Lives of the Explorers

Discoveries, Disasters (and What the Neighbors Thought)

By: Kathleen Krull

Narrated by: Amanda Dolan

You might know that Columbus discovered America, Lewis and Clark headed west with Sacajawea, and Sally Ride blasted into space. But what do you really know about these bold explorers? What were they like as kids? What pets or bad habits did they have? And what drove their passion to explore unknown parts of the world? With juicy tidbits about everything from favorite foods to first loves, Lives of the Explorers reveals these fascinating adventurers as both world-changers and real people.

The entertaining style and solid research of the Lives of… series of biographies have made it a favorite with families and educators for 20 years. This new volume takes listeners through the centuries and across the globe, profiling the men and women whose curiosity and courage have led them to discover our world.

©2014 Kathleen Krull (P)2014 Blackstone Audio

Entertaining but ...

I don’t understand why it is so difficult for narrators to pronounce names (e.g., Genoa and Lausanne). Isn’t there some preparation in advance of the actual recording?!

Good source if knowledge in chronological order

The narration could be slightly improved. The reader didn't give proper gestures to jokes but just read on one tone.

Fun facts about known and lesser known explorers.

A short read with news about several explorers. Of most interest is the inclusion of female explorers who also stretched the known world and endured similar privations.

Incorrect Terminology Turned Me Off

They kept referring to Native Americans as Indians. It really bugged me during the portions dealing with the exploration of the Americas.