Great Explorers is a thoroughly enjoyable book that invites leisurely browsing. Readers can dip in and out of the book, learning about explorers from around the globe and across time.

Here one will find sections on well-known pioneers such as Henry the Navigator and Columbus, as well as many lesser-known, but equally interesting individuals, such as Ludwig Leichhardt. A German explorer, Leichhardt set off to investigate the interior of Australia. Unfortunately, his third trip was to be his last.

By April they had crossed Australia's Great Dividing Range and arrived at an isolated sheep station. Then nothing more was heard. Search parties found bones, a tomahawk, an English coin—even and "L" carved on a tree—but no real proof of Leichhardt’s doomed expedition.

The text is written in a conversational, engaging tone. The illustrations are filled with small details that students will enjoy poring over. Along the bottom of the pages run illustrated time lines which provide context and interesting facts.

A thorough, four-page glossary and index are appended.

Reviewed by the teachers at Education Oasis.