Find out how explorer Christopher Columbus survived great danger on the high seas on his voyages to the New World. Longer sentences and an expanded vocabulary make this series of 48-page books slightly more challenging: Level 2 is appropriate for children who have started to read but still need help. Information boxes full of background information will stimulate inquisitive minds. These books contain between 700 and 850 words, and they are approximately 70 percent pictures and 30 percent text. The Dorling Kindersley Readers combine an enticing visual layout with high-interest, easy-to-read stories to captivate and delight young bookworms who are just getting started. Written by leading children's authors and compiled in consultation with literacy experts, these engaging books build reader confidence along with a lifelong appreciation for nonfiction, classic stories, and biographies. There is a DK Reader to interest every child at every level, from preschool to grade 4.

Anita Ganeri is an award-winning author of children's nonfiction, writing mainly on the subjects of the natural world and geography. A graduate of Cambridge University and a recipient of the Geographical Association Silver Award, her books include DK First Atlas, coauthored with Chris Oxlade, and the DK Readers titles?First Day at Gymnastics and The?Story of Columbus.