What Marcel Found: The Incredible Discovery of the Lascaux Cave Paintings

by Cedar Pruitt, David Litchfield (Illustrator)

Uncover the amazing true story of a boy who made one of the most important archaeological discoveries in history—the Lascaux Cave Paintings—in this fascinating and beautiful nonfiction picture book.

It is 1940, and his country, France, is in a great battle.
But in the quiet of the woods, Marcel explores…

When Marcel Ravidat finds a secret underground tunnel in the woods, he doesn’t hesitate to explore. While World War II rages outside, this prehistoric cave is calm, still, and quiet. And then, Marcel discovers a treasure for the ages: hundreds and hundreds of extraordinary animal paintings made by humans more than 17,000 years ago. When he tells others of this discovery, the whole world shares in his curiosity and wonder.

This book shines a light on a boy’s awe-inspiring archaeological find during a dark time in the world. And it shows what the Lascaux Cave Paintings can teach us about what it means to make art, what it means to be human, and how creativity connects us all.

Genres: Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication October 13, 2026

About the author

Cedar Pruitt, M.Ed., is a children's author and poet. Her published work features themes of connection, discovery, humor, suspense, and the magic of forests.

Her debut picture book, FIRE FLIGHT: A Wildfire Escape, illustrated by Chiara Fedele (Capstone), was named a 2025 Best Children's Book of the Year by Bank Street College of Education. This lyrical exploration of an owl’s real-life flight out of a California wildfire - and right into a surprise that made headlines around the world - was also long-listed for a Green Earth Award.

Launching on October 13, 2026:
WHAT MARCEL FOUND: The Incredible Discovery of the Lascaux Cave Paintings, illustrated by David Litchfield, is about four brave children who, in 1940s occupied France, made an astounding discovery that forever changed our view of humanity, and will be published by Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster.

Reviews

[Carrie Kruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a thrilling journey through curiosity, inspiration, and the awesome discovery - by CHILDREN, no less! - of one of the greatest archaeological treasures of all time. The year is 1940, and while their French homeland is being ravaged by a terrible war, Marcel and his friends discover the entrance to a cave where 20,000-year-old cave paintings lay in wait, undisturbed and untouched for millennia. The boys' lanterns awaken the animals painted on the walls, filling them with life and movement, and in turn really awakening something in the boys and also in the reader. Time slips away, and there's a profound connection to humanity and the natural world through these ancient but also timeless drawings. The lyrical language and vivid illustrations in this book weave a spell that truly immerses us in the suspense and danger and wonder of the boys' adventure. My heart pounded as they made their great discovery, and I was filled with wonder and awe at the power of this art. Not to mention how utterly charmed I was by details like the boys charging a small fee to their friends to enter the cave, or how one of the boys camped outside the tent for an entire winter to protect it! The juxtaposition between the deathly chaos of war aboveground and the enduring stillness of the cave below was so artfully done by both the author and illustrator. The back matter is extremely well written and as captivating as the poetic main text, sharing both the horrors and the triumphs that the boys experienced after this life-changing moment. There is so much to discover and revel in on every page of this book for readers of all ages - I am quite certain that we will be seeing this book on all the lists and on all the shelves for years to come!!

[Cynthia Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the opening lines, Cedar Pruitt's text brings us right into the scene where young Marcel explores the forest during World War II. A story about the incredible discovery of the Lascaux Cave Paintings by a young boy and his friends, readers will be drawn in by gorgeous text and illustrations. This is a book that makes you as the reader want to savour each page, lingering to enjoy the magical light that shines in the darkness and remain immersed in a world of exploration and wonder. Cedar Pruitt brings history to life in this book that shows precisely why history is relevant in present times. In a world where 'art' can be made by AI and wars and fascism impact many lives around the world, this book shows us the gift of humanity, of art, and of brave explorers who show us a way forward.

[Lisa Varchol Varchol · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a captivating story! I was immediately drawn into the lush, peaceful woods where Marcel explores, finding an escape from the ravages of war. This true story is brought to life with engaging text by Cedar Pruitt and mesmerizing art by David Litchfield. Well-researched back matter provides even more fascinating details about the boys who discovered these ancient cave paintings. There is something deeply hopeful in expanding our sense of time and imagining life at the time the paintings were created, an estimated 20,000 years ago! This perspective-taking reminds us that we're part of a larger story, and that joy, wonder, and beauty can persist.
A must-have for every home school and library.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely captivated by this amazing story from the very first page. WHAT MARCEL FOUND is a true story of the discovery of a secret prehistorical cave with a magical treasure: hundreds of extraordinary animal paintings made by humans more than 17,000 years ago. Told in beautiful lyrical language by author Cedar Pruitt, this story is incredible. Combined with the most stunning illustrations by David Litchfield, I have no doubt this book will delight and inspire readers all over the world and will be treasured for years to come.

[Jamie Bills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe I’m just learning the story of Marcel and the Lascaux Cave Paintings! What kid doesn’t dream of making a big discovery or finding treasure? And he did it!
The writing in this book is beautiful. I felt like I was right there with him, experiencing the wonder of discovering and appreciating a cave filled with art. I especially loved Cedar’s juxtaposition of this calm beauty underground with the war happening above.
And can we talk about David Litchfield’s illustrations? They are vibrant, lush, and immersive with a great color palette.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

While World War II rages on, Marcel finds peace in the heart of the forest, where his imagination can run free. He also finds treasure! Cedar Pruitt’s eloquent story about Marcel’s discovery of the Lascaux cave paintings is perfectly paired with David Litchfield’s luminous illustrations. WHAT MARCEL FOUND explores how even with darkness in the world, magic and mystery still exist for those who follow their curiosity. This beautiful picture book is sure to spark the reader’s own curiosity about ancient history and hidden treasures yet to be found.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed from Uncorrected Proof.

"What Marcel Found" was compelling and sure to inspire readers. The illustrations were gorgeous and really added to the mystery of finding ancient art in a cave! Pruitt's prose is lyrical at times, but flows and would make for a fair to long read aloud. But it could be the basis for an amazing social studies or lesson in art. As compelling as the story is, the art of this book... GORGEOUS!

[Michelle Schaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is magical! It’s drenched in sensory language and “brims with mystery” just like the Lascaux cave drawings themselves. I love how Cedar contrasts the ugly world of war above with the beauty and calm of Marcel’s amazing underground discovery. David Litchfield’s art shimmers on each page. A historical book filled with wonder and hope!

[Cynthia Platt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Marcel Found not only tells the story of the fascinating discovery of the Lascaux Caves but does so through Cedar Pruitt's lyrical storytelling and David Litchfield's luminous illustrations. The books serves as a wonderful reminder that even during the hardest of times (WWII in this case), there's still beauty in the world. I can’t recommend this wonderful picture book enough!

[Megan Litwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was mesmerized by this stunning book! It tells the true story of young Marcel Ravidat, who along with three young friends, discovered the now-famous Lascaux cave paintings. Readers will feel like they are RIGHT THERE alongside the boys, breathlessly experiencing the same awe and wonder over this ancient treasure. Powerfully told and magically illustrated!!