Global Travel Authors

12/17/2025

This Hanukkah, give the gift of discovery with Irene Shaland’s captivating books, perfect for anyone passionate about Jewish history and global exploration.

From the award-winning The Dao of Being Jewish and Other Stories, which uncovers tales of the Jewish Diaspora across ten countries, to her specialized travel series including guides to Malta and Corsica and her latest 2025 release of Porto and Northern Portugal, Shaland’s work serves as both a scholarly resource and an inspiring travel companion.

Replete with stunning photography by Alex Shaland and deep, little known historical insights, these books offer a meaningful way to celebrate heritage and the enduring spirit of Jewish resilience worldwide.

While printed editions might take a few days to arrive, digital editions are delivered instantly upon completion of the gift order at Amazon.

Irene Shaland’s books about Jewish history:

1. "The Dao of Being Jewish and Other Stories: Tales of Jewish Diaspora, Persecution, the Holocaust and Rebirth in Europe, Africa, and Asia"
https://amzn.to/2T1u5kK

2. "Shaland's Jewish Travel Guide to Malta and Corsica: A Trusted Travel Companion for the Jewish History Explorer"
https://amzn.to/3nfjH9s

3. "Shaland's Lisbon: An Illustrated Guide to Jewish History and Sites in and around Lisbon"
https://amzn.to/4awMblb

4. "Shaland's Évora & Alentejo: An Illustrated Guide to Jewish History and Sites in the Portuguese Region of Alentejo and Its Capital Évora"
https://amzn.to/3VqmFs6

5. "Shaland's Porto & Northern Portugal: An Illustrated Guide to Jewish History and Sites in Northern Portugal, Its Capital Porto, and Select Sites in Central Portugal
https://amzn.to/45jzRog

Just click on the links above to find out more about each book.
Happy reading!

Irene Shaland

11/25/2025

Review of "Suburbanites on Safari: True Stories About My First Encounter with African Wild Animals"
Link to book: https://amzn.to/3hzY79h

By: CB, Amazon reader

★★★★★ A Captivating, Exhilarating Adventure

“I was sitting right in front of him and well within the reach of his gigantic trunk. While raising his trunk, the bull elephant also had to raise his head, so the tips of his tusks were pointing straight at the lens of my camera.” (p. 72)

Suburbanites on Safari tells the wildly fun and informative tale of an adventure, as told by two travelers from the suburbs. It’s the kind of book that pulls you into an adventure and makes you laugh the whole way. By the end, you feel as though you’ve been trekking through the African savanna yourself - and have learned more about the wildlife you’ve probably seen in shows and pictures before like never before.

The book is divided into chapters that mostly focus on different animals living in the savanna. You’ll meet animals like lions and elephants (and try to find the elusive leopard) and see them in their own element.

Other chapters explain the logistics of a safari, such as vehicles, lodgings, and the essential safari rules, so you’d be well-informed if you’re planning your own trip. But even if you have no plans to travel on a safari, the book is well worth the read for Alex’s flowing writing style, full of humor and helpful tidbits, and for the many beautiful photographs found throughout its pages.

It reads casually in the best way, as if you were both having a conversation. The photos of the lions and birds are particularly stunning! Suburbanites on Safari is wonderful to read on its own, but could also be fun for a book club or reading with a friend. It’s the kind of story you want to keep going, and want to talk about for a while after.

Check this book out: https://amzn.to/3hzY79h

11/14/2025

Ready for a wild adventure with your little explorers? “Jackie the Penguin Goes to India” is the perfect gift for curious kids—and the grownups who love reading with them!

Looking for a children’s book that’s educational, adventurous, and absolutely adorable? Meet Jackie the Penguin, the intrepid traveler who’s off to India in search of the elusive Bengal tiger! In this fourth installment of the Adventures of Jackie the Penguin series by author and travel photographer Alex Shaland, young readers will journey through India’s lush wildlife reserves—all through the eyes of a lovable penguin.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, or librarian, this book is a must-have for your child’s or students' library. It’s packed with:
• Vivid illustrations that bring India’s landscapes and animals to life
• Engaging storytelling that sparks curiosity and imagination
• Educational activities and discussion questions perfect for classroom or bedtime learning
• A gentle introduction to geography, culture, and wildlife conservation

Ideal for ages 5–9, this book makes a thoughtful gift for birthdays, holidays, or just because. And if your child loves animals or dreams of faraway places, Jackie’s journey will become a fast favorite.

