When it comes to world history, the exploration of new lands and seas is perhaps the most exciting chapter to be told. Braving the deepest jungle, scanning the scorching desert, and adventuring on the high seas all have the hair-raising excitement of a children's story, with the added bonus of educational value. Those who dare crack the covers of this beautifully illustrated and imagined book will find an engaging introduction to the various types of exploration, as well as historical information about the brave explorers who've come before. The book's inventive structure--with pop-ups of Egyptian tombs, secret envelopes, and excerpts from journals--make it an excellent gift for aspiring adventurers young and old. (Candlewick Press, $15.99)