How I Learned Geography by Uri Shulevitz

The story begins with a family struggling to find a place to live after the war destroyed everything they had.  After finding a place with a couple they didn't know, they have to sleep on the floor and struggle to find enough money for food.  One day Father goes to the store to buy bread but instead spends the money on a large, colorful map.  At first the son was furious with his father for having to go to bed hungry but he soon changes his mind.  He begins to spend his days studying the map and learning about the wonderful places throughout the world.