Books About Explorers · 274 titles considered

The Best Explorers Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about explorers? 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
Big Foot and Little Foot
Midnight on the Moon
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Explorers

The Nebula Secret
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 · 3,160 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?
The Story Collector
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2018

The Story Collector

By Kristin O'Donnell Tubb, Iacopo Bruno (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The Story Collector series

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 · 1,141 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?
The Tail of Emily Windsnap
Sale price
$674
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 · 29,699 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.
Big Foot and Little Foot
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

Big Foot and Little Foot

By Ellen Potter, Felicita Sala (Illustrator) · Big Foot and Little Foot series

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?
Young Captain Nemo
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

Young Captain Nemo

By Jason Henderson · Book #1 in the Young Captain Nemo series

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?
Midnight on the Moon
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 1996

Midnight on the Moon

By Mary Pope Osborne, Sal Murdocca (Illustrator) · Book #8 in the Magic Tree House series

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

80 pages· 5,940 words· Est. 1 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 18,251 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Jack and Annie are whisked to a futuristic moon base by the Magic Tree House. Their mission: find the final item to break a spell and save their friend Morgan. With oxygen running low and a mysterious moon man lurking, time is against them. Can they solve the mystery before it's too late, and why is their mouse companion acting so strangely? Join their thrilling lunar adventure and uncover the secrets of the moon.
This Little Explorer
Sale price
$759
Board Book · Ages 3–5 · 2016

This Little Explorer

By Joan Holub, Daniel Roode (Illustrator) · This Little Primer series

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

26 pages
6.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 157 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Embark on a colorful journey with young adventurers as they uncover the stories of history's most influential explorers. This engaging board book introduces ten memorable pioneers, offering age-appropriate facts and bold illustrations. Perfect for little explorers eager to learn about the vast world and the daring individuals who charted its unknown territories. What secrets and discoveries await in this playful historical primer?
Off & Away
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2018

Off & Away

By Cale Atkinson

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

40 pages· 463 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
6.1/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 515 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: Jo's father, the sea's mailman, falls ill, leaving her to brave the ocean alone. Terrified yet determined, Jo sets sail, facing her fears head-on. Will she find courage and unexpected friendships on her journey? As she navigates the vast waters, Jo might just return with her own tales of adventure. Dive into a world where courage and friendship await beyond the horizon.
A House That Once Was
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2018

A House That Once Was

By Julie Fogliano, Lane Smith (Illustrator)

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

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2018)
40 pages· 542 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,509 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: In a forgotten house deep in the woods, two curious children embark on a journey to uncover its secrets. As they sift through dusty books, forgotten photos, and discarded toys, they piece together the lives of those who once called it home. What stories do these remnants tell, and why was the house abandoned? Their imaginations weave a tapestry of mystery and wonder, inviting readers to ponder the lives of those who came before. Join this enchanting exploration of history and home, where every clue leads to new questions and endless possibilities.
Jane Foster's London
Sale price
$858
Board Book · Ages 0–3 · 2017

Jane Foster's London

By Jane Foster · Jane Foster series

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

26 pages
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·3.6/5 Goodreads · 18 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Discover London's iconic landmarks through the eyes of a child in this vibrant board book. From the majestic Big Ben to the bustling Tower Bridge, each page bursts with bold images that captivate young minds. Perfect for little explorers, this book invites children to embark on a visual journey through the heart of London, sparking curiosity and wonder. Will they find their favorite sight among the city's treasures? Dive into a world where learning meets adventure, and every turn of the page reveals a new piece of London's charm.
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Explorers Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

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
Sale price
$699

Super Submarines

Ages 2–5 · 2006

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

What Makes Us Happy?
Sale price
$899

What Makes Us Happy?

Ages 0–3 · 2018

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

How to Babysit a Grandpa
Sale price
$899

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?
Sale price
$599

What Can I Hear?

Ages 0–2 · 2012

Discover the world of sounds with playful babies.

Baby Loves Gravity!
Sale price
$899

Baby Loves Gravity!

Ages 2–5 · 2018

Discover why things fall in this playful exploration of gravity for little ones.

Baby Paleontologist
Sale price
$899

Baby Paleontologist

Ages 1–4 · 2020

Discover ancient secrets with Baby Paleontologist as fossils reveal the past.

