The Cave Explorer

The Cave Explorer by Kate Winter invites young readers to explore the prehistoric cave paintings of Lascaux through a stunningly illustrated, fact-filled book. Follow the exciting story of a boy and his dog who rediscovered these ancient artworks.

Have you ever wondered what life was like for humans living hundreds of thousands of years ago? What stories did they tell one another? Which tales would they want to share with us today?

In 1940, a young boy named Marcel Ravidat was walking his dog, Robot, near his home in southwestern France. When Robot discovered a mysterious hole near an upturned tree, Marcel and his friends couldn't resist the urge to explore. Anticipating hidden treasures, they found something entirely unexpected — prehistoric paintings and carvings covering the walls of an underground cave. These artworks narrated the life of palaeolithic people who once inhabited the area.

This phenomenal discovery became an important historical find. The artefacts and paintings within the cave enabled archaeologists and anthropologists to piece together insights into the lives of ancient humans. Little did Marcel know that the mystery surrounding the creation of these paintings and the stories they conveyed would continue to capture our imaginations, as we still debate their meanings today.

Beautifully illustrated by Kate Winter, winner of the Klaus Flugge Prize 2024, the book features incredible panoramic fold-out pages, making it a treasure to read time and again. It's perfect for fans of natural history and curious young explorers.

'An exceptional picture book for readers of all ages... A treasure.' - The Times