And Columbus sailed the ocean blue

Author: MacDonald Fu Lisheng Fu Hao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: As a poor Spanish child, you dream of sailing and exploring the world. You do everything you can to get on a ship sailing west under Columbus's command. That's too easy! Expert Tip: Don't let women board the ship—it brings bad luck! Learn sewing! One day, you will survive because you know how to sew sails. During the voyage, keep writing a diary every day. If you can return home safely, you will get rich by publishing your diary! Don't get tangled in the ropes used for hoisting sails. In 1492, in a small coastal town called Palus in southwestern Spain. You are a smart little boy, born into a poor family. Your father is a ship repairer, and your mother sells small shrimp at the market. The other boys in the neighborhood have started working—some run errands for others, washing dishes in taverns; some learn to be blacksmiths or carpenters; and others go to fishing boats. You are already 10 years old and should find a job to support your family like them. But you really don’t want to do that kind of work! You’ve always dreamed of becoming an explorer and going on thrilling adventures in distant lands. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll get the chance to set sail. But before boarding the ship, you’d better think carefully. Are you really ready to leave your family, endure months of hardship, and risk even losing your life on a long voyage?