The Secret Cave: Discovering Lascaux

by Emily Arnold McCully

Jacques, Jojo, Simon, and Marcel were looking for buried treasure when they explored a cave in the south of France in 1940. But the treasure inside was not what they expected, and in fact far more valuable: the walls were covered with stunning prehistoric paintings and engravings, preserved within the sealed cave for over 17,000 years. This is the true story of the boys who discovered the cave of Lascaux, bringing to the modern world powerful examples of the very beginning of art.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Art, Nonfiction, France, Childrens, Prehistory

34 pages, Hardcover

First published September 14, 2010

About the author

Emily Arnold McCully received the Caldecott Medal for Mirette on the High Wire. The illustrator of more than 40 books for young readers, she divides her time between Chatham, New York, and New York City.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the discovery of the cave of Lascaux - ironic that in a time of war this art would speak of that which elevates us past petty differences. It is so important to show children that there are things that bind us; that show us that we have much in common. Art is the universal language - and we all need to listen to what it has to tell us.

[Dondero · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting to me because it was about some kids who found a valuable cave.
Some of the vocabulary was hard though.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual Emily Arnold McColleys illustrations are phenomenal. Her use of watercolors and light expression perfectly depicts the story. My favorite illustrations in this book was the cave scenes, when it's dark all around except for the light in the tunnel. She is truly able to capture the different browns and grays and tans you would see if you were in a deep dark cave. I like how this book focuses on a lot of different things of history. In the beginning it focuses on prehistoric pictures. The reader gets a small introduction into prehistoric life. Then you get a small introduction into World War II when the Nazi capture Paris. The boys thought that they were searching for gold but instead found more prehistoric drawings. Perfectly preserved prehistoric drawings are a treasure that cannot be ever replaced. This book focuses on how prehistoric drawings are priceless treasure. The cave in the story is based off of is the only cave around Montignac that the colors of the prehistoric drawings were not faded.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cave paintings of southern France fascinate me. While this title gives the basic facts that four or five young men found the caves in 1940 and eventually archaeologists examined them, the book doesn't quite capture one's curiosity to learn more and that is what these types of titles need to do--stir curiosity in the young to explore/search for further information. The two pages of additional information are perhaps better than the text. The actual text of the book did not flow well for me.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great non-fiction picture book by Emily Arnold McCully! During WWII, 4 French boys explore a cave looking for lost gold. Instead what they find is the beginning of art with the discovery of prehistoric paintings preserved exquisitely in the cave for 17,000 years. One of the things I love about McCully's stories is the wide appeal. This picture book works for all ages. I've even preschoolers through middle school engaged by her books.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know much about the cave beforehand, but after reading this I was very interested in the topic. McCully always does an excellent job presenting her subject and this was no exception. To think this happened during the years of WWII is utterly fascinating. I wonder if anyone over found the treasure that the one boy expected to find in the caves. The afterword was every bit as informative as the text itself. Wonderful book. Well worth your time.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

So interesting! The story of the discovery of the ancient cave of Lascaux. (Need I mention, once again, a picture book on something I knew nothing about!!??) Young students discovered (in the 1940's) the caves and paintings that had been sealed for over 17,000 years!!! Cave paintings are now considered the first art. How cool would it be to see those caves?? (More to read up on!) Many good science, social studies and art connections can be made.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A somewhat awkward translation of a true story to a picture book. But while the text could be better, the pictures and storyline -- the discovery of a cave in France filled with amazingly preserved prehistoric paintings -- held my kids' and my interest. The Author's Note at the end, with more information about the cave's history, is as interesting as the book itself.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true story of French school boys inspired by their teacher to search for cave secrets in their village on the cusp of the World War 2. The ancient artwork they discovered captured the interest and excitement of the historians and anthropologists around the world. The underground illustrations provide such a realistic sense that I even felt a bit claustrophobic on those pages. Very nice.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice piece of historical fiction based on the real events surrounding the discovery of the Lascaux cave paintings in 1940 by four young boys. The illustrations are done well and the authors note in the afterward offers additional information. Perfect for any elementary/middle school covering ancient or art history.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unsatisfying. Though I know the caves are awesome, they sure don't seem so from this simplistic telling of the story of their discovery. And the illustrative style doesn't work for me, sorry; I know that I'm in the minority.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacques Marsal was intrigued with the prehistoric bones and tools that his teacher showed him. When he got to see the cave paintings at Font de Gaume, he was amazed. So when he and three other boys discover a cave, they want to explore it. Following a tunnel into the earth on their hands and knees, they found an enormous cave. On the cave walls were paintings that looked like they had just been painted. They explored the cave for several days, finding paintings even down a deep shaft. Jacques insisted that they show the paintings to his teacher who at first thought they were playing a trick on him. But when he saw the paintings and an expert confirmed them, they all knew that they had found a treasure on the walls of the cave.

McCully tells the tale with plenty of details, allowing readers to understand the time period and the length of time the boys explored the cave. These details make the history come alive. The boys are depicted as real boys who play war, explore caves without any equipment and are tempted to keep the cave a secret. They are human rather than heroes. McCully’s afterword offers some more of the history of Lascaux, explaining what happened after the book ended.

McCully’s illustrations done in ink and watercolor have a great contrast between daylight and the caves. In daylight, the colors are light and vibrant. The underground illustrations have an effective darkness around them, conveying the thickness of the earth around the caves. McCully moves successfully between her finely detailed illustrations and the more primitive paintings on the cave itself. The contrast between the two styles makes sure that readers know that these are depictions of the cave paintings.

