From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6–A revised and expanded version of the author'sSamuel de Champlain (Grolier, 1986; o.p.), this lushly pictorial biography, extended with archival artwork, maps, and artifacts, boasts additional illustrations in muted colored pencil. Eight brief, four- to eight-page chapters written in an engaging, lively prose cover Champlain's early years in France and his experiences in Canada from 1603 until his death in 1635. Frequent sidebars add information without disrupting the flow of the text. Back matter includes mysteries about Champlain's life and describes historic sites and monuments. Libraries that own the earlier title will want to update with this handsomely laid out book, while those that have more standard biographies, such as William J. Jacobs's Champlain: A Life of Courage (Watts, 1994; o.p.), can certainly use a more readable, attention-getting treatment.–Ann Welton, Grant Elementary School, Tacoma, WA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Gr. 4-6. This handsome volume is the revised and expanded edition of a book first published in Canada under the title Samuel de Champlain (1986). It profiles the man who explored areas of eastern Canada, mapped them, and led the settlement at Quebec from 1608 until his death. The discussion not only introduces readers to the explorer's life story and the challenges he faced in North America but also provides excellent background information on topics such as the clamor for beaver skins (European hatmakers coveted them) and the enmity between the Huron and the Iroquois. Readers in the U.S. may not be familiar with the term First Nations, but in context here, they will recognize that it relates to Native Americans. Back matter includes a discussion of what we don't know about Champlain, a description of historic sites to visit, and suggestions for further reading. Besides the reproductions of paintings and drawings from a number of period sources, Francis Back contributes many fine original illustrations. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

From the Inside Flap
“One July day four hundred years ago, Samuel de Champlain stepped out of a small boat at Quebec and began a great adventure.” So begins Christopher Moore’s riveting account of the life of the extraordinary, daring “father of New France.”

Samuel de Champlain helped found the first permanent French settlement in the New World; he established the village that eventually became the great city of Quebec; he was a skilled cartographer who gave us many of our first accurate maps of North America; he forged alliances with Native nations that laid the foundations for vast trading networks; and as governor, he set New France on the road to becoming a productive, self-sufficient, thriving colony.

But Champlain was also a man who suffered his share of defeats and disappointments. That first permanent settlement was abandoned after a disastrous winter claimed the lives of half the colonists. His marriage to a child bride was unhappy and marked by long separations. Eventually Quebec had to be surrendered temporarily to the English in 1629.

In this remarkable book, illustrated entirely with paintings, archival maps, and original artifacts, Christopher Moore brings to life this complex man and, through him, creates a portrait of Canada in its earliest days.

Champlain is illustrated with archival maps and paintings. Additional artwork has been provided by Francis Back.

About the Author
Christopher Moore has been called Canada’s most versatile writer of history. His first book, Louisbourg Portraits, won a Governor General’s Award. The Story of Canada (co-authored with Janet Lunn), a history of Canada for young people, won the Mr. Christie’s Award for Children’s Books. The Big Book of Canada: Exploring the Provinces and Territories was published by Tundra in 2002 to great critical acclaim. Christopher Moore also co-authored the authoritative Illustrated History of Canada and wrote 1867: How the Fathers Made a Deal. Christopher Moore writes a column for The Beaver. Visit his website at www.christophermoore.ca.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"One July day four hundred years ago, Samuel de Champlain stepped out of a small boat at Quebec and began a great adventure." So begins Christopher Moore's riveting account of the life of the extraordinary, daring "father of New France."

Samuel de Champlain helped found the first permanent French settlement in the New World; he established the village that eventually became the great city of Quebec; he was a skilled cartographer who gave us many of our first accurate maps of North America; he forged alliances with Native nations that laid the foundations for vast trading networks; and as governor, he set New France on the road to becoming a productive, self-sufficient, thriving colony.

But Champlain was also a man who suffered his share of defeats and disappointments. That first permanent settlement was abandoned after a disastrous winter claimed the lives of half the colonists. His marriage to a child bride was unhappy and marked by long separations. Eventually Quebec had to be surrendered temporarily to the English in 1629.

In this remarkable book, illustrated entirely with paintings, archival maps, and original artifacts, Christopher Moore brings to life this complex man and, through him, creates a portrait of Canada in its earliest days.

Champlain is illustrated with archival maps and paintings. Additional artwork has been provided by Francis Back.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Carolyn Mott Ford

This is an impressive book with informative sidebars and magnificent illustrations including archival artwork, maps, and additional drawings by Francis Back. Champlain was born in the small seaport town of Brouage on the coast of France almost one hundred years after the voyage of Christopher Columbus to America. As a young man he served in the military during a time of war and when peace was declared he was able to go to Spain and sail from there to the Caribbean. Upon his return to France he was hired by a fur trader who took Champlain on his first voyage to Canada. Canada was the new frontier and Champlain longed to return. When the king of France supported the idea of a colony in Canada, Champlain's talent as a cartographer led the commander of an expedition, Pierre de Monts, to take the young man on the voyage. The colony of Arcadia was established, but the hardships discouraged many and the expedition was ordered to return to France. Champlain returned to Canada as a leader in 1603 and established a settlement at Qu￯﾿ﾽbec. The book explores the relationship with the people of the Native nations and gives an interesting portrait of Champlain. The list of additional reading includes books written by the explorer and there is also a listing of historic sites. 2004 (orig. 1986), Tundra, Ages 9 to 12.

School Library Journal