Background
Author Mark Seaton and David Bennett, a publisher of children's books, conceived the books while they climbed Mont Blanc together. David Bennett was responsible for commissioning the Where's Waldo? books which have sold over 40 million copies worldwide.
The British mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington provides the introduction, and the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations offers their seal of approval to the technical section at the end of the books.
The main character is Mark, a mountain guide. Most of the characters are engaging animals, including Leo the Mountain Dog and three little Marmot Mountaineers. At the end of the story, an instructional section explains more about some of the phenomena encountered along the way. In the first book, Mark the Mountain Guide, this includes child-friendly explanations of what causes an avalanche, how mountains are formed and why stars are so bright at altitude. A glossary defines mountain-related words from the story, including terms like avalanche, crampon, gorge, glacier and mountaineer.
This section also includes practical information to get children started on their mountaineering careers, such as how to build an igloo, what a mountaineer wears and carries in his pack, and how to tie a couple of useful knots. To facilitate this particular skill, the first book includes a toy carabiner and a length of accessory cord.
Later books continue this format. For example, the second book, Mark the Mountain Guide and the Compass Adventure, includes a working compass & brief illustrated explanations of the history, science & technique behind magnetic needles used for navigation.
Read more about this topic: Mark The Mountain Guide
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