Space Rocket
Sale price
$899

Space Rocket

Ages 0–3 · 2015

Join a space adventure with interactive fun as a bear explores the cosmos.

Deep-Sea Diver
Sale price
$899

Deep-Sea Diver

Ages 0–2 · 2016

Dive deep with a bear to uncover hidden ocean treasures.

Famous Explorers
Sale price
$999

Famous Explorers

Ages 5–11 · 2019

Uncover history's secrets with interactive flaps and fun facts.

Rocks
Sale price
$699

Rocks

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover the secrets of rocks through your senses.

View all explorers board books
Browse by age

Explorers Picture Books

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

Edmund Unravels
Sale price
$1699

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
Sale price
$1999

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole

Ages 4–8 · 2014

Two brothers dig a hole in search of something spectacular.

Go for the Moon
Sale price
$1999

Go for the Moon

Ages 5–10 · 2019

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

Magnolia's Magnificent Map
Sale price
$1695

Magnolia's Magnificent Map

Ages 4–8 · 2018

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

The High Hills
Sale price
$999

The High Hills

Ages 5–+ · 1986

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

Ocean Speaks
Sale price
$1799

Ocean Speaks

Ages 4–8 · 2020

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

Wish for a Fish
Sale price
$999

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
Sale price
$1899

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.

Oceanology
Sale price
$2999

Oceanology

Ages 8–12 · 2009

A young survivor's tale of a mysterious submarine voyage and oceanic wonders.

Shackleton's Journey
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2400

Shackleton's Journey

Ages 7–11 · 2014

Explore Shackleton's Antarctic adventure through vivid illustrations and detailed drawings.

Papa's Mechanical Fish
Sale price
$2099

Papa's Mechanical Fish

Ages 4–8 · 2013

An inventor builds a submarine to explore Lake Michigan's depths.

The Quest for Z
Sale price
$1799

The Quest for Z

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A daring explorer seeks a legendary city in the Amazon jungle.

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Browse by age

Explorers Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about explorers for developing and independent readers.

Oliver and the Sea Monkeys
Sale price
$1200

Oliver and the Sea Monkeys

Ages 7–10 · 2013

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

Under Water
Sale price
$3799

Under Water

Ages 6–10 · 2015

Explore hidden wonders beneath earth and sea, from submarines to burrowing creatures.

The Aquanaut
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2499

The Aquanaut

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A girl and sea creatures uncover dark secrets in a marine park.

Crossing the Black Ice Bridge
Sale price
$1799

Crossing the Black Ice Bridge

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A cursed friend, a lost spell book, and a deadly bridge—can they break the curse in time?

The Forbidden Expedition
Sale price
$1899

The Forbidden Expedition

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A daring rescue on Witch Mountain where no one returns. Can they defy fate?

Race to the South Pole
Sale price
$699

Race to the South Pole

Ages 7–10 · 2016

A young boy named Jack Nin stows away on a ship headed to Antarctica to help his family's struggling market garden.

Daughter of the Deep
Sale price
$1999

Daughter of the Deep

Ages 9–12 · 2021

A secret sea trial turns deadly as rival schools clash, testing Ana's leadership and uncovering hidden truths.

First to the Last Place on Earth
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$999

First to the Last Place on Earth

Ages 7–11 · 2016

Can Geronimo and friends outsmart the Pirate Cats to reach the South Pole first?

The Treasure Seekers
Sale price
$1599

The Treasure Seekers

Ages 7–10 · 2019

A stolen map leads to a race for hidden treasures.

Compass of the Stars
Sale price
$1499

Compass of the Stars

Ages 7–10 · 2020

Five mouse sisters embark on a thrilling adventure to uncover the secrets of the legendary queen's jewel.

Thea Stilton and the Black Forest Burglary
Sale price
$899

Thea Stilton and the Black Forest Burglary

Ages 7–10 · 2019

A stolen clock, a ticking deadline. Can they solve the mystery?

The Underwater Planet
Sale price
$799

The Underwater Planet

Ages 7–10 · 2016

Can spacemice outsmart pirate spacecats to claim underwater treasure?

View all explorers chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about books and librariesBooks about codes, ciphers and puzzlesBooks about family problemsBooks about haunted placesBooks about mermaidsBooks about pranksBooks about secretsBooks about shipwrecks

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