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CM . . .
. Volume XXII Number 32. . . .April 22, 2016
excerpt:
“Canadian Explorers” series includes four titles, Henry Hudson, Jacques Cartier, John Cabot, and Samuel de Champlain. Each book includes a table of contents, key words, a timeline, brain teasers, and a short index. “Further Information” includes links to sites with historical photographs, and videos. The books deal with the search in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries by European explorers for a faster, safer route to obtain the silks and spices found in China and India. Finding what is now known as North America in the way, the sponsoring European powers attempted to claim and settle the new lands. The books begin with a brief background of what is known about the early life of the explorer. A final section deals with a brief description of each explorer’s impact on Canada. In each, there is a mention of interactions with First Nations people. The books begin with a brief background of what is known about the early life of the explorer. A final section deals with a brief description of each explorer’s impact on Canada. In each, there is a mention of interactions with First Nations people. Jacques Cartier looks at the three trips Cartier made to what is now Canada between 1534 and 1542. “His meeting on July 7, 1534 was the first recorded trade between Europeans and Aboriginal peoples. It opened the door for the fur trade, which began the settlement of Canada in earnest.” John Cabot states that “Cabot’s discovery of Newfoundland changed the way of life for the First Nations people. Settlements and trading routes were built on their hunting grounds. The settlers also brought conflict and disease.” Samuel de Champlain describes the 30 years that Champlain spent in New France, successfully founding settlements that would grow into cities such as Quebec City. “Champlain’s alliance with the Huron influenced the Iroquois’ decision to side with the English. That decision may have helped the English eventually to win control of North America.” It is a minor point, but I wish this series was titled Explorers of Canada. Although each of the explorers in this series did explore what is now known as Canada, it seems a stretch to call them Canadian explorers. Overall, I like these books for young researchers. The reading level is appropriate for students beginning to make sense of nonfiction. The layout is clear and colourful, with the text supported by maps and illustrations that add to the historic content. Occasionally modern photographs are used to add context. For example, a photo of modern day Brouage, France, is accompanied by the following text box.
I like that the authors have included the effect of the exploration by Europeans on the indigenous population. This is a valuable talking point for class discussions or further in-depth research. The content is oversimplified, and the “Brain Teasers” at the end of each book are simple recall questions, but, as a starting point, these books will serve the purpose of introducing these four explorers of Canada to young researchers. Recommended. Dr. Suzanne Pierson is a retired teacher-librarian, currently instructing Librarianship courses at Queen’s University in Kingston, ON.
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