A book that should delight readers who enjoy history and adventures. Use this as a great introduction to the caves themselves and expect to have lots of requests for images from the caves themselves. Appropriate for ages 6-9.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the book focuses more on the boys who discovered the caves than the paintings themselves, I wouldn't be surprised if this book inspired in many readers an interest in ancient art and cave paintings. Somehow, McCully manages to capture the feel of the paintings - not only the appearance and texture, but also how they must have appeared to boys searching for buried treasure. The mood of the illustrations changes between the above-ground scenes and the cave scenes, bringing the reader into the story. The story of the discoveries also overlaps with World War II - a detail I'd never known about - as several of the boys were only in the area due to German occupation of other areas of France. An author's note explains what happened to the cave - and the boys - after the discovery.

[Nancee · Rating 4 out of 5]

McCully tells the fascinating story of the 1940 discovery of the cave paintings of Lascaux. Village boys looking for adventure and treasure in World War II France venture into a tunnel that leads them to cave walls covered with hundreds of paintings and engravings sealed for about 17,000 years in the cave. McCully narrates her fictionalized recreation of this piece of archeological history simply and eloquently, using her signature paintings to support the drama and excitement of the story. Her renditions of the cave art lend mystery and a sense of awe to the discovery these boys made. The author's note completes the story and aids readers in understanding a bit more about cave art. A bibliography is included and end papers illustrate the scope and breadth of the Lascaux Caves.

[Mary Lockett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free through First Reads. This was a beautifully illustrated and informative description of the discovery of the Lascaux Caves. My nine year old daughter and I read it together although my daughter was unimpressed by the caves..."anyone could draw those!", she said, sadly. I found that for the the right audience, children interested in discovery, art, and history, this is a great read. I especially liked the add on in the back of the book describing what happened to the boys who discovered the caves and the state of the caves today.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book to my kids. At first my youngest (5 years old) wasn't interested, but as we got into the story, she really enjoyed it. Even though this is a fictional telling, I thought it was told well and the artwork lends itself really well to the wonderful mystery of the paintings. After reading the book we went to a French website that gives you a virtual tour of the caves where you can get close-ups of the artwork. I think their enjoyment of the "cave tour" was really enhanced by reading this book first as they were able to relate it to the boys and their story.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copyright: 2010
Genre: Biography/Informational

This was a wonderful book about the people who discovered Lascaux. The illustrations were bright and colorful. I really liked the maps of the cave on the inside covers as well. The historical information in the back of the book was very helpful as well. The only part I was disapointed with was not seeing real color pictures of the cave. The had one big black and white photo with some of the real people depicted in the back.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Varying stories of the discovery of Lascaux exist, and McCully has created this version based on the different accounts. It's an exciting and dramatic story of a place, and an art form, that deserves the attention. A great introduction to the subject for elementary age children -- perfect stepping off point for further study (about World War II, France, cave paintings, art, preservation . . . ).

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and beautifully illustrated. An excellent introduction to the subject for younger readers.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

McCully does a great job of moving this story of discovery along. Pictures really heighten the suspense, show the dark quality of the cave and the surprise of the art.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mix of historical fact and fictional account. Useful author's note.

[Sparrows at Home · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative and accurate true story about the history of the cave paintings at Lascaux.

[Amy May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations, good description of the events, made me interested in learning more about this natural and historical treasure

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caldecott Medal-winning picture book creator Emily Arnold McCully tells the fictionalized story of the discovery of the Lascaux cave network and its majestic treasure trove of prehistoric cave art in this wonderful work of picture book history. Opening in 1940, the narrative follows four French schoolboys in the village of Montignac as they explore a cave one had recently discovered, revealing a massive network of chambers containing an astonishing range of paintings created 17,000 to 22,000 years ago. Realizing the wondrous nature of their discovery, the boys eventually notify one of their teachers, and he in turns calls in Abbé Breuil, one of the country's foremost experts on prehistoric art. The book closes with an author's note giving more information about the discovery of the Lascaux caves, as well as a bibliography...

I've been on something of a parietal art kick recently, since reading my friend Hannah's picture book, Ancestory: The Mystery and Majesty of Ancient Cave Art , which gives a sort of worldwide survey of this sort of art, and explores its possible meaning. When I discovered that McCully, whose work I know well, had also created a picture book in this vein, I lost no time in tracking it down, and I was not disappointed. While a part of me wonders why it was necessary to fictionalize the story at all—surely a more factual account would be exciting enough?—my understanding is that The Secret Cave: Discovering Lascaux follows the real story fairly closely. In any case, I did find this one engaging, and think that it successfully taps into the childhood desire to discover wonderful things and uncover hidden treasure, while also highlighting an important real-life discovery. The accompanying artwork is appealing, particularly in the cave scenes, which capture some of the mystery and awe of those first moments when the boys looked at artwork not seen by human eyes for thousands of years. Recommended to picture book audiences interested in cave art in general and/or Lascaux in particular. It could be paired with something like Ancestory (author/illustrator: Hannah Salyer), or with T.A. Barron's entirely fictional picture book take on the Cave of the Hands in Argentina, Ghost Hands .

[Sofia Welker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed, "The Secret Cave" because it is very informational on ancient drawings from many many years ago. It also shows how word spreads like wildfire because it says that almost all the children in the town came to see it. It is a very enjoyable book, and it isn't that long, and that is one of the main things I like in books.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until reading this book, I had absolutely no idea that this cave existed or that it was such a recent archeological discovery (discovery during World War II). This is a great book for kids to learn about the past and how you never know what might be discovered.

[Destiny Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book because it shows how these boys found the first cave art. It shows them not expecting the cave art but ends up finding it. At first they didn't know what it was but then they found out and now it's preserved.

[Christian Delgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it really helped me understand art even more than I already did, and the pictures are absolutely beautiful. If you are reading this, I would recommend reading the book because you will most likely like it.

[pati · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good primer on the caves of Lascaux.

http://donsmaps.com/lascaux.html