The Secret Explorers and the Smoking Volcano

The Secret Explorers #6

by S.J. King

Buckle up for an explosive adventure! Discover the dramatic power of an erupting volcano in this action-packed sixth installment of DK's new educational fiction series!

Meet the Secret Explorers - a band of brainiac kids from all around the world. Everyone in this diverse group of young experts has a specialty, from outer space to dinosaurs, and each story follows a character who gets chosen for a "secret exploration".

This edge-of-your-seat science book for kids is packed with:

- Fun facts and illustrations about the Earth's tectonic plates
- Simple and engaging explanations on how volcanoes are formed
- Quizzes, mission notes, and a glossary of words with definitions
- Information that supports a STEM-based curriculum

A new adventure unfolds

In this fun, fact-filled children's science book, we join volcanoes expert Cheng on an exciting mission to Mount Yasur on the island of Vanuatu. Joined by biology expert Leah, the team is beyond excited to witness a real-life volcanic eruption.

But soon, excitement turns to worry when they realize that people are in danger. Working together swiftly and heroically, they must stage a rescue mission. Kids will love turning the pages to find out if the Secret Explorers manage to succeed in their mission!

It's the perfect gift for children aged 7-9 who love all things geology. Packed with lots of information on volcanoes, this epic adventure book gives them a thrilling introduction to earth science.

Don't let the discoveries stop

Each book in the series combines exciting adventures with real-life facts related to the Secret Explorers' latest fictional mission.

Don't miss out on more secret explorations! Dive into an underwater adventure in The Secret Explorers and the Lost Whales. Travel back in time to save a dinosaur egg from destruction in The Secret Explorers and the Jurassic Rescue. Finally, set out on a journey to stop the Cairo Museum from closing down in The Secret Explorers and the Tomb Robbers.

Genres: Childrens, Chapter Books

128 pages, Paperback

Published April 6, 2021

Reviews

[Deborah Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great science and geographical story.

I gave this 4 stars as a rating through the eyes of a nine year old. What a great way to learn a little about the island of Vanuatu and how volcanoes are created. I learnt a few things myself. For examples, the only native land mammal on Vanuatu is called the flying fox; a very large bat that only eats fruit and flower nectar. Its Latin name is Pteropus vampyrus and has a wingspan up to five feet. The "great egg fly" or blue moon butterfly with it's large blue spots on black wings is also commonly found on the island. Scrub fowl, large black birds with red scaly heads, bury their eggs in the warm soils neat the volcanoes. Vanuatu is also known for its hot springs and is a paradise for surfers.

"The Secret Explores" novels are a book series I highly recommend for children and parents. What a great way to learn! This book introduced information about the island of Vanuatu and the science behind volcanoes via a story of search and recovery. Very well done and a series I may purchase for Mr grandson.

[Lucy Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun installment in the Secret Explorers series! My seven year old son and I read these together. He loves the characters and their adventures, I love the science lessons! This particular book taught me a lot about volcanic eruptions as we read together. We will definitely continue reading the series!

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super popular series in the bookstore and glad I finally read one since I enjoyed it. It's like the Magic Tree House series but more science based and featuring a more diverse cast of characters. I like all the extra materials in the back including a glossary and a quiz.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as much scientific facts as the other books but still an exciting read about volcanoes and still gives the young kids(mine being 5 and almost 4) a good understanding.

[Amy Ayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC of this book.
Read and reviewed by seven-year-old Amy.

‘The Secret Explorers and the Smoking Volcano’ is a chapter book about Cheng, a Secret Explorer. Cheng loves volcanoes, so he is the Volcano Explorer. He is going with Leah, who knows all about plants and animals. She is Biology Explorer. Cheng and Leah are sent to a volcano by the Beagle, an old go-kart that the Secret Explorers team uses to go to the mission’s location. So the volcano is where Cheng’s and Leah’s adventure begins!
Can Cheng and Leah survive through a volcanic eruption and complete their task? Read this exciting chapter book to find out!

I give this book 5/5 stars as I loved Cheng’s and Leah’s adventure. I would love to read more books by this author.
-Amy

P.S. This series can be read in any order—you can read the second book of this series, then the first.

[Seb Yawlo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for the Hampshire school library service reading role model challenge. It was a great book with lots of adventure and excitement in each chapter. I was particularly impressed with the range of vocabulary used as well as the geography and scientific technical knowledge shared in the story and then explained at the back. This would be great for lower key stage 2 children in my opinion. The characters, with their special interests/expertise, will - I’m sure - make this a great series to read.

[Sierra Dertinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, young readers get to learn a lot about volcanoes, volcanologists, and the special equipment used to measure and assess active volcanoes. The mission is to prevent an active volcano from harming anyone, but as the duo, Cheng (volcano expert) and Leah (biology expert) do this they realize they are missing their newest friend and her dog. They have to rescue them before anyone gets hurt! Such a great series with additional information learning at the end of each book and a quiz.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as others in the series, the science element isn’t as strong and it’s kind of odd that they created their own problem by being there vs the other missions where the problem already exists and they go help.

[Christine Barth · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are like Magic Treehouse but more sciency and with an ethnically diverse cast of characters. Maybe a slightly higher reading level too.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better books in a pretty fine adventure series of early readers for kids with a lot of science fit in.

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[Debra Diggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, very young children's book.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are cute. A good entry into the "trick your kid into learning" genre.

[PottWab Regional Library]

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[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from DK through NetGalley.
Book six in this series. Cheng the volcano explorer and Leah the nature and animal explorer lead the way on the latest adventure. They go to an active volcano and rescue a child and her dog before the volcano erupts. Readers learn about volcanoes as they follow the action. Love the informative text and quiz at the end of each book. They challenge readers to learn more.
King does terrific research and then pares down the information to a level that elementary students will comprehend. The illustrations support the text and pull the readers in as another character.