Marco Polo or Journey Across the World

by Charles Parlin Graves, John Ferni (Illustrator)

"Bandits!" cries Marco's father. Bandits mean death in this vast desert! Marco and his father leap on their horses and race across the sands. This was only one of Marco Polo's adventures on his journey to China- a journey that took him across seas ad deserts, to the very roof of the world. He saw marble palaces and walls of gold; he gathered treasures of precious jewels. When he wrote of these wonders, no one believed him. But it was all true!

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Geography, Childrens, School, Classics

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 1963

About the author

Charles Parlin Graves, who wrote more than 20 children's books, died Wednesday, August 2nd of cancer in Phelps Memorial Hospital, North Tarrytown, N.Y. He was 61 years old and lived in Irvington‐on‐Hudson, N.Y.

Mr. Graves devoted himself in the last 14 years to writing children's books, mainly biographical, on such people as John F. and Robert F. Kennedy, Benjamin Franklin, Grandma Moses, Nellie Bly, Eleanor Roosevelt, John Muir and Mark Twain.

Earlier, he had been an advertising copy writer and had been with Dancer‐Fitzgerald Sample, Inc., and other agencies. In World War II he served with the Army in the Aleutian Islands and in the Pacific as a lieutenant.

He graduated from the University of Florida in 1933.

Reviews

[Christy Whitsell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good and easy version of Marco Polo’s life. We enjoyed it very much. Used it for AO Y3 since we had it on hand. It was a nice to have an easier book in the mix, but I may look into longer versions for the next child.

[Sarah Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read, interesting and informative

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read-aloud introduction to Marco Polo and his fascinating life. Both my four year old and six year old loved it and I felt it was a really fantastic, easily digested overview of his adventures. Would recommend for sure for the young learners in your family!

[Manna_Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this on our shelf from when they were younger and gave it a re-read before passing it on. They enjoyed it. Good for younger kids.

[Rosie Gearhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting early chapter book about Marco Polo. This book ignited a curiosity about MP in all of my children after reading it!

[Lekeshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son looked forward to this book every time it came up in rotation. It's a great introduction to Marco Polo, his family and their journey. We will be reading his actual account in another year or so.

[Shofam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A winsomely written history of Marco Polo and his travels to the East. This telling especially focuses on his interactions with the Khans. Carolyn found this very interesting, so much so that we finished is ahead of schedule. A great brief of the famous explorer and trader.

[Skye · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simple story. Written for very young.

[Mariah H · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very interesting.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy-to-read story for young children about the life of Marco Polo in the 13th century.