The Explorer
Katherine Rundell, Hannah Horn
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Number of pages
After crashing hundreds of miles from civilisation in the Amazon rainforest, Fred, Con, Lila and Max are utterly alone and in grave danger. They have no food, no water and no chance of being rescued. But they are alive and they have hope. As they negotiate the wild jungle they begin to find signs that something - someone - has been there before them. Could there possibly be a way out after all?
Reviews
Great use of imagery with fabulous description. This book was really good at creating a mental image of the amazon rainforest.
paul5130
The Explorer was an absolute hit with my Year 4 class. Suitable for ages 9 and above, this thrilling adventure swept us away into the heart of the Amazon rainforest. From the very first page, my class were captivated by the suspenseful storyline and vivid descriptions. As the characters navigated through the dangers of the jungle, we found ourselves on the edge of our seats, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn. The Explorer is a must-read for young adventurers craving an exhilarating journey into the unknown.
hannahkav
Incredible book with amazing characters and fabulous description. I have even read it twice!
k.wrann
Fantastic imagery.
marnay
This was very different to the other Catherine Rundell books I have read and it isn't my favourite but it does get the vote from my 8 year old who was enthralled throughout. It is extremely descriptive and you do feel as though you are deep in the jungle with the group of characters. We liked the descriptions of some of the things the children had to eat to survive.
AEGRead
Loved this book- not sure I can choose a favourite character as they were all so unique and brought something different to the story. It was exciting, humorous and terrifying in equal measure and I would fully recommend to any UKS2 teacher, particularly if you are studying the Amazon rainforest.
A great book with a great message. Beautiful illustrations throughout to keep you engaged!
Jordanalexhad
I’d been meaning to read this for years but the recent news story of the group of children surviving in the Amazon for 40 days, plus learning about Katherine Rundell on a walk around Oxford from the Story Museum, prompted me to bring this home for the summer holidays. I didn’t know what to expect at all, beyond a good adventure story and The Explorer is certainly that. I hadn’t thought about the title and wasn’t expecting the appearance of The Explorer. I enjoyed the details about the Amazon, the moments of humour, the snippets of real life snot! Each character really came to life as I read more and more. There is something here for everyone: you get readers can enjoy the adventure; older ones will be made to think by some of the wisdom the Explorer shares. Those who think they’re brave can imagine themselves coping better than these children. Those who think they’d never cope can be inspired to see how circumstances can cause you to rise to a challenge. There are obvious lessons about caring for the environment, especially rainforests, but also many about how adults get things wrong, and how children don’t/can’t understand why adults behave as they do. What a great book. I’ll certainly be reading more of Katherine Rundell’s books now.
goody_goods
I loved this book, right from the start. I loved the expertly drawn characters and the ‘journey’ that each of them is thrown into after the crash breaks them out of the constraints of their respective childhood experiences. I loved the descriptions of the Amazon rainforest, the exploits of the children, the lost city, the 5 year old biting, snot terror that is Max, the reawakening of the Explorer…the gaps in the story… and then, 12 years later. I want to read more. Hope I’m not disappointed. 🦥
MairiG
I absolutely loved this book. It was really pacey and the tension was brilliantly maintained throughout. Each of the characters had a clear arc, and it was written in such a lyrical and beautiful way - so much to unpick in terms of language and imagery. As savagely beautiful as the Amazon itself.
SianHaines
I’d been meaning to read this for years but the recent news story of the group of children surviving in the Amazon for 40 days, plus learning about Katherine Rundell on a walk around Oxford from the Story Museum, prompted me to bring this home for the summer holidays. I didn’t know what to expect at all, beyond a good adventure story and The Explorer is certainly that. I hadn’t thought about the title and wasn’t expecting the appearance of The Explorer. I enjoyed the details about the Amazon, the moments of humour, the snippets of real life snot! Each character really came to life as I read more and more. There is something here for everyone: you get readers can enjoy the adventure; older ones will be made to think by some of the wisdom the Explorer shares. Those who think they’re brave can imagine themselves coping better than these children. Those who think they’d never cope can be inspired to see how circumstances can cause you to rise to a challenge. There are obvious lessons about caring for the environment, especially rainforests, but also many about how adults get things wrong, and how children don’t/can’t understand why adults behave as they do. What a great book. I’ll certainly be reading more of Katherine Rundell’s books now.
goody09
A fabulous story book for 9-11 year olds by Katherine Rundell. Fred (the main character) dreams of being an explorer as the plane flies over the rainforest, will this be his chance? The pilot becomes ill and the plane crashes into the canopy. Fred and three other children survive - Max, Con and Leia. The story tells of their daily adventures as they try to get home. After several days they build a raft to travel along the river, following a map they found high in a tree. They meet 'The Explorer' who shares his experiences and teaches the children how to survive in the jungle. Will they ever get home?
dking09
This was a great book with lots of exciting twists. As someone who has been to the Amazon I enjoyed the description of the environment.
JacquiBoyce
Although a little slow in places, an enjoyable read
Jterrey
Great book for rainforest topic. I loved the explorer’s moody Indiana Jones style character and the way the children bonded.
Michelle Clark
An incredible story and adventurer which is not only engaging but easy to read. The challenges they face and the relationships between the children are fascinating. I especially loved the character of Max and how his role played out amongst the group. Absolutely brilliant
bpemberton.318
Fabulous adventure story about a group of children stranded in the Amazon after a tragic plane crash. Lots of peril and problem solving ensue with a heart in mouth finale - will they have the strength of character to survive ?
An amazing adventure story that is rich in description. I loved how the friendship develops between the children and then with the Explorer. My favourite part was the relationship between Lila and Baca and I was delighted with the ending for them. I liked how Katherine Rundell introduces the topic of conservation and western influences in the rainforest through the Explorer. It really made me think.
Tallonst
It was a great adventure story, exciting and interesting.
xhannahrx
A great story which keeps your interest throughout. Love the development of the characters with some surprises along the way.
Jah210