Books About Exploration And Discovery · 600 titles considered

The Best Exploration And Discovery Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about exploration and discovery? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Story Collector
The Tail of Emily Windsnap
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Exploration And Discovery

Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

The Nebula Secret

By Trudi Trueit · Book #1 in the Explorer Academy series

A young explorer uncovers a family secret that threatens his future at an elite academy.

216 pages· 52,975 words· Est. 6 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,150 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Twelve-year-old Cruz Coronado leaves Hawaii for the prestigious Explorer Academy, joining kids from around the world to train as future explorers. But Cruz's journey takes a perilous turn when he discovers his family's mysterious ties to the academy, putting his future at risk. Amidst thrilling classes and augmented-reality adventures, Cruz must unravel the enigma of who is targeting him and why. With puzzles and codes to solve, Cruz's quest for answers becomes a race against time. Can he uncover the truth before it's too late?
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

The Story Collector

A library prank spirals into a quest to uncover a ghost and a missing stamp collection.

272 pages· 39,626 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,139 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Viviani Fedeler, raised in the New York Public Library, suspects it's haunted. A prank to spook new girl Merit Mubarak goes awry, leading Viviani and her friends on a thrilling quest. They must unravel the mystery of a possible ghost and a vanished stamp collection. Can they uncover the truth hidden within the library's walls?
Chapter Book · Ages 10–15

The Boy on the Wooden Box

A young boy's journey from a carefree childhood in rural Poland to surviving the Holocaust through resilience, family, and the unlikely protection of Oskar Schindler.

256 pages· 36,884 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 30,577 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1959

Sammy the Seal

A seal leaves his home at the zoo to explore the outside world and learn about what lies beyond his enclosure.

72 pages· 786 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 6,477 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Sammy, a curious seal, escapes the zoo for a day in the bustling city. His adventure leads him to a school where he encounters children and discovers the joy of reading. As Sammy navigates this new world, will he find his way back home, or will the allure of learning keep him in the city? Join Sammy on a delightful journey filled with discovery and fun, perfect for young readers eager to explore the magic of books.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2019

All in a Drop

A self-taught scientist unveils a hidden world, challenging beliefs with a homemade microscope.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2020)
96 pages· 6,855 words· Est. 58 min read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 562 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Antony van Leeuwenhoek, a simple tradesman, defies the norms of his time by building a microscope that reveals a hidden microbial world. Without formal education or language skills, he challenges the scientific community's beliefs. How did this unexpected pioneer change our understanding of life? Discover the power of curiosity and persistence in this vibrant chapter book, celebrating the remarkable discoveries from the most unlikely sources.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2003

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

By Liz Kessler, Sarah Gibb (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Emily Windsnap series

A girl discovers she's half mermaid and dives into a quest to find her father.

224 pages· 44,146 words· Est. 6 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 29,672 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Twelve-year-old Emily Windsnap has always lived on a boat, but her mother keeps her away from the water. When Emily finally takes swimming lessons, she uncovers a shocking truth: she's half mermaid. This revelation leads her on a daring journey beneath the waves to find her mysterious father. In a world where mermaids study shipwrecks and Neptune reigns, Emily must navigate family secrets and forge new friendships. Will she reunite with her father, or will the ocean's perils prove too great? Dive into this enchanting tale of discovery and adventure.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–11 · 2014

The Fourteenth Goldfish

A girl meets a boy who might be her grandfather, defying age and science.

240 pages· 24,909 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 24,955 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Ellie, an eleven-year-old who dislikes change, encounters a peculiar boy who resembles her grandfather, a scientist obsessed with immortality. Could he have unlocked eternal youth? As Ellie navigates this bizarre situation, she must confront questions about life, death, and the limits of science. With humor and heart, this tale explores the wonders of possibility and the bonds of family.
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

Big Foot and Little Foot

A young Sasquatch named Hugo befriends a human boy named Boone through a series of letters and gifts exchanged through a magical stream

160 pages· 10,445 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 863 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Hugo, a young Sasquatch, dreams of adventure beyond his hidden world. Boone, a curious boy, longs to meet a Sasquatch. When their paths cross, an unexpected friendship forms. Together, they embark on a quest to find mythical creatures like Ogopogos and Snoot-Nosed Gints. As they explore each other's worlds, they discover that despite their differences, they share more in common than they ever imagined. Will their bond withstand the challenges of their journey, or will the secrets of their worlds keep them apart?
Board Book · Ages 2–5 · 1978

The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree

Three little bears explore a spooky old tree and encounter various obstacles.

24 pages· 216 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 8,630 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Join three adventurous little bears as they embark on a nighttime exploration of a mysterious hollow tree. Inside, they encounter unexpected surprises that challenge their courage and curiosity. What secrets will they uncover as they journey through, over, and out of this enigmatic place? Discover the wonders hidden within the tree's depths in this delightful tale of exploration and bravery.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

Young Captain Nemo

A young adventurer battles oceanic threats with a submarine and friends.

288 pages· 55,231 words· Est. 6 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 62 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: Twelve-year-old Gabriel Nemo, descendant of the legendary Captain Nemo, leaves his secluded underwater life to protect the seas. With his Nemotech submarine and loyal friends, he faces daring rescues and thrilling battles. When his sister reveals giant sea creatures lurking in wrecked ships, Gabriel must confront his most perilous mission yet. Can he harness his legacy to save the ocean from these mysterious beasts?
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Browse by age

Exploration And Discovery Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about exploration and discovery for the youngest readers and listeners.

