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Animal Stars #1
The Goat Who Sailed the World
Captain Cook's goat is the first of many historical animals to bring the past to life.
The HM Bark Endeavour is sailing to Tahiti to map the transit of Venus, but there are rumours that once the task is completed, Lieutenant James Cook has a set of secret orders - orders that command him to search for the Great South Land. Isaac is twelve and has joined the crew of the Endeavour as a master's servant, good for scrubbing decks and not much else. He's certainly not considered good enough to fetch hay for the Goat who will provide fresh milk for Cook and his officers. And this goat even has more experience at sea than Isaac - she has already sailed around the world once, watching the ocean and lands slip by from her spot on the quarterdeck. Over the months on board the Endeavour, a friendship grows between the Goat and Isaac, one that will last through shipwreck, bushfire and illness. A friendship that helps in the discovery of exotic new lands ... Ages 9 - 13
The HM Bark Endeavour is sailing to Tahiti to map the transit of Venus, but there are rumours that once the task is completed, Lieutenant James Cook has a set of secret orders - orders that command him to search for the Great South Land. Isaac is twelve and has joined the crew of the Endeavour as a master's servant, good for scrubbing decks and not much else. He's certainly not considered good enough to fetch hay for the Goat who will provide fresh milk for Cook and his officers. And this goat even has more experience at sea than Isaac - she has already sailed around the world once, watching the ocean and lands slip by from her spot on the quarterdeck. Over the months on board the Endeavour, a friendship grows between the Goat and Isaac, one that will last through shipwreck, bushfire and illness. A friendship that helps in the discovery of exotic new lands ... Ages 9 - 13
199 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
About the author
Jackie French
321 books880 followersJackie is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 14, 2024
4.5 🌟
Firstly, I would like to say a big thank you to Kellie for sending me this book. She knows of my love of goats and I have also spent most of my life on our various boats. This was a really unique take on Caption Cooks vogue in search for the continent down under (Australia).
I enjoyed Jackie French’s writing style. It was very easy to read and follow the journey they took around the world in the Endeavour. Including a map of everywhere they traveled from 27th July 1768 to 13th July 1771. She used alternating point of views between Isaac, the 12-year-old boy on board, and the goat (yes, that’s right! A goat!) The main job for the goat was to provide fresh milk for the caption, no other sailors had such luck.
The story begins in 1768(!!!!), when The Endeavour sets sail from Deptford, England. The ship was to go to Tahiti first, carrying everything from the finest scientists such as Mr Banks to a goat…This wasn’t any old goat, though this was a famous goat. The goat that had already travelled the world upon the Dolphin ship. Aboard the ship was also a 12 year old boy called Isaac. Isaac longed for this day to come when they would set sail from Plymouth on the 26th of August. However, they failed to mention the amount of scrubbing he would be doing and sea. He also hadn’t realised how lonely it would be on a crowded ship with new friends on board and everyone older than he was. Despite his loneliness the food and the scrubbing it was quite exciting to hear the rumble of the wind against the seals and yells of the sailors.
The goat was treated with respect, she was allowed on the quarterdeck, where not even the admiral was allowed to spend his days watching the scenery go by…”but you couldn’t milk an admiral…” 😂 it wasn’t long before the goat settled into a routine at sea, although she desperately missed her kids; I found this rather heartbreaking, especially as I am veggie for animal reasons. But it wasn’t all bad, she had grown to like the Boy, he was gentle with her and she liked how he talked to her as he milked her. It turned out to be a friendship on both parts. Once they had reached Tahiti, her food changed and she was not a fan of these coconuts and fresh fruits, however the boy brought her yams which when baked and mashed she enjoyed - I found this funny because my dog loves yams!!
Overtime, Isaac realised that James Cook, the Caption, himself was talking to the goat. Cook laughed and rubbed the goat’s furry little ears. He wasn’t so hardened by the tough vogue after all.
Back to the journey… and so the next day the Endeavour left New Zealand her destination being New Holland (what we now know as Australia.)
At first try they were highly unsuccessful…Here’s a question for you : how long does it take a shipwrecked ship to sink? They were about to find out….
The keel was repaired. The worm eaten planks were replaced. Fresh store had been bought. Leaving seven of the crew in their graves, the endeavour sealed at Dawn and the 16th of January 1771. One by one they died and one by one their bodies were given to the ocean; a total of 23 burials at sea.
But three years after she had left England, the endeavour slipped into Dover port. Cook took the goat home with him where she had green gassy fields studded with flowers to live in. And according to the goat, the grass was better than anything she tasted before even sweeter than the pastures of New Zealand. The goat was happy. She missed her boy of course, but there were children here to make a fuss of her and sneak little treats to her.
