Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Explorer: A Daring Guide for Young Adventurers
Illustrator: Milivoj Ceran , Alastair Graham
Novelty Book
For ages 8 to 12
Candlewick, 2007 ISBN: 978-0763636487
Sir Henry Hardcastle is on Mount Everest looking for the illusive yeti. At the moment a blizzard is blowing so Sir Henry is in his tent writing a letter. In this letter he explains why he thinks exploring is so interesting and important, and he invites his audience to read his guide which he hopes will tickle their fancy and perhaps encourage them to try the explorer life for themselves.
Sir Henry begins by explaining that there are many kinds of exploration. One can look for lost cities or unexplored lands, one can look for lost treasures, one can find new species of animals, or one can look for heretofore unseen natural wonders. No matter which kind of exploration one wants to try, there are certain things that every explorer needs to know.
It is essential that every explorer should have the right tools for the adventure ahead. Some basic things an explorer should have include a camera, a journal, binoculars, rugged clothing, and a knapsack. Then, depending on where one is going, one should have certain specialist items. If one is going to the desert a camel is a useful creature to have. If one is going on an ocean voyage a waterproof hat and coat would be essential.
It is also a very good idea to make sure that you are in good shape and are well read before you go exploring. One should get lots of exercise and learn as much as one can about the place one is going to.
Looking for lost treasures, both natural and manmade, can be very addictive, but there are no guarantees that one will find what one is looking for. For example humans still have not found Atlantis or the Fountain of Youth though many explorers have gone looking for them both.
In this splendid novelty title Dugald Steer – famous for his ology books – combines fact, fiction, and good advice beautifully. He tells his readers about the adventures that real explorers took in the past, making their stories interesting and accessible. With lots of illustrations, photographs, flaps to lift and more, this novelty title is sure to give young people of ages the yen to go exploring.
