Why Explore?

by Susan Lendroth, Enrique Sánchez Moreiro (Illustrator)

Throughout history, natural curiosity has led human beings to explore the vast oceans, chart the night sky, and venture into unknown territories of science. But why? With elegant poetry, Susan Lendroth examines this ever-present drive to discover, from prehistoric cave dwellers to the Age of Galileo to modern-day space exploration. Along the way, readers will learn how far human curiosity has taken us, and consider both the costs and rewards of pursuing the unknown. Enrique Moreiro's rich oil paintings illuminate this intriguing journey into the very heart and spirit of human nature.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 20, 2005

About the author

Grew up reading anything about the past (histories); learned to love much about the future (science fiction); and now find my favorite books to be puzzling (mysteries). But as a children's author, I write picture books.

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Reviews

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars -- Youngsters are introduced to the eternal human desire to explore, learn, and grow, through a variety of explorers throughout history.

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a neat look at humans' need to explore through time and for different reasons. Don't skip the author's note at the end.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told in poetic verse, this is a story of all the people throughout history that have gone against well-intended advice and pushed the boundaries of what the world knows and understands as explorers. The repeated question is "Why explore?" and the answer is always different, but with the common threads of learning and passing something greater on to the next generation. It's a great piece of poetry. It may pair well with So You Want to Be an Explorer?, which is something I've shared with students in the past. The end notes are as good as the text. The illustrations are beautiful and help to convey the overall tone of potential in every endeavor. It's a pleasant read that should get you thinking.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why Explore? by Susan Lendroth, illustrated by Enrique S. Moreiro – published in 2005 – Since I walked by this book and was curious over and over, and finally grabbed it today… Lovely lyrical book that touches on famous explorers over time in many different areas of the world. Loved the organization and process of this book.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for school- the reason we explore is "to know". Finding answers to questions.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to Shaley on Saturday Night, she loved it. it was really a neat book for kids.

[RobesonBoys · Rating 4 out of 5]

One mom liked quite a bit!