Teachers are calling it “a great way to introduce children to the world,” and kids can’t get enough of Jackie’s adventures!

Available now on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats.
👉 Explore the book on Amazon https://amzn.to/3CpO1YR

Give your child the world—one penguin adventure at a time. Image animation courtesy Eric O.

10/28/2025

Ready for a wild adventure with your little explorer? “Jackie the Penguin Goes to India” is the perfect gift for curious kids—and the grownups who love reading with them!

Looking for a children’s book that’s educational, adventurous, and absolutely adorable? Meet Jackie the Penguin, the intrepid traveler who’s off to India in search of the elusive Bengal tiger! In this fourth installment of the Adventures of Jackie the Penguin series by author and travel photographer Alex Shaland, young readers will journey through India’s lush wildlife reserves—all through the eyes of a lovable penguin.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, or librarian, this book is a must-have for your child’s or students' library. It’s packed with:

• Vivid illustrations that bring India’s landscapes and animals to life
• Engaging storytelling that sparks curiosity and imagination
• Educational activities and discussion questions perfect for classroom or bedtime learning
• A gentle introduction to geography, culture, and wildlife conservation

Ideal for ages 5–9, this book makes a thoughtful gift for birthdays, holidays, or just because. And if your child loves animals or dreams of faraway places, Jackie’s journey will become a fast favorite.

Teachers are calling it “a great way to introduce children to the world,” and kids can’t get enough of Jackie’s adventures!
Available now on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats.

👉 Explore the book on Amazon
https://amzn.to/3CpO1YR

Give your child the world—one penguin adventure at a time.

10/22/2025

Upcoming Virtual Lecture "Scandinavia through the Eyes of a Jewish Traveler"

From the windswept fjords of Norway to the quiet resilience of Danish Jewish communities, this journey from Scandinavia’s Jewish past to present invites those who cherish global Jewish heritage and thought-provoking history to uncover stories rarely told.

Title: "Scandinavia through the Eyes of a Jewish Traveler"
Presented by: Irene Shaland a Jewish historian and author of 7 books, including "The Dao of Being Jewish and Other Stories: Tales of Jewish Diaspora, Persecution, the Holocaust and Rebirth in Europe, Africa and Asia"

Link to "The Dao of Being Jewish": https://amzn.to/2T1u5kK
Event is hosted online by: BZD, Baltimore, MD, USA
Date and Time: Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM EST
Place: Online Zoom event

BZD Virtual Events are exclusively for BZD members (unless otherwise noted). Visit the BZD website for details:
https://bzdisrael.org/scandinavia-through-the-eyes-of-a-jewish-traveler/
BZD Phone: +410-484-4510
BZD email: [email protected]
Event Description

Description provided by the BZD:
Join the BZD for a captivating journey through Norway, Sweden, and Denmark with internationally published author Irene Shaland. Known for their breathtaking landscapes, royal capitals, and striking modern design, these countries also hold rich and often little-known Jewish stories.

Together we’ll explore the Jewish communities that once thrived in Scandinavia, the role each nation played during the Holocaust, and what it means to live as a Jew in these societies today. From history to modern life, this presentation offers a unique window into Scandinavia through Jewish eyes.

Learn more about the presenter Irene Shaland: https://amzn.to/3DM6rDk

09/29/2025

Announcing Our New Virtual Lecture "Porto and the North: Resilience and Defiance"

Step into the hidden world of Sephardic resilience and rediscovery! If you’re a Jewish history enthusiast—or planning a meaningful journey to Portugal—this virtual lecture is your gateway to a rich, little-known chapter of Jewish heritage.
Join renowned scholar Irene Shaland for her newest presentation in the “Saga of Sefarad” series: “Porto and the North: Resilience and Defiance.” From the majestic synagogue and museums of Porto to the mysterious villages “Behind the Mountains,” where Crypto-Jews secretly practiced their faith, this immersive experience will transport you through centuries of courage, ingenuity, and spiritual defiance.

Whether you're tracing ancestral roots or mapping your next travel adventure, this lecture promises revelations you won’t find in guidebooks. Registration is open—don’t miss your chance to uncover the untold stories of Sephardic Portugal.

Title: "Porto and the North: Resilience and Defiance"
Presented by: Jewish Historian and Author Irene Shaland
Hosted by: New City Library, New York
Date and Time: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM EST
Place: Zoom virtual event

This virtual event is free, but registration is required to receive the link to attend this lecture.

