title character—an honorable mouse—sets off to earn an honest living as a top-secret cheese monger at a renowned French cheese company. It's whimsical and witty with sweeping illustrations of Paris streets.

Travel around the world to Zimbabwe through this stunning take on the classic Cinderella story. Book-lovers will meet two sisters of opposing personalities, who face a series of tests to reveal their true selves, and ultimately determine their futures. This one is a Caldecott Honor Book and also has been widely praised for Steptoe's gorgeous illustrations.

Another vintage favorite, "The Story of Ferdinand" takes place in Spain, where a tender-hearted and gentle bull refuses to take part in the nation's popular bull fights. Movie-lovers take note: the book is better (in this writer's humble opinion).

A lively take on traditional Hindu folklore, "Ganesha's Sweet Tooth" tells the tale of a Hindu god. This book imagines his beginning as a "regular" boy with an elephant's head and an insatiable sweet tooth, who also happens to ride atop an enchanted mouse.

Sojourn Wallace's children's book series, Every Girl, aims to tell the stories of real kids around the world in the hopes of inspiring understanding and acceptance across cultures. Margrét's story brings readers to Iceland, and is ultimately a tale about growing up without leaving the wonder and magic of childhood behind.