In the years to follow the goat would die but Isaac Manley would be promoted to lieutenant, then commander and then captain in 1790.
This was a captivating and highly interesting yet informative book. I highly applaud Jackie French for making history fun to read!
Firstly, I would like to say a big thank you to Kellie for sending me this book. She knows of my love of goats and I have also spent most of my life on our various boats. This was a really unique take on Caption Cooks vogue in search for the continent down under (Australia).
I enjoyed Jackie French’s writing style. It was very easy to read and follow the journey they took around the world in the Endeavour. Including a map of everywhere they traveled from 27th July 1768 to 13th July 1771. She used alternating point of views between Isaac, the 12-year-old boy on board, and the goat (yes, that’s right! A goat!) The main job for the goat was to provide fresh milk for the caption, no other sailors had such luck.
The story begins in 1768(!!!!), when The Endeavour sets sail from Deptford, England. The ship was to go to Tahiti first, carrying everything from the finest scientists such as Mr Banks to a goat…This wasn’t any old goat, though this was a famous goat. The goat that had already travelled the world upon the Dolphin ship. Aboard the ship was also a 12 year old boy called Isaac. Isaac longed for this day to come when they would set sail from Plymouth on the 26th of August. However, they failed to mention the amount of scrubbing he would be doing and sea. He also hadn’t realised how lonely it would be on a crowded ship with new friends on board and everyone older than he was. Despite his loneliness the food and the scrubbing it was quite exciting to hear the rumble of the wind against the seals and yells of the sailors.
The goat was treated with respect, she was allowed on the quarterdeck, where not even the admiral was allowed to spend his days watching the scenery go by…”but you couldn’t milk an admiral…” 😂 it wasn’t long before the goat settled into a routine at sea, although she desperately missed her kids; I found this rather heartbreaking, especially as I am veggie for animal reasons. But it wasn’t all bad, she had grown to like the Boy, he was gentle with her and she liked how he talked to her as he milked her. It turned out to be a friendship on both parts. Once they had reached Tahiti, her food changed and she was not a fan of these coconuts and fresh fruits, however the boy brought her yams which when baked and mashed she enjoyed - I found this funny because my dog loves yams!!
Overtime, Isaac realised that James Cook, the Caption, himself was talking to the goat. Cook laughed and rubbed the goat’s furry little ears. He wasn’t so hardened by the tough vogue after all.
Back to the journey… and so the next day the Endeavour left New Zealand her destination being New Holland (what we now know as Australia.)
At first try they were highly unsuccessful…Here’s a question for you : how long does it take a shipwrecked ship to sink? They were about to find out….
The keel was repaired. The worm eaten planks were replaced. Fresh store had been bought. Leaving seven of the crew in their graves, the endeavour sealed at Dawn and the 16th of January 1771. One by one they died and one by one their bodies were given to the ocean; a total of 23 burials at sea.
But three years after she had left England, the endeavour slipped into Dover port. Cook took the goat home with him where she had green gassy fields studded with flowers to live in. And according to the goat, the grass was better than anything she tasted before even sweeter than the pastures of New Zealand. The goat was happy. She missed her boy of course, but there were children here to make a fuss of her and sneak little treats to her.
In the years to follow the goat would die but Isaac Manley would be promoted to lieutenant, then commander and then captain in 1790.
This was a captivating and highly interesting yet informative book. I highly applaud Jackie French for making history fun to read!
July 25, 2022
The Goat was originally taken aboard the 'Dolphin' a ship Captained by Wallis. It was a cantankerous animal, often nibbling the hands that fed her. She let everyone on board know she was in charge. When it was time to leave the 'Dolphin' she didn't like being put in a cage and penned with other animals.
May 1768 and the goat was taken to her next ship. Again she was on the quarterdeck. Her kids were looking out through the pen. She would protect them. 'Eeegh' this is my deck, keep away. Men, dogs, those she took a dislike to, soon felt her charge and left the area. This ship was called the 'Endeavour' it smelt of coal. Recently converted with more cabins built to house scientists, botanists, and store equipment for the gentlemen.
Isaac had joined the navy because he was filled with curiosity to see the world. He was from a farm and had an education. Being able to read and write, he hoped to make his way up through the ranks. He soon discovered his main task would be to scrub the deck that was continually soiled by animals and sailors alike. The goat on the quarterdeck had a sailor provide clean food, hay, and milk for her. Until a storm came and one of the kids slipped across the deck, and Isaac caught it.
The lowliest boy on the ship suddenly had an important role. No one else could get near the goat, she needed to be milked and tended. Isaac had the experience of milking cows on the farm.
