Letters From Afar Review: A Homeschool-Friendly Subscription for World Travel and Learning
Do you dream of lands far away? Been bitten by the travel bug but find your passport (or your wallet) saying, “Not today”? Or maybe your homeschool geography lessons could use a little extra sparkle? Good news — world travel is only a letter away with Letters From Afar.
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A few years ago, I was on a quest for meaningful, clutter-free gifts for my teens — you know, the kind that last longer than a few days and don’t end up buried under laundry or lost in a drawer. I came across the idea of subscriptions, and that’s when I stumbled across Letters From Afar . Spoiler alert: it’s one of the best inexpensive gifts I’ve ever purchased!
What Is Letters From Afar?
Letters From Afar is described as an explorer’s tale delivered straight to your mailbox. Each month, a beautifully illustrated letter arrives from Isabelle — a character inspired by a real-life 19th-century English traveler, Isabella Bird. Isabella was a true trailblazer — an explorer, writer, photographer, and naturalist with quite an interesting bio! Her adventurous spirit took her everywhere from the Rocky Mountains to Japan, Tibet, and beyond. Her letters home were so vivid that they became bestselling books.
The letters are written and illustrated by Shawnee Mills, who combines her love of art, travel, and history into beautifully researched stories that make each destination come alive. We’ve already traveled with Isabelle to Finland, Mexico, Morocco, and most recently, China! Shawnee’s attention to detail and hours of research shine through in every letter. They are written so vividly that we feel like we’re right there beside Isabelle — all without ever leaving home.
What’s Included in the Subscription?
Each month, you’ll receive a beautifully illustrated letter printed on recycled paper — front and back — that’s practically frame-worthy. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Hidden throughout the artwork are clever “I Spy”–style illustrations, turning each letter into a fun little challenge as you hunt for images while you read.
Inside the envelope, you’ll also find an insert featuring Isabelle’s Field Notes — a mix of fun facts, sketches, and cultural tidbits, along with a vintage-style map that pinpoints her latest destination. Altogether, Letters From Afar is true happy mail: a perfect blend of storytelling, art, geography, and a dash of adventure!
How to Use the Letters in Your Homeschool
Of course, you can simply enjoy just reading Letters From Afar. Kids and adults alike look forward to opening the mailbox to something besides a bill or junk mail. But if you’re a homeschool parent, these letters are a goldmine for learning opportunities.
Each month’s adventure can spark a whole mini unit study or serve as a quick, low-prep addition to your morning basket, geography lessons, or even a cozy family read-aloud. Here are just a few ways to bring the letters to life:
- Geography & Mapping: Mark Isabelle’s travels on a world map and trace her route.
- Art & Observation: Look for the hidden images in the illustrations, then sketch your own version of the destination.
- Culture Studies: Explore the local food, language, clothing, or music mentioned in the letter or field notes.
- Reading Comprehension: Use the letters as engaging reading practice.
- Vocabulary: Keep a running list of new or interesting words from each letter — especially place names, descriptive adjectives, and cultural terms.
- Virtual Field Trips: Take a digital deep dive into the places Isabelle visits with short videos or virtual tours.
How to Subscribe
Subscribing to Letters From Afar is easy — and affordable! You can choose from monthly, 6-month, 12-month, and 24-month options, with plans starting at just $8 per month. It’s a small price for such a creative and educational experience that both kids and adults look forward to each month.
In a world where so much learning happens on screens, there’s something refreshing about receiving a real letter in the mail — one that you can touch, read, explore, and even display. And as if that weren’t enough reason to love it, a portion of all proceeds goes to Pencils of Promise, a nonprofit dedicated to building and supporting schools in communities around the world.
If you’re ready to add a touch of adventure (and a whole lot of geography) to your mailbox, click here to subscribe and start your travels with Isabelle today!
Letters From Afar quickly became one of our favorite pieces of mail each month. Whether you’re using it as part of your homeschool curriculum, or just reading it together, it’s a delightful reminder that learning about the world doesn’t have to be complicated or digital to be meaningful.
You might also love diving into the adventures of the real Isabella Bird — the fearless 19th-century explorer who inspired Isabelle’s character. A great place to start is Away With Words: The Daring Story of Isabella Bird — perfect for younger readers.
If you’re looking for a simple way to spark curiosity at home, Letters From Afar is a lovely place to start. A letter, a map, and a little imagination can take you farther than you think!
