If you’ve never heard of “The Bucket List Family,” you’re missing out on a story that many of us can only dream of. In 2015, Garrett and Jessica Gee sold all of their belongings in order to journey around the world for five months with their two young children in tow.

Ten years later, they’ve not only visited nearly 100 countries, but they’ve also had another son! The Gee family has now settled down in Hawaii, only traveling during school breaks. But through it all, they’ve chronicled their travels on their YouTube channel to their 1.5 million subscribers (not to mention their 3 million followers on Instagram).

If that sounds like a dream, Gee’s new children’s book, The Bucket List Family and the Big Adventure, will help you and your children use your imaginations to take you around the world and on amazing adventures just like them.

All About ‘The Bucket List Family and the Big Adventure’

The Bucket List Family and the Big Adventure is all about creating memories, big and small, wherever you are. And it’s aimed for kids ages 4 through 8.

“Our goal is for families to read this book and then sit down together and dream up shared goals,” Gee tells Parents. “You don’t have to sell everything or even go to a far-off place. But we hope families will come together and have a session of ‘What ifs?’ and make their own bucket list that will help bring them closer together.” 

In an exclusive excerpt from the book, we see Dorothy Gee and her family around a very messy and busy dinner table, with the TV on. She’s a bit upset that their family life has become so busy, leaving them with less time to play “adventure” together. Then the lights go out, and the family has to improvise.

Take a look to see what happens next!

The family’s imagination reaches far and wide. They talk about driving a race car, navigating a submarine, flying into space, and even pumping a handcar across the outback. It also takes them to other faraway places.

So much of the inspiration for the book, Gee says, comes from their own family.

“The overall story about our family doing something out of the norm is a theme throughout the book and our lives,” he says. “Beyond the adventures these characters dream up, there are so many little nuggets in this book inspired from our own lives: the art on the walls, the food on the table, or the phrases that the characters say, for example.” 

Tween Slang Is Everywhere!

Garrett and Jessica Gee have three children: Dorothy (12), Manilla (11), and Calihan (7). Of course, prime ages for all of the tween slang! I asked Garrett what some of the kids’ favorite slang words are right now that he hopes will go away in 2026. “Bruh! I hear ‘Bruh’ about 7,000 times a day!” he exclaims. 

The Major Theme That Stuck Out for Me

One theme in this children’s book that really struck a chord with me was how the Gees’ family life had become increasingly busy. As a mom of two teenage girls, one who is a competitive dancer and one who plays soccer and lacrosse, we are always on the go. My husband and I always lament about how little family time we have because we are always running somewhere.

Gee says his family is in the same boat.

“Dance, soccer, volleyball, church activities…all the things,” he explains. “They’re so demanding these days! My daughter turns 13 next week—and I’m emotional knowing that I’m in the ‘good ol’ days.”

Photo:

Garrett Gee

I asked him what advice he has for parents who find themselves in the real-life situation of lacking time to adventure with their families.

“We’ve decided to take our school breaks for family time. For us, that means taking the time-outs we need and traveling together (sometimes to the dismay of teachers or coaches),” he says. “The key is having the kids help in the planning; that way, it’s something they really want to do as well.”

I think my family needs to heed that advice. Although pulling them out of school is harder now that the kids are in 8th and 10th grades, that family time to bond and “adventure together” is even more critical in the waning years until they go to college. I agree with Gee, my family is also in the “good ‘ol days.”

Excuse me while I go grab a tissue and read The Bucket List Family and the Big Adventure for the fourth time.

Where To Find ‘The Bucket List Family and the Big Adventure’

The Bucket List Family and the Big Adventure is on sale Tuesday, October 28, 2025. You can also buy it before it goes on sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-a-Million.