PENGUIN Discovery in the Cave Paperback – Picture Book, 25 May 2010

Normally, I don't like the "step into reading" books much as I find the text dry. But, I was desperate for a book about Lascaux for my 5yo. I am SOOOOO glad I got this. She loved it. I loved it. the text was not dry but suspenseful. I connected the dates in it to people she loved (what was her grandpa doing on the day Laxcaux was discovered?) It talks both about the discovery as well as the paintings inside. She asked what the painters were called (Indians? Neandertals?) which was exactly the kind of dialogue I was hoping for. She then asked if we could buy The First Drawing, which we had checked out from the library, about Chauvet cave. I was happy she made the connection between the two books. I am very pleased. Now, if I could just get my hands on a now out of print Lascaux coloring book, we'd be all set!

This is a nice story about the discovery of cave paintings at the Lascaux Cave in France. This discovery was made by a group of boys who were not entirely certain whom they should tell since this was 1940, and France was at war with Germany. They finally decide to trust their former science teacher, and he gets a look inside of the cave. They also contact a French priest who is an expert on prehistoric animals. He comes to view the cave and realizes that some of the paintings depict extinct animals. After the war, the cave becomes an important scientific site, which can also be viewed by the public. The leader of the boys who found it has by now grown up and has a job helping to safeguard the cave paintings.

Chapter book - Level 4 appropriate reader. Very interesting content about a place I had never heard of but was happy to learn about with my child. Very, very interesting read. My child really enjoyed this book. Even has some pages covering specific cave drawings and includes a map in each corner showing where, in the cave, the drawing is located. Highly recommend. Please see my preview. Hope it helps! :)

This book is basically a summary of how the world-famous paintings at Lauscaux were discovered. It then shows a recreation of how the paintings were made. It has a surprise ending, which you can read about more in an issue of National Geographic. I would recommend this book for anyone with a kid who loves Step-Into-Reading, as well as prehistory.

My daughter and I love these books! Excellent for a 7 y.o reader