Hendrik Leerdam: Voyage to the Cape

Hendrik Leerdam and his family travel with Jan van Riebeeck to the Cape of Good Hope in 1651. On the arduous journey from the Netherlands to Africa they face many dangers including storms, shipwreck, scurvy and pirates. Hendrik's cowardly friesian (Runnik) threatens to abandon them when the going gets tough, but his trusted dog (Jack) remains loyal throughout. On the 3-month journey, Hendrik is transformed from a land-loving farm boy to a capable and fearless sailor. He gets to save the day on numerous occasions, learns to fire a cannon, dodge great white sharks, climb to the top of the mast in stormy seas, navigate the open ocean and catch fish in the Southern Atlantic. More than 400 full-color illustrations, more than 10 000 words- more than just a story; history !