Maria and the Cave Paintings
By Barbara Lowell, Illustrated by Elke Boschinger
Available on November 3, 2026, Preorder Now
The Cave of Altamira in Spain had been abandoned for thousands and thousands of years. . . . Until a man named Marcelino and his curious daughter Maria went exploring. “Papa, oxen!” Maria reportedly cried, directing her father to look at the cave’s ceiling. Above, they saw images of bison galloping, bellowing, and charging. And in that moment, our understanding of history underwent a seismic shift.
In this moving testament to the creativity of the human spirit, Barbara Lowell unites art, science, and history to tell the true story of a young girl who had the idea to look up. Elke Boschinger’s kid-friendly art infuses this father-daughter story with love, wonder, and a touch of ancient mystery.
Back matter includes information about cave paintings around the world, how scientists study and preserve cave paintings, a bibliography, and much more. 4-8 years
Ancestory the Mystery and Majesty of Ancient Cave Art
By Hannah Salyer
Around the world, our ancient ancestors’ mysterious art is left behind on cave walls, in rainforests, and with ink made from charcoal and crushed clay. These people told their stories in magnificent drawings that still speak to us today, echoing across generations.
In her own stunning artwork that features the deserts of North America to the caves of Papua New Guinea, Hannah Salyer showcases ancient rock paintings, drawings, and etchings and invites us to add to the ongoing story—our ancestry. 4-8 years
Caves
By Nell Cross Beckerman, Illustrated by Kalen Chock
In the shade of the woods is a hill with a hole. Beaconing black. Goosebump chills. Excitement and fear battle. What will win? You want to go in… do you dare?
Nell Cross Beckerman urges children to explore one of nature’s most curious ecosystems. She guides kids through different caves around the world. Extensive backmatter includes an author’s note, best practices for safe cave exploration, and additional information about the caves featured in the book. 4-8 years
Caves and Caverns
By Gail Gibbons
Here is a fascinating journey through those dark, mysterious hollow places on earth–sea caves, lava caves, ice caves, and more. Caves and Caverns also includes information on where to go, what to bring, and how to have a safe, exciting spelunking adventure of your own. “This title will be enjoyed by budding scientists and explorers.”–School Library Journal. 6-9 years
The First Drawing
By Mordicai Gerstein
Imagine you were born before the invention of drawing, more than thirty thousand years ago.
Inside, you would live with your whole family in a cave and see woolly mammoths walk by!
You might even see images of animals hidden in the shapes of clouds and rocks.
You would want to share these pictures with your family, but wouldn’t know how.
Who would have made the world’s first drawing? Would it have been you?
In The First Drawing, Caldecott Medal winner Mordicai Gerstein imagines the discovery of drawing…and inspires the young dreamers and artists of today. 4-8 years
Discovery in the Cave (Step into Reading)
By Mark Dubowski, Illustrated by Bryn Barnard
This true adventure story about the discovery of the Lascaux Cave will have young readers feeling that they’ve discovered something pretty special, too!
In 1940, four teenage boys and a dog dropped themselves into a hole in the forest floor. Using a flaming grease gun as a torch, they ventured deep underground, eventually coming to a huge cave, the walls of which were covered with life-size paintings of animals. Whole herds of horses! Deer with horns as big as tree branches! Giant bison! The boys were amazed by their discovery. They’d stumbled upon the world’s finest examples of prehistoric painting! 6-11 years
Cool Caves (Level 3 Reader)
By DK
DK Super Readers Level 3: Cool Caves will introduce kids to a parade of unique caves around the world―from a cave that could house skyscrapers to caves of ice―and is a motivating introduction to using essential nonfiction reading skills, proving ideal for children ready to enter the riveting world of reading. 8-10 years
Discovering the Hidden World Inside a Cave
By T.J. McAllister (February 10, 2026)
Have you ever wondered what it’s like inside of a cave? Is it dark? Is there water in there? What do you think the rocks are called that hang from the top or rise from the ground? Let’s find out!
This board book will educate, engage, and inspire young readers for hours on the fascinating world inside caves. From rock types to the animals who make their home inside, this board book features dozens of whimsical illustrations, educational captions, vocabulary words, peek-inside cut-out accents, and hidden chambers to be revealed. 3-6 years
The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
You might like, Kids Books: Mary Anning’s Dinosaurs, https://barbaralowell.com/kids-books-mary-anning-dinosaur/
Prehistory 101: Cave Art, National Geographic, https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/history-101-cave-art/