Let’s be explorers of the world

Since the moment I saw this book I knew I wanted it. I discovered through a picture that I found in someone’s Tumblr. Finally, this summer I found it and I didn’t hesitate to buying it. I actually bought two samples, in order to gave one to Silvia, as a birthday present. I knew she would love it. 

How to Be an Explorer of the World could be defined as a interactive guide, or also a journal. It encourages everyone to observe the world with their eyes wide open and to use their imagination. It is a book that could suit both kids and adults. It includes interactive prompts, activities and explorations to make. At the end of the book there are also some pages dedicated to the Field Work, where you can write down all your observations, documentation and research.

How to Be an Explorer of the World is written by Keri Smith. Not only has she written it, but also she has drawn wonderful illustrations. Only for this is worth buying it. She is also the author of many other bestselling books that spark creativity, such as The Wreck this Journal (2007 Perigee) and The Guerilla Art Kit (2007 Princeton Architectural Press). She has a really inspiring blog and website that you should check out too.

The other day we were in the mood of being explorers. The sun was shining in Berlin, and even though it was a cold day, the sky was so blue. We took the book and a camera and we went out to explore the world. We were really looking forward to explore the park, the Tiegarten, on winter time, and that was the perfect occasion.

So we spent the afternoon wandering around the park observing everything. The other Silvia didn’t stop taking pictures of the beautiful landscape and I acted as a child collecting leafs, sticks… and being surprised by everything. We read and followed many tips of the books as well as wrote down some details of the exploration. It was so funny! We had a great time! The book helped us a lot to see the park on a different way, being more observant and curious.

All of these leads me to the conclusion that How to Be an Explorer of the World is a book that you wouldn’t never get bored of. I strongly recommend to try to follow its tips and exploration suggestions.

We have also used the book in this post: The importance of getting lost: Kurstraße.

Text by Sílvia Cabra and pictures by Silvia Conde.