Why Explore? [Hardcover]

Susan Lendroth (Author), Enrique S. Moreiro (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Throughout history, natural curiosity has led human beings to explore the vast oceans, chart the night sky, and venture into unknown territories of science. But why? With elegant poetry, Susan Lendroth examines this ever-present drive to discover, from prehistoric cave dwellers to the Age of Galileo to modern-day space exploration. Along the way, readers will learn how far human curiosity has taken us, and consider both the costs and rewards of pursuing the unknown. Enrique Moreiro's rich oil paintings illuminate this intriguing journey into the very heart and spirit of human nature.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3–Throughout history, humans have explored everything from land to sea to space to pond scum, and this picture book asks readers to think about why anyone would leave the safety and comfort of home to experience the danger of the unknown. Rendered in oils, the illustrations show somber scenes of people embarking on various kinds of explorations while others question why. The questions and responses are offered in rhyming couplets: Why explore old stuff dug from the ground?/Everything good has already been found….The archaeologist looked up from her pile./'Even trash grows intriguing after a while....' An author's note adds depth to the different fields featured in the paintings, including Polynesian navigators, early astronomy, ocean voyagers, sharecroppers and homesteaders, microscopic research, archaeology, particle physics, and space. The emotions and questions of explorers pre-journey can generate terrific discussions; however, the singsong rhymes detract from the thought-provoking topic and serious art. A supplemental purchase.–Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA
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Review

Written in luminous prose, Why Explore? takes a clever approach to discovery through the eyes of young scientists, navigators, astronomers and early settlers. --L.A. Parent

If you want to tell your child a bedtime story with a subtle scientific message, Why Explore? would be a great choice. --msnbc.com

Through graceful poetry and evocative illustrations, this elegant book inspires readers to contemplate why humans explore.
--Books to Borrow, Books to Buy, syndicated column

The rhyming, almost lyrical style of text and links to historical and current types of explorers (one could also insert the word inquirer here) makes this book a fabulous read-aloud for teachers and parents.  --The Learning Curve

A good choice if a broad focus is the goal. -- Kirkus Reviews

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Tricycle Press (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582461503
• ISBN-13: 978-1582461502
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 0.4 x 10.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,947,152 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I live in a quiet town in southern California, but as Emily Dickinson wrote, "I dwell in possibility."

What do I like? Beachcombing, British films, cats, dogs, fall leaves, first rains, journals, journeys, libraries, new places, old letters, wax seals, wooden boxes -- not necessarily in that order.

For oodles of trivia -- with accompanying photos, of course -- visit my Author Page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SusanLendroth.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why? Every child's question..., August 24, 2005

By 

Susan G. Lyon - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Why Explore? (Hardcover)

This richly illustrated and lyrically written book gives reassurance to every child that asking why and curiousity about our world is timeless. As the book gently takes the young reader through explorations ranging from Polynesian navigators to particle physics, the author encourages the child to seek answers to his/her own questions about our world.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love Learning, September 22, 2005

By 

Karen Woodworth Roman "Happy Librarian" (DeKalb, IL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Why Explore? (Hardcover)

Susan Lendroth's WHY EXPORE? repeats this basic question of human existence at the beginning of each section. Sometimes a parent asks a child why she must go far from home and other times a younger person asks his elder why she or he researches ancient junk (archeology), dirty water (microscopic organisms), invisible matter (sub-atomic particles), etc. Some people sought adventure, but others a better life, and still others knowledge.

WHY EXPLORE, told in rhyme, looks at the joys of learning new things. It subtly encourages the reader to think, to grow, to have a passion for knowing. At the end of the book, more details are given about various discoveries and quests for knowledge. Enrique S. Moreiro's muted oil painting illustrations are at times epic and at times sparse. Karen Woodworth Roman, Librarian, Children's Science Book Review