A lifetime of travel, a very well-traveled suitcase, and plenty of lost luggage inspire a new series encouraging kids to explore the world
For more than two decades, travel has been a huge part of my life. I have flown millions of miles, visited more than 80 countries, photographed destinations around the world, and collected enough travel stories to fill several suitcases.
And speaking of suitcases, I have never been particularly good at packing light. There have been the oversized bags, the last-minute airport scrambles, the luggage that seemed determined to arrive somewhere other than where I was going—and, of course, the dreaded moment when the baggage carousel stopped and my suitcase never appeared in places all over the world.
At the time, losing luggage was anything but funny. Today, I can look back at those experiences a little differently. Those stressful travel moments have become stories, memories and, now, the inspiration behind a new children’s book series: The Adventures of Big Purple.
Meet Big Purple
The first book in the series, The Adventures of Big Purple: Lost in Japan, follows a very special purple suitcase who gets separated from her young traveler, Ellie, during a trip to Japan.
Big Purple isn’t just a suitcase. She’s part of the family—and she’s determined to find her way back. After becoming separated at the airport, Big Purple begins an unexpected journey through Japan. Along the way, she travels by train, visits Tokyo, sees Mount Fuji, explores Kyoto and encounters friendly people who help her along the way.
The story is inspired by something that has happened to me more times than I would like to admit: lost luggage.
While my own experiences weren’t quite as adorable as having a purple suitcase roll through Japan on an adventure, the idea of turning those stressful travel experiences into something funny and positive seemed like the perfect way to introduce children to the realities—and joys—of travel.
Turning Travel Mishaps Into Adventures
Anyone who travels knows that things don’t always go according to plan. Flights get delayed. Bags get lost. Plans change. Sometimes you end up somewhere you didn’t expect to be.
Those moments can be frustrating, but they can also become some of the best stories. That’s one of the messages I hope children take away from The Adventures of Big Purple. Travel doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable. Sometimes the unexpected parts of a journey are what make the best adventures.
Big Purple’s journey also reflects something I have learned throughout my own travels: people are often the best part of the journey.
In the book, strangers help Big Purple along the way as she travels through Japan. Her adventure becomes an opportunity to discover new places, meet new people and experience a culture that may be unfamiliar to young readers.
Learning Through Travel
I wanted The Adventures of Big Purple to be more than just a story about a lost suitcase. Travel has always taught me that curiosity is one of the most valuable things we can carry with us. When we visit somewhere new, we have an opportunity to learn how other people live, eat, celebrate, communicate and see the world.
Lost in Japan incorporates that idea throughout the story. Young readers are introduced to Japanese words and phrases, including Konnichiwa, Arigato and Okaerinasai. The book also includes fun facts about Japan, a look at Big Purple’s route and an opportunity for children to imagine where Big Purple might travel next.
For me, those interactive elements are an important part of the series.
I want children to finish the book and think, Where would I like to go?
Inspiring the Next Generation of Travelers
As a travel photographer and journalist, I have been incredibly fortunate to see a lot of the world. I’ve photographed places and people that I never imagined I would encounter when I first started traveling. But the most rewarding part has always been the curiosity that comes with discovering somewhere new.
That is what I hope to encourage with The Adventures of Big Purple.
Maybe a child reads the book and becomes fascinated by Japan. Maybe they learn their first Japanese words. Maybe they start asking questions about Mount Fuji or bullet trains. Maybe they become interested in trying a new food or learning about another culture.
And maybe, someday, they become travelers themselves.
What’s Next for Big Purple?
Lost in Japan is just the beginning.
Big Purple’s suitcase sticker collection hints at the adventures still to come, and the series will draw inspiration from the many destinations, cultures and travel mishaps I’ve encountered throughout my years on the road.
The stories are fictional, but the inspiration behind them is very real.
Big Purple is essentially a humorous version of my own travel life: I packed too much, my luggage got lost, and somehow it all became a story worth telling.
After years of chasing flights, navigating airports and wondering where my suitcase went, I’m excited to turn those experiences into something that can inspire young readers to look beyond their own backyard.
Because you never know where a lost suitcase might lead you.
And sometimes, the best adventures begin when you don’t quite know where you’re going.
You can buy the Adventures of Big Purple: Lost in Japan here on Amazon!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.