Central Park is so massive and multifaceted that even lifelong New Yorkers can still learn a thing or two about its offerings and lore. Not surprisingly, this public green has served as the setting and inspiration for literary works written for all ages. Here are our top picks for books that put the park front and center, and where you and your tiny reader can check out the settings in person! Click through for recommended reading!

For a fun (and French) take on the pond, read...

Why don’t sparrows migrate? The titular character from Emma’s Journey wonders just that as her duck friend prepares to depart for the winter. Follow the hand-drawn map of Central Park from the Duck Pond to the Ramble, and even further into the rest of the city when Emma decides to migrate like her friend to the city of love — Paris! Written and illustrated by a native of Versaille, the book contains plenty of French charm, as well as mixed media illustrations that features Emma and friends drawn onto photographs of urban scenes. While lovely, The Pond is also home to the Hallet Nature Sanctuary, a secluded habitat for birds and other small animals. Keep an eye out for turtles resting on rocks!

Buy the Book

Who's it for?:Kids ages four to eight

See the site: The Pond
Central Park South between 5th and 6th Avenue
Online: www.centralparknyc.org

Do you have a favorite book inspired by a New York  City location? Tell us about it in the comments!

—Yuliya Geikhman

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