Samuel de Champlain: Explorer of Canada FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Della A. Yannuzzi
Champlain was a soldier and explorer who established the first permanent French colony in Quebec, Canada, then known as New France. Author Faber has written an eight-chapter biography that highlights the important events in Champlain's life. Faber introduces the reader to Champlain when he is growing up in a seaport town on the west coast of France. Much is known about Champlain due to his own written accounts. When he was twenty-six years old, he began a journal about his army service. In 1599, he made the first of almost thirty crossings of the Atlantic Ocean. In 1603, Champlain landed on Canadian soil. Champlain fell in love with the beauty of Canada, and especially with the idea of establishing a French colony. In 1608, Champlain began building Quebec, the center of New France. Champlain was fearless as he battled the harsh winters, lack of food, illness, and warring Indians. There were many disappointments and defeats for Champlain, but he was able to keep Quebec alive and became known as the Father of New France. In 1633, Champlain was appointed governor of New France. He remained in this position for two years until his death in Quebec in 1635. Black and white and color photographs illustrate the text. The book includes a bibliography, source notes, further research, and web sites. 2005, Benchmark Book, Ages 10 up.
School Library Journal
Gr 5-8-These attractive introductory titles combine biographical information with details about each man's explorations and an analysis of his impact on the settlement of North America. All three authors are objective about their subjects, and place their actions and attitudes into the context of the era. Pike, which is the most detailed, discusses the explorer's military service, relationship with the corrupt general James Wilkinson, the historical speculation about his motives for his meandering expedition to the Spanish west, and his failure to climb the mountain named for him. Faber draws on Champlain's own accounts to trace his exploration of and dogged determination to colonize Canada. Otfinoski emphasizes Ponce de Leon's ambition and colonial success and debunks the myth that his main objective was finding the elusive fountain of youth. All three books are illustrated with beautiful reproductions of period illustrations, paintings, and maps. These books will serve readers who need more detail, documentation, and historical analysis than titles such as Gail Sakurai's Juan Ponce de Leon (Scholastic, 2001) but are not ready for the reading levels in the "Explorers of New Worlds" series (Chelsea House). Well-written choices for middle-level researchers.-Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
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