This Little Explorer

Ages 3–5 · 2016

Discover the world's greatest explorers in a vibrant journey for young adventurers.

Jane Foster's London

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Explore London's iconic sights through vibrant illustrations in this engaging board book.

This Little Scientist
Sale price
$799

This Little Scientist

Ages 3–5 · 2018

Discover the groundbreaking scientists who changed history in this vibrant board book.

Hopper and Wilson
Sale price
$699

Hopper and Wilson

Ages 3–5 · 2011

Two friends sail to the world's end, discovering home is where the heart is.

I Can Explore
Sale price
$899

I Can Explore

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Join an interactive journey where young readers guide explorers through thrilling adventures with just their fingers.

Super Submarines

Ages 2–5 · 2006

Dive into ocean depths with animal sailors exploring submarines and sonar.

Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs

Ages 0–4 · 1989

Journey back to a world where dinosaurs roamed, from towering giants to spiky beasts.

Baby Astronaut
Sale price
$899

Baby Astronaut

Ages 1–3 · 2019

Discover if ants and plants can thrive in space with Baby Astronaut.

What Makes Us Happy?

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Join three friends as they find joy in life's simple moments.

Big and Small, Room for All

Ages 0–3 · 2009

Explore the universe's vastness and discover how everything, big and small, is interconnected.

How to Babysit a Grandpa

Ages 0–3 · 2012

Discover the secrets to a perfect day with Grandpa, where kids take charge and fun never ends.

What Can I Hear?

Ages 0–2 · 2012

Discover the world of sounds with playful babies.

View all exploration and discovery board books
Browse by age

Exploration And Discovery Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about exploration and discovery for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Off & Away

Ages 4–7 · 2018

Jo must conquer her fear of the sea to deliver mail and discover new adventures.

A House That Once Was

Ages 3–6 · 2018

Two children explore an abandoned house, uncovering its mysterious past.

Edmund Unravels

Ages 5–8 · 2015

A yarn ball's adventure reveals the joy of exploration and the warmth of home.

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole

Ages 4–8 · 2014

Two brothers dig a hole in search of something spectacular.

Lights on Wonder Rock

Ages 4–7 · 2019

A girl meets an alien, but must choose between space dreams and earthly ties.

Go for the Moon

Ages 5–10 · 2019

Experience the Apollo 11 moon landing through a young enthusiast's eyes.

Magnolia's Magnificent Map

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A bunny races to complete her map before a special event.

Norton and Alpha

Ages 2–7 · 2017

A robot and his dog discover a mysterious flower, unlocking nature's magic.

The High Hills

Ages 5–+ · 1986

Lost in fog, a young mouse's quest for gold turns perilous.

Ocean Speaks

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A woman defies odds to map the ocean's hidden depths.

Wish for a Fish

Ages 4–8 · 1999

Dive into ocean wonders with rhymes and facts, guided by a curious cat.

Otis and Will Discover the Deep

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Two pioneers risk everything to explore the ocean's depths in a fragile metal sphere.

Browse by age

Exploration And Discovery Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about exploration and discovery for developing and independent readers.

Midnight on the Moon

Ages 5–8 · 1996

Two siblings travel through time and space to find four special things to free a magical librarian from a spell

Oliver and the Sea Monkeys

Ages 7–10 · 2013

A boy sails to rescue his parents, facing sea monkeys and a wicked captain.

The Last Dragon on Mars

Ages 10–13 · 2024

A boy on Mars discovers a dragon that could save their doomed colony.

Space!

Ages 10–17 · 2015

Uncover the universe's secrets with stunning visuals and fascinating facts in this space encyclopedia for young explorers.

MiNRS 3

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Children must risk everything to expose a deadly truth and save Earth.

Fearless Felines: 30 True Tales of Courageous Cats

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Discover legendary cats who made history, from wartime heroes to space explorers.

The Pursuit of the Ivory Poachers

Ages 6–9 · 2008

A cryptic message, a poaching ring, and a race against time in Kenya.

The Caper of the Crown Jewels: England

Ages 6–9 · 2008

A detective must unravel the mystery of the stolen Crown Jewels from a highly secure Tower.

Peril at the Grand Prix: Italy

Ages 6–9 · 2009

A race against time to save a hero from deadly sabotage.

The Quest for Aztec Gold: Mexico

Ages 6–9 · 2009

A secret agent races to stop treasure hunters from stealing Aztec gold.

The Mystery of the Mona Lisa: France
Sale price
$799

The Mystery of the Mona Lisa: France

Ages 6–9 · 2007

A stolen masterpiece, an invisible thief, and a race against time in Paris.

The Deadly Race to Space: Russia
Sale price
$599

The Deadly Race to Space: Russia

Ages 6–9 · 2009

A secret agent races to rescue his kidnapped father before a Mars mission fails.

Keep exploring
Books about discoveriesBooks about adventure and adventurersBooks about books and librariesBooks about city and town lifeBooks about codes, ciphers and puzzlesBooks about empathyBooks about explorersBooks about family life

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