Overview and Outcomes:

This is a three-week Writing Root using the book The Cave Explorer by Kate Winter. In this sequence the children arrive to discover art materials in their classroom and the walls covered with artwork like the Lascaux Caves. They are invited to create and to consider the purpose of art, linked with the purpose of illustrations within books. They consider the reason that we share and record stories, and the relevance of this to historical discoveries. Then they explore the book and the tale of Marcel, who uncovered the hidden caves in France with the important discovery of the prehistoric art on the walls. The resource is filled with opportunities to explore through oracy and drama, as well as writing in role and writing to inform. The final outcome of this sequence is a multi-genre outcome, leading to a ‘museum tour’.  

Synopsis of Text:

Discover the story of palaeolithic paintings, discovered by a young boy named Marcel Ravidat and his dog Robot, in this stunningly illustrated book by the talented Kate Winter. With fold-out pages and careful illustrations of the historical artwork, as well as the artefacts from the caves, this picture book is a great text for any young child interested in learning more about prehistoric people.

Text Rationale:

This beautifully illustrated text from Kate Winter, author of award-winning The Fossil Hunter (Klaus Flugge Prize, 2024), artfully depicts the discovery of the Lascaux Caves in France. The story tells of how Marcel Rivadet made the amazing discovery while walking his dog after a storm, finding a hidden underground cave , with walls covered in prehistoric  paintings and drawings. This discovery is pivotal to supporting experts in understanding the past, and it still carries an element of mystery today that ignites the imagination. Kate Winter brings to life a significant historical discovery with incredible illustrations and insightful historical facts. A It is a key text for supporting children in understanding the importance of this historic discovery, broadening their knowledge of human history from the prehistoric era, and inspiring creativity and communication through art.

Links can be made to the history curriculum and the art curriculum, and discussions will open up around the purpose of art and what we can learn from historical discoveries. The text links to the theme of mystery and truth, as well as lessons from history.   

 Links and Themes:

Mystery & truth, Lessons from history

Date written: February 2026