‘We are Explorers’, by Kari Herbert

Written By Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Ethics statement: Within the article, there are affiliate links. If you buy something after clicking the link, I will receive a small commission. To know more about our terms of service, you can visit the link at the bottom of the page. Thank you!

Images by Hiatus.Design

"We Are Explorers" by Kari Herbert delves into the really captivating stories of fourteen women whose adventurous spirits and curiosity led them to extraordinary discoveries around the world.

Herbert, an accomplished author and illustrator and notably, the daughter of famed British polar explorer Sir Wally Herbert, brings these narratives to life with her engaging storytelling and beautiful illustrations. The book celebrates both famous and lesser-known female explorers, revealing the formidable challenges they faced, the significance of their achievements, and the personal motivations driving them.

 

The stories span various fields, including botany, aviation, and polar exploration. From Sacagawea’s renowned expeditions to Mae Jemison’s pioneering journey into space, these women hailed from diverse regions such as the United States, Japan, Germany, and New Zealand. They trekked across deserts, navigated dense jungles, ventured into the Arctic, and explored uncharted territories, often defying societal norms and overcoming substantial obstacles.

 

Herbert’s narrative not only highlights their ground-breaking contributions but also provides a deeply personal insight into their lives. "We Are Explorers" is richly illustrated in colour, making it a visually captivating read. This book serves as an inspiring testament to the courage and determination of female explorers, encouraging readers, especially young ones, to dream big and pursue their own adventures.

You might also like:

Book Reviews
‘Endurance: The True Story of Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage to the Antarctic’ by Alfred Lansing
‘Endurance: The True Story of Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage to the Antarctic’ by Alfred Lansing

First published in 1959, ‘Endurance: The True Story of Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage to the Antarctic’ by Alfred Lansing is a gripping account of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary 1914–1916 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.

‘Winter Skills: Essential Walking and Climbing Techniques’ by Andy Cunningham and Allen Fyffe
‘Winter Skills: Essential Walking and Climbing Techniques’ by Andy Cunningham and Allen Fyffe

As the official handbook for Mountain Training’s winter leadership qualifications, "Winter Skills: Essential Walking and Climbing Techniques" by Andy Cunningham and Allen Fyffe is a comprehensive guide designed to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and techniques for safe and effective movement in winter mountain environments.

The South Downs Way: Winchester to Eastbourne, Described in Both Directions (Includes separate OS 1:25K map booklet) by Cicerone
The South Downs Way: Winchester to Eastbourne, Described in Both Directions (Includes separate OS 1:25K map booklet) by Cicerone

Providing a detailed account of the 100-mile route, The South Downs Way: Winchester to Eastbourne, Described in Both Directions by Cicerone is an essential guide for anyone planning to explore one of England’s most iconic National Trails.

‘ The Man Who Cycled the Americas ’ by Mark Beaumont
‘ The Man Who Cycled the Americas ’ by Mark Beaumont

The Man Who Cycled the Americas by Mark Beaumont is a captivating and inspiring account of an extraordinary 13,000-mile journey spanning the length of two continents.

‘50 50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days’ by Dean Karnazes
‘50 50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days’ by Dean Karnazes

‘50 50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days’ by Dean Karnazes is an inspiring and energetic account of an extraordinary feat of endurance: running 50 marathons in 50 states over 50 consecutive days.

‘Winged Scalpel’ by Dr Richard Villar
‘Winged Scalpel’ by Dr Richard Villar

Winged Scalpel by Dr Richard Villar, a former SAS doctor, is a gripping and deeply insightful memoir that chronicles the extraordinary life and career of an orthopaedic surgeon who has worked extensively in war zones and disaster-stricken areas around the globe.

Traveller’s Health: How to Stay Healthy Abroad by Dr Richard Dawood
Traveller’s Health: How to Stay Healthy Abroad by Dr Richard Dawood

First published in 1985, Traveller’s Health: How to Stay Healthy Abroad by Dr Richard Dawood is a highly regarded resource for anyone planning to travel internationally, especially to regions where health risks may be more pronounced.

Close to the Wind: Britain's Greatest Olympic Sailor by Sir Ben Ainslie
Close to the Wind: Britain's Greatest Olympic Sailor by Sir Ben Ainslie

Close to the Wind: Britain's Greatest Olympic Sailor by Sir Ben Ainslie is a compelling autobiography that delves into the life and career of one of Britain’s most decorated athletes.

‘Beyond Possible’ by Nimsdai Purja
‘Beyond Possible’ by Nimsdai Purja

Beyond Possible by Nimsdai Purja (aka ‘Nims) is an electrifying memoir that captures the extraordinary feat of summiting the world's 14 highest mountains in less than seven months — an accomplishment that redefined the boundaries of human endurance and resilience.

‘Race to the Pole: Conquering Antarctica in the world's toughest endurance race’, by James Cracknell and Ben Fogle
‘Race to the Pole: Conquering Antarctica in the world's toughest endurance race’, by James Cracknell and Ben Fogle

"Race to the Pole: Conquering Antarctica in the World's Toughest Endurance Race" is a thrilling account of an extraordinary challenge undertaken by double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell and TV presenter Ben Fogle.

‘Running on empty’, by Marshall Ulrich
‘Running on empty’, by Marshall Ulrich

"Running on Empty" by Marshall Ulrich offers an exhilarating and deeply personal glimpse into the mind of an ultramarathon runner, chronicling his astounding run across America.

‘ The Row to Recovery ’ by Sam Peters
‘ The Row to Recovery ’ by Sam Peters

In 2011, six ex-servicemen embarked on an arduous mission to row across the Atlantic Ocean, an endeavour accomplished by fewer people than those who have summited Everest.

