The Explorer

The Explorer
Katherine Rundell
Simon & Schuster, 2017 323 pages
Grades 4-8
Adventure

After the pilot dies and their small plane crashes four children are stranded in the Amazon jungle. British narrator Fred appears to be the oldest and begins to take on a leadership role. Blond Con is miserable and is a bit resistant to any survival plan. Lila and her little brother Max live in Brazil, though certainly not the jungle, and aren't really sure what to do, besides, Max is quite little. Fred has always been interested in explorers of the past and wants to make a mark on the world to impress his father. This is his chance to prove himself. The Amazon proves to be tough going as the children have no food, shelter, or the knowledge or supplies to protect themselves from the local wildlife. Eventually, the team learns how to build a fire, find bugs and berries to eat, and somehow keep alive. After discovering and following a mysterious map to a lost city the children meet a wild man simply referred to as "The Explorer". He teaches the young people basic survival skills and, eventually, we learn his backstory and reasons for his hermit lifestyle. When Max is struck with a critical illness, the team must head back to civilization to save him, but how will they get there? All of the children must find their inner strength and face their fears in order to work as a team in order to save their youngest member.

British Rundell set off to write a classic adventure story, of which she loved as a child. This story is very similar to Hatchet with a few notable exceptions: location, there are four kids instead of one, they meet a curmudgeon who helps them, and it’s much longer. In fact, it is a bit too long and will require patient readers to make it to the end. The characters are distinctly drawn and easy to tell apart. They are not overly developed, but this is typical in adventure stories. I couldn’t decide if Max was endearing or annoying, but he does serve to add interest to the tale and readers will appreciate knowing more than he does. The book picks up once the kids meet The Explorer. He is a very interesting character and readers will want to know what led him to the hidden city and a solitary life of exile. Rundell reveals the past of this intriguing man and softens his heart to, not only grow to care about the stranded children, but help them to safety. All of the characters experience growth and maturity through their adventures and come out the best for having experienced them. The book has a decidedly British slant and some terms and customs may be unfamiliar to readers. My favorite part is when the children befriend a baby sloth and the animal becomes Lila's constant companion. Although animal rights people will balk at a wild animal domesticated, who wouldn't long for a sloth pet? There is a gross-out factor of the children having to eat bugs and other unconventional foods that will attract the target audience. Kids who yearn to be explorers and discover wild areas will enjoy this survival story. Others may give up before they meet the character behind the title.