Link to registration: https://newcity.librarycalendar.com/event/jews-portugal-64161
Read more: https://wp.me/p1JQJe-1QE

FOSTERING CROSS CULTURAL DIVERSITY, TOLERANCE, INCLUSION, AND UNDERSTANDING AROUND THE WORLD WITH AN EMPHASIS ON JEWISH HISTORY.

07/03/2025

Review of "Shaland’s Porto and Northern Portugal"
by Barbara Miller

Shaland’s Porto and Northern Portugal is the third exquisite book, in Irene Shaland’s five book series on her travels in Portugal. It is a deep delve into the Jewish history of the area but also brings to life generally the history, geography, art, culture, and grandeur of the area. It is a state-of-the-art travel guide but offers so much more than what would normally be seen or understood by a traveller because of the expert research of the author who is Jewish herself and has an eye for what would escape the attention of most travellers.

The book is also superbly illustrated with a large number of colour photographs by Alex Shaland, Irene’s husband, and children’s author, who shares her travel adventures with her.
Even if you are not a globe trotter, this book has much to offer for those wanting to understand the history of the Jewish diaspora – the persecution, the forced conversions, the Inquisitions, and the expulsions. There is also a visit to a Holocaust Museum. The book also covers the times Jewish culture thrived, and the history of Kings, Christianity, the Knights Templar, and Islam in the land.
No wonder Irene is a sought-after speaker and educator on Jewish history, art, culture and heritage and her travel articles are eagerly awaited.

If you are planning to visit Portugal, take this book with you and keep it in your hand as you explore Portugal as it gives you a practical guide of what to do day to day in your travel. Better still, get it before you go and plan your travels.

Barbara Miller, author of over 12 books including If I Survive: N**i Germany and the Jews, 100-year-old Lena Goldstein’s Miracle Story.

Paperback edition: https://amzn.to/45jzRog
eBook edition: https://amzn.to/3FXNrmX

07/02/2025

"I’ve just had the great pleasure to read historian Irene Shaland’s new and most impressive book to date, Shaland's Porto & Northern Portugal: An Illustrated Guide to Jewish History and Sites in Northern Portugal, Its Capitol Porto and Select Sites in Central Portugal.

In these days when our mobile phones provide thumbnail sketches of places we’d like to visit, Shaland’s book is a refreshing alternative to the 'grab and go' approach imbedded in much of historical travel.

Do you recall the days of printed guidebooks? I still have quite a selection. These printed texts lent themselves to thought, study and consideration – values brought to life in Shaland’s up to date, illustrated guide.

More than 200 pages in length and, thanks to Irene’s husband Alex, filled with breathtaking photos, this is a book that, if you let it, will guide your Sephardic Portuguese adventure to many undiscovered treasures that shaped Jewish life in this fascinating region." – Rabbi Barbara Aiello.

Paperback edition: https://amzn.to/45jzRog
eBook edition: https://amzn.to/3FXNrmX

07/01/2025

Where You Can Find "Shaland's Porto & Northern Portugal"

Since our new guidebook was released, we have been receiving questions asking where it could be found outside of the United States.

Below is the list of links to Amazon pages for the paperback edition in various countries:

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FCS631GF

Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FCS631GF

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FCS631GF

Spain: https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0FCS631GF

France: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0FCS631GF

Germany: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0FCS631GF

Italy: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0FCS631GF

The Netherlands: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0FCS631GF

Poland: https://www.amazon.pl/dp/B0FCS631GF

Sweden: https://www.amazon.se/dp/B0FCS631GF

Below is the book description from the back cover:

Planning a trip to Portugal and looking for sites related to the history of the Jews in Iberia? Love reading stories of Jewish existence in Europe? The Jewish story of Portugal is not complete without a deep dive into the past and present of Porto and the north of the country—part of human history that, for the most part, remained hidden for centuries.

Not anymore! Now, with this unique guidebook in hand, you can travel in time and space to explore the Jewish sites in Porto, Batalha, Tomar, Guarda, Bragança, Carção, Chaves, Guimarães, and Tui.

Read heroic stories of Jewish resilience, ingenuity, and survival in the face of the relentless Inquisition, ruthless monarchs, and the watchful eyes of neighbors. Follow the wandering Jews of Iberia on the run from expulsions, forced conversions, executions, and outright massacres to short periods of relative calm and then packing up and fleeing again.

This travel guide will help you carefully plan an itinerary that best fits your interests and the time of your stay. After browsing through pages filled with insightful, fascinating stories, practical information, maps, and well over 200 gorgeous color photos, you will be ready for the journey of a lifetime.