‘Journeys to Impossible Places’, by Simon Reeves
‘Journeys to Impossible Places’, by Simon Reeves

Simon Reeve's "Journeys to Impossible Places" takes us readers on a visceral and captivating tour through some of the most remote and challenging locations on Earth – and it reading it certainly feels like you’re there with him!

‘We are Explorers’, by Kari Herbert
‘We are Explorers’, by Kari Herbert

‘We Are Explorers’ by Kari Herbert delves into the really captivating stories of fourteen women whose adventurous spirits and curiosity led them to extraordinary discoveries around the world.

‘Facing Up’ by Bear Grylls
‘Facing Up’ by Bear Grylls

"Facing Up: A Remarkable Journey to the Summit of Mount Everest" is an inspiring piece by British adventurer Bear Grylls, that was first published in 2000 and a memoir of Grylls's journey to the summit of Mount Everest at the age of 23.

‘My Life as an Explorer’ by Roald Amundsen
‘My Life as an Explorer’ by Roald Amundsen

Roald Amundsen's ‘My Life as an Explorer’ is a staple for any would-be adventurer or explorer, detailing his extraordinary life and unparalleled achievements.

This memoir, published just a year before his mysterious disappearance at the North Pole, is a compelling and intimate glimpse into the highs and lows of Amundsen's stellar career, which surpasses those of his more famous rivals, Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott.

‘The Places in Between’, by Rory Stewart
‘The Places in Between’, by Rory Stewart

"The Places in Between" is a travel memoir written by Rory Stewart, a British author, diplomat, and politician. Published in 2004, the book details Stewart's journey on foot across Afghanistan in early 2002.

Stewart's trek took him from Herat in the west to Kabul in the east, a distance of over 600 miles, traversing through some of the most remote and inhospitable terrain in Afghanistan. His journey was particularly significant as it occurred shortly after the fall of the Taliban regime and during a period of transition in the country.

Rowing the Pacific, by Mick Dawson
Rowing the Pacific, by Mick Dawson

A hugely engaging piece of work, Mick, outlines his story from his time in the Royal Marines, the career transition from the military in to becoming a professional Yacht skipper, to how he got started in ocean rowing, and then his preparation for the north pacific route from Japan to San Francisco.

First rowing the Atlantic Ocean in 2001, Mick’s story is funny, intimate, gripping, and a moving account of trying to complete his goal of rowing across the north pacific.

Touching the Void, by Joe Simpson - book review
Touching the Void, by Joe Simpson - book review

"Touching the Void" is a book written by mountaineer, Joe Simpson, and published in 1988. It is a memoir of Simpson's harrowing experience climbing the Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985. The book tells the story of Simpson and his climbing partner Simon Yates' ascent of the mountain, and their subsequent descent, during which Simpson suffered a severe injury and the two climbers were forced to make life-or-death decisions. The book is a gripping, first-hand account of the physical and emotional challenges of climbing in the high mountains, and the will to survive against all odds.

Just a little run around the world, by Rosie Swale-Pope
Just a little run around the world, by Rosie Swale-Pope

I’ll start with the summary up front, this is an incredible book that’s inspiring, astounding, emotional (the first few chapters are quite hard going when you here about the backstory behind why she chose the expedition), laugh-out-loud funny (especially her meeting with Eric the boar!), endearing, and warm. These are just a few of the words I’d use to describe Rosie’s utterly incredible 5-year running adventure, but you’ll need to read it for yourself.

How to tie knots, (Collins gem series)
How to tie knots, (Collins gem series)

Are you planning to climb Mont Blanc, row across an ocean, or want to make yourself a better outdoorsperson / survivalist in general? Definitely check this useful little book out then.

It’s a super handy guide on how to tie over 30 knots with step-by-step images of each part of the process so you can master the important ones used in all adventures, such as the stopper knot, bowline, figure of eight, and the clove hitch.

The little book of big explorations, by Jheni Osman
The little book of big explorations, by Jheni Osman

So the bottom line up front, is we really love this book - for its range, diversity of storytelling, and accessibility. You can pick it up in any chapter, read for a few minutes, and feel positive about embracing challenges.

It provides an interesting take on adventure and endeavour, and linguistically widens the term to show how previously unheard-of scientists, explorers, geographers, activists, and others, took risks to explore new areas, both socially, professionally, and personally, to change the world for the better.

A short walk in the Hindu Kush, by Eric Newby
A short walk in the Hindu Kush, by Eric Newby

The real-life adventure follows Eric Newby CBE MC, a second world war prisoner, former special forces soldier, and fashion photographer (an interesting career path in itself!), and his diplomat friend, Hugh Carless CMG, as they drive a station wagon from London to Kabul, Afghanistan, via Iran – a journey of some 5000 miles (around 8000 kilometres) through Europe, Turkey, Iran, over the course of a month and all without any support vehicles. We think this itself is an impressive feat of planning and navigation in the era before GPS, mobile phones, or breakdown assistance!

Chris Shirley MA FRGS

About the Author:

Chris is the founder of Hiatus.Design, a strategic branding, design and communications company that works with clients all over the world.

Over the course of his life, he has travelled to more than 60 countries across six continents, earned two Guinness World Records, completed the legendary Marathon des Sables, summited Mont Blanc and unclimbed peaks in Asia, become a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS), rowed across the Atlantic Ocean and obtained a Masterʼs degree in Business Management (MA).

https://www.hiatus.design
Previous

‘Journeys to Impossible Places’, by Simon Reeves
Next

‘Facing Up’ by Bear Grylls