This book delves into the Age of Exploration, focusing on the numerous blunders, miscalculations, and ethical missteps made by famous and lesser-known explorers. It covers figures like Columbus and journeys across various continents, highlighting the 'epic fails' that often accompanied significant discoveries. It addresses the ethical implications of exploration, such as 'trespassing on somebody else's land,' in a direct but age-appropriate manner, encouraging discussion rather than shying away. The 'fails' approach normalizes mistakes and frames them as learning opportunities. The book maintains a consistently humorous and adventurous tone. While acknowledging the dangers and serious consequences of some actions, it primarily aims to entertain and educate through a lighthearted lens, ending with a sense of wonder about human endeavor and the importance of learning from the past. This book is perfect for children aged 7-11 who are curious about history but might be intimidated by traditional textbooks. It's particularly good for reluctant readers who respond well to humor and engaging storytelling. It's also suitable for children who are learning about resilience and the value of mistakes. A parent would reach for this book when their child expresses an interest in history, explorers, or geography, but needs a more dynamic and less dry approach. It's also ideal for parents looking for books that normalize making mistakes and encourage critical thinking about historical narratives. Parents might want to discuss the ethical aspects of colonization and 'trespassing' mentioned in the book, especially with older children, to provide additional context beyond the humorous framing. The book itself provides a good starting point for these conversations. Younger readers (4-6) might enjoy it as a read-aloud, focusing on the adventurous stories and funny mistakes, though some historical context might be lost. Older elementary readers (7-11) will grasp the humor, historical details, and the underlying lessons about perseverance and ethical considerations more fully, making it a strong independent read. Unlike many history books that focus solely on successes, 'The Age of Exploration Totally Getting Lost' embraces the failures and blunders, making history feel more human, relatable, and often hilarious. Its 'Epic Fails' series format provides a unique, consistent, and engaging hook for young readers.