Once you arrive in Portugal, we will guide you, step by step, to historical monuments, former Jewish quarters and ghettos, synagogues, and Jewish museums, helping you learn about the Jewish communities of Portugal from biblical times to the present day.

As you turn the pages of this richly illustrated guide, you’ll have no trouble finding each site and learning about its history right then and there.

06/19/2025

New Book Release: Shaland's Porto & Northern Portugal: An Illustrated Guide to Jewish History and Sites in Northern Portugal, Its Capital Porto, and Select Sites in Central Portugal

The new addition to Shaland's Portugal Series

Planning a trip to Portugal and looking for sites related to the history of the Jews in Iberia? Love reading stories of Jewish existence in Europe? The Jewish story of Portugal is not complete without a deep dive into the past and present of Porto and the north of the country—part of human history that, for the most part, remained hidden for centuries.

Not anymore! Now, with this unique guidebook in hand, you can travel in time and space to explore the Jewish sites in Porto, Batalha, Tomar, Guarda, Bragança, Carção, Chaves, Guimarães, and Tui.

Paperback edition: https://amzn.to/45jzRog
eBook edition: https://amzn.to/3FXNrmX

Read heroic stories of Jewish resilience, ingenuity, and survival in the face of the relentless Inquisition, ruthless monarchs, and the watchful eyes of neighbors. Follow the wandering Jews of Iberia on the run from expulsions, forced conversions, executions, and outright massacres to short periods of relative calm and then packing up and fleeing again.

This travel guide will help you carefully plan an itinerary that best fits your interests and the time of your stay. After browsing through pages filled with insightful, fascinating stories, practical information, maps, and well over 200 gorgeous color photos, you will be ready for the journey of a lifetime.

Once you arrive in Portugal, we will guide you, step by step, to historical monuments, former Jewish quarters and ghettos, synagogues, and Jewish museums, helping you learn about the Jewish communities of Portugal from biblical times to the present day.

As you turn the pages of this richly illustrated guide, you’ll have no trouble finding each site and learning about its history right then and there.

Planning a trip to Portugal and looking for sites related to the history of the Jews in Iberia? Love reading stories of Jewish existence in Europe? The Jewish story of Portugal is not complete without a deep dive into the past and present of Porto and the north of the country—part of human histor....

10/22/2024

My New Children's eBook on Sale at ONLY $0.99 Oct. 22 through Oct. 24

"Jackie the Penguin Goes to America: Jackie Visits American National Parks and Learns About the Animals, Geysers, Glaciers, Caves, and Native American Tribes"

The third book of "Adventures of Jackie the Penguin" series

In addition to the paperback edition, the eBook edition of this book is now available for purchase and is on sale for only $0.99: https://amzn.to/3XnNgr4

Would your adventurous child enjoy exploring Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier National Parks in the company of a little penguin?

In this third book of the Adventures of Jackie the Penguin series, your child will join Jackie and meet all kinds of wild animals; be in awe of geysers, glaciers, and caves; and learn about the local Native American tribes. Vibrant color photographs illustrating every animal make them come alive. And reading the story is just pure fun. Why? Because the story is told by a small person, who happens to be an adorable penguin. By the way, books in this series can be read in any order.

While following Jackie's adventures, kids will love learning about nature and let their imagination go wild! Whether your child reads this story on their own, or you are the one reading it to them – Jackie the Penguin Goes to America will not only entertain and educate but also foster your child's desire to explore our world.

Created by an award-winning photographer and author, Alex Shaland, this fun-filled story uniquely combines elements of a picture book and a chapter book. What sets it apart from other children's books is the abundance of stunning color photographs and fascinating information about nature to learn.

Are you and your child ready to embark on an awesome journey with Jackie the Penguin? You know where to find this book!

Link to eBook edition: https://amzn.to/3XnNgr4

Link to paperback edition: https://amzn.to/3zFZRfL

09/21/2024

Excellent cultural and educational tour provided by Tahiti Eden guide around the entire island of Tahiti Nui from east to West.

Here we are in a Marae or a holy ground of a temple under an open sky. What first grabs our attention is an imposing platform of (mostly) round stones and a three steps altar. There, led by their King, an entire clan would pray for rain, abundance of fish, prosperity, and success in war. Animal and human sacrifices (captive enemies) were made.

What we also see are the anthropomorphic figures called Tiki. These were men-gods with huge almond shaped eyes looking into the afterlife.