Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Sir Francis Drake: His Daring Deeds
Nonfiction Picture Book
For ages 6 to 8
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1989 ISBN: 978-0374466886
There is no doubt that Sir Francis Drake was one of the greatest adventurer sailors of all time. He went to sea at a very young age and in a remarkably short period of time he was made captain of his own ship. As part of a large fleet Drake?s ship went to Mexico. On arrival the fleet found that the Spanish were in charge of these lands. The Spanish gave the appearance of being friendly but attacked the fleet when the English were sleeping in their beds. Drake managed to escape but he vowed that "They haven?t heard the last of me."
The Spaniards would have many an occasion to regret their actions in Mexico for Drake became their arch enemy and in the name of the English crown he would seize and destroy many Spanish ships, including the famous Spanish Armada sent to invade England in 1588.
Written in light, often funny, and catchy rhyming verse and beautiful illustrated with very unique artwork, the author does a masterful job in telling Drake?s story. We are left in no doubt that Drake was indeed a very remarkable and singular man and one of whom England could be justly proud.
