On the long drive south through France, I ticked off the number plates I spotted from the back seat. I still remember doing it.
It gave me something to notice about where we were. I’ve travelled a lot since then, worked in three countries and lived in France for several years.
Now I take my own children on holiday. I pack storybooks and colouring books, and they barely get opened. They have nothing to do with where we’re going.
I had my guidebook. They had a colouring book. I couldn’t find anything in between: a book about the place itself, made for a child, to use and not just to read.
So I’m making it. Something to spot, to score, to draw in and to argue about at dinner. Something to show you, or keep to themselves. Something that goes on the shelf afterwards, next to the photo albums.
That is We’re Off.
Jon Rhymes, founder of We're Off