Based on information from the journals kept on board The Endeavour, The Goat Who Sailed The World provides an amazing insight into the tough reality of the life of the early explorers. From illness and disease to camaraderie and the excitement of discovery, loss and the uncertainty of life on a daily basis to the clashes with unknown cultures, the Boy and the Goat stick together.
The book is written from the perspective of each of the two, showing French’s beautiful affinity with the worlds of both animals and children. It could at first appear a little odd for a story like this to be partly written from a goat’s point of view, however the role the animal played on the journey soon becomes clear. Providing milk to the gentlemen of the ship, making demands in her own stubborn way, being a companion to Isaac and an ear to listen to the thoughts of Cook himself, she really is a character in her own right.
French transforms history into a page-turning tale of adventure and heartache, and her descriptions of further historical events and facts in the last pages are just as riveting.
Every child (and adult) should know this part of our nation’s history, and all should read this story to really bring it to life.
Title: The Goat Who Sailed The World
Author: Jackie French
Publisher: HarperCollins, $14.99
Publication Date: 2006
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780207200779
For ages: 9 - 13
Type: Junior Fiction
