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What Marcel Found
The Incredible Discovery of the Lascaux Cave Paintings
By Cedar Pruitt
Illustrated by David Litchfield
Table of Contents
About The Book
Uncover the amazing true story of a boy who made one of the most important archaeological discoveries in history—the Lascaux Cave Paintings—in this fascinating and beautiful nonfiction picture book.
It is 1940, and his country, France, is in a great battle.
But in the quiet of the woods, Marcel explores…
When Marcel Ravidat finds a secret underground tunnel in the woods, he doesn’t hesitate to explore. While World War II rages outside, this prehistoric cave is calm, still, and quiet. And then, Marcel discovers a treasure for the ages: hundreds and hundreds of extraordinary animal paintings made by humans more than 17,000 years ago. When he tells others of this discovery, the whole world shares in his curiosity and wonder.
This book shines a light on a boy’s awe-inspiring archaeological find during a dark time in the world. And it shows what the Lascaux Cave Paintings can teach us about what it means to make art, what it means to be human, and how creativity connects us all.
It is 1940, and his country, France, is in a great battle.
But in the quiet of the woods, Marcel explores…
When Marcel Ravidat finds a secret underground tunnel in the woods, he doesn’t hesitate to explore. While World War II rages outside, this prehistoric cave is calm, still, and quiet. And then, Marcel discovers a treasure for the ages: hundreds and hundreds of extraordinary animal paintings made by humans more than 17,000 years ago. When he tells others of this discovery, the whole world shares in his curiosity and wonder.
This book shines a light on a boy’s awe-inspiring archaeological find during a dark time in the world. And it shows what the Lascaux Cave Paintings can teach us about what it means to make art, what it means to be human, and how creativity connects us all.
About The Illustrator
David Litchfield is the author-illustrator of The Bear and the Piano, which won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in the illustration category and has sold in twenty-four countries, and Grandad’s Secret Giant. He is the illustrator of many books for young readers, including When the Sky Glows by Nell Cross Beckerman, Remarkables by Lisa Mantchev, and What Marcel Found by Cedar Pruitt. He lives in England with his family. Visit his website at DavidLitchfieldIllustration.com.
Product Details
- Publisher: Beach Lane Books (October 13, 2026)
- Length: 40 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665941419
- Ages: 4 - 8
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Awards and Honors
- Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): What Marcel Found
Hardcover 9781665941419
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Author Photo (jpg): Cedar Pruitt Photo courtesy of author(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit


