You Wouldn't Want to Explore with Marco Polo!

by Jacqueline Morley, David Salariya (Creator), David Antram (Illustrator)

This interactive series will enthrall young and reluctant readers (Ages 8-12) by making them part of the story, Invites readers to become the main character. Each book uses humorous illustrations to depict the sometimes dark and horrific side of life during important eras in history.

Genres: History, Childrens, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Geography, Historical, Biography

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Jacqueline Morley studied English at Oxford University and has taught English and History. She is the author of numerous books, including award-winning historical nonfiction titles for children. Her books have won several TES Senior Information book awards.

Reviews

[Chelsea Hoschar · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Wouldn't Want to Explore with Marco Polo! gives readers a glimpse into the hard life of a 13th century Venetian explorer. Readers are told the story with themselves as the main character, a young companion to Marco Polo. Marco and his older brothers set off to travel to meet Kublai Khan, ruler of the Mongols and Marco invites you to come along as they travel through hot sands, haunted deserts, and dangerous sea voyages over the course of some twenty-five years. Handy Hints along the way give extra information to readers about things that will make the journey easier and how to act in certain places the travelers stop. Colorful illustrations also depict the long and tiresome journey with comical and engaging pictures.
This story is one that I would use as a reading specialist because it is fun, colorful, educational, and easy to read all at the same time. The pictures that go along with the words on each page tell the story along with the writing, adding to the comprehension of what is taking place in the story. The fact that it is written to reader as if they were the main character is, I think, a good way for kids to become more engaged in the story. As kids are practicing their reading skills with this book, they will also be learning unique and fascinating details and information about a topic they might never have found interesting. This is another of those great educational books that are colorful and fun!
Morley, J. (2010). You Wouldn't Want to Explore with Marco Polo! Franklin Watts, Scholastic Inc.

[Ubalstecha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tells the tale of Marco Polo's famous trip to the Far East from the point of view of a servant who gets to accompany them. The read is asked to imagine themselves in the shoes of the servant as Marco, his father and his uncle face innumerable crises and hurdles in their trip east.

Again, this series likes to focus on the shocking and/or gross facts from the story to pull in the reluctant reader. Full of comic style illustrations, it is a must for teachers studying Chinese history or the history of explorers.

[Ashley Sandel]

Audience: Older elementary students, from 4th to 6th grade because of vocabulary, length of the story and complexity
Appeal: History buffs, adventure lovers, children who are fascinated by boats, sailing and traveling by water
Application: In history class when discussing Marco Polo and other explorers

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun one in this series. There were several interesting factoids that we hadn't picked up in other Marco Polo books and of course the kids love the word bubbles as usual. The gross factor on this one was less than others of the series.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little past what my social studies curriculum covers. Still a great part of the series.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the pictures.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all the info and great graphics. I did like the part where they meet a unicorn.

[Kelly Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never realized how long Marco Polo and his family members were away from home. He spent most of his life exploring.

[Misbah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining way to teach kids about the life and journeys of Marco Polo.

[Nichole Ostrander · Rating 4 out of 5]

From my seven year old: I liked this book especially because they thought Rino’s where unicorns, and crocodiles were serpents. This book was a fun way to learn about Marco Polos and his travels to China.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marco Polo is one of the earliest and most famous explorers. So, I wanted to spend a bit more time teaching my kids about his adventures and accomplishments. This book was informative but unfortunately not as interesting as other books in this series.

[Ash Thorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief introduction to the 24 years Marco Polo traveled. A bit more detail about the years encompassed on the pages of description would be better. Ages Grade 4-8

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I realize I know very little about his voyage. Fascinating.

[Kelsey Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids love these books. The pictures are fun. It tells how difficult adventure really was.