Books in Primary Explorers series

In 1540 Francisco Vázquez de Coronado marched from northern Mexico in search of the Seven Cities of Cibola, reputed to hold great treasures. He found Cibola, but discovered that this Zuni village didn't have the treasures he sought. Coronado kept searching for gold-filled cities but came up empty-handed―though his men became the first Europeans to see the Grand Canyon. By studying maps, quotations, and works of art created in his lifetime, we can learn what the journey was like for Coronado and the Native peoples he encountered. Take an expedition with Coronado and primary sources to learn more about his travels.

Explorers are designed to stimulate readers in the early elementary grades (ages 6–8), who are beginning to exercise wider reading, research and cross-referencing skills. They can be read from page to page, or – as a fun extra element – the reader can follow special ‘page links' to access information on related topics. Six fabulous artwork scenes are each followed up with photographic information spreads, which provide extra detail and background.Amazing Animals is an adventure through the animal kingdom, visiting incredible creatures from around the world.

In 1493 Juan Ponce de León joined Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World. Thus began a lifetime of exploration for Ponce de León, who traveled to Puerto Rico in 1506, the island of Bimini in 1512, Florida in 1513. He died in Florida, fighting against the area's indigenous people. How can we know what Ponce de León's explorations were like, or what effect his actions had on the Native peoples he encountered? By studying maps, journal excerpts, and other artifacts from Ponce de León's time, we can learn about his impact on history.

In this new series by award-winning author Sandra Markle, famous explorers take a back seat to the animals they encountered along the way. While nothing about Christopher Columbus' journey was expected, he couldn't have imagined feasting on roasted lizard! Through nimble writing and beautiful paintings, this series casts the past in a whole new light!

In 1666 Sieur de La Salle left France and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to New France, a colony in present-day Canada. He wanted to explore new lands and even sail to China. On La Salle's most famous expedition, he traveled down the Mississippi River and claimed the Louisiana Territory for France. How do we know about La Salle's journeys and the native peoples he encountered along the way? Through letters, maps, and images recorded by La Salle and his companions! Travel with La Salle across oceans and beyond and explore primary sources to learn more.

In 1504 Hernán Cortés left Spain for the Caribbean. Once there, he was given land, a home, and a good job. Eventually, he was given the opportunity to explore Mexico, which led to his conquest of the Aztec Empire. How can we learn more about Cortés, his conquest, and the Aztec culture he tried to destroy? We have letters, maps, and journals written by Cortés and those who traveled with him. We also have Aztec artifacts and the stories of those he conquered. Follow Cortés on his expedition through Mexico and explore primary sources from his time to learn more.

Explorers are designed to appeal to all readers aged 6–8: those who are just starting to read alone and more confident readers who are beginning to exercise wider reading and crossreferencing skills. Lively, dramatic artwork scenes draw children into a subject, and each scene is followed by a photographic information spread that gives a wealth of extra detail. As a fun extra element, the reader can follow themed links to access information on related topics. Explorers: Big Cats by Claire Llewellyn, illustrated by Peter BullIt's impossible not to admire the beauty and strength of the world's biggest cats. In this book, children will learn about species such as jaguars, snow leopards, lions, and cheetahs. On one illustrated spread, they can see one moment in an actual cat's life―like such as the second before a jaguar charges into the water in southern Brazil, or a group of young cheetah brothers defending their home in The Kalahari Desert. Real-life photographs highlight more general information about these fantastic felines, such as a cat's anatomy, and the social life of a pride.

In 1607 Henry Hudson set sail in search of the Northwest Passage. He turned up empty-handed after two attempts. The following year, the Dutch East India Company hired him to find the Northeast Passage. This journey, too, ended in frustration. In 1610 Hudson made a final attempt―but in 1611 his crew staged a mutiny and left him to die. Hudson did become the first European to sail up the Hudson River, which still bears his name. How can we learn about Hudson's journeys? We can study maps, writings, and artwork created when he lived. Go exploring with Henry Hudson and primary sources to learn more.

In 1492 Christopher Columbus sailed west from Europe and landed on a Caribbean island in what he thought was India. Over the next twelve years, Columbus made several voyages to the New World, seeking gold and power and bringing other Europeans to start colonies. How can we know what the journey was like for Columbus, his shipmates, and the Taino people he met in the Caribbean? We can study maps and tools Columbus used, excerpts from his journal, and carvings and jewelry created by the Taino. Explore primary sources from his time to learn more about his famous journey.