Throughout this book, the amazing voyage of Lieutenant Cook, and the Endeavour's journey first to scientifically calculate the time it took for Venus to travel across the sun during an eclipse. Then to discover and chart the Great Southern Land or New Holland as it was known.
Facts about the journey are entwined in the tale of the Goat. It is a wonderful book and one I'd recommend to young adult readers. History is delightfully related. The cramped and difficult conditions the normal sailor endured are well explained. The incredible feat of mapping new lands and ensuring his crew was free of scurvy by making them all eat fresh food as much as possible and other foods like sauerkraut to stave off the illness.
Jackie French has written a detailed account of a historic journey as seen through the eyes of Isaac a 12-year-old boy and the goat. I made this a 5-star rating because the journey is believable, the hardships real, and the boys' response to naked natives on the islands they went to. 'The Notes on the Text' and 'Bibliography' at the end of the book round off the learning experience for curious minds.
May 1768 and the goat was taken to her next ship. Again she was on the quarterdeck. Her kids were looking out through the pen. She would protect them. 'Eeegh' this is my deck, keep away. Men, dogs, those she took a dislike to, soon felt her charge and left the area. This ship was called the 'Endeavour' it smelt of coal. Recently converted with more cabins built to house scientists, botanists, and store equipment for the gentlemen.
Isaac had joined the navy because he was filled with curiosity to see the world. He was from a farm and had an education. Being able to read and write, he hoped to make his way up through the ranks. He soon discovered his main task would be to scrub the deck that was continually soiled by animals and sailors alike. The goat on the quarterdeck had a sailor provide clean food, hay, and milk for her. Until a storm came and one of the kids slipped across the deck, and Isaac caught it.
The lowliest boy on the ship suddenly had an important role. No one else could get near the goat, she needed to be milked and tended. Isaac had the experience of milking cows on the farm.
Throughout this book, the amazing voyage of Lieutenant Cook, and the Endeavour's journey first to scientifically calculate the time it took for Venus to travel across the sun during an eclipse. Then to discover and chart the Great Southern Land or New Holland as it was known.
Facts about the journey are entwined in the tale of the Goat. It is a wonderful book and one I'd recommend to young adult readers. History is delightfully related. The cramped and difficult conditions the normal sailor endured are well explained. The incredible feat of mapping new lands and ensuring his crew was free of scurvy by making them all eat fresh food as much as possible and other foods like sauerkraut to stave off the illness.
Jackie French has written a detailed account of a historic journey as seen through the eyes of Isaac a 12-year-old boy and the goat. I made this a 5-star rating because the journey is believable, the hardships real, and the boys' response to naked natives on the islands they went to. 'The Notes on the Text' and 'Bibliography' at the end of the book round off the learning experience for curious minds.
July 20, 2019
Jackie French is a marvel!! Who writes like this? Just beautiful. Captivating and humorous and told so even small children can relate. Worth a read even for us adults. I also recommend her book The Camel that crossed Australia - a side of the Burk and Wills story we never hear!
May 16, 2023
Read this with a class of 3/4 students. Great introduction to the quests of caprain Cook, Joseph Banks. the Astrologer and all crew of the Endeavour.
Good inroad to investigating the histories of Australia.
Good inroad to investigating the histories of Australia.
April 23, 2018
Reading this wonderful series again with Jeremy as we study Australian history.
March 1, 2014
Despite the topic being one that didn't interest me greatly I was inspired to read it as grades three and four are learning about the British colonisation of Australia. It took me a while to get through the story as I could easily find other, more frivolous books that were easier to pick up briefly. I think my lack of geographical knowledge made it hard at times to picture locations and the path travelled. When I did sit down for a period of time to read however, I was impressed by how well it was written and I found that I did get into the story. I liked Isaac's character and it was interesting the way that Cook and Banks were portrayed. I greatly appreciated the postscript t the end that explained the extent to which the story as based in fact.
I am really glad that I read it, but I would consider the interests, learning needs and motivations of students before I read it/recommended it to them. This story is suitable for a confident, mature reader who is interested in the sailing of the Endeavour.
I am really glad that I read it, but I would consider the interests, learning needs and motivations of students before I read it/recommended it to them. This story is suitable for a confident, mature reader who is interested in the sailing of the Endeavour.
February 3, 2017
Turns out my 5th Great Grandfather was an illiterate farm boy on the Endeavour voyage so I was drawn to this book out of interest in family history. I can't believe there is such a hole in my historical knowledge! This voyage is so epic and Jackie does an amazingly thorough job of researching details and sharing a believable and relatable story. Fancy thinking how important a goat was on this great journey of exploration! The only animal to have been awarded a British pension!
February 15, 2015
What an incredibly brave character is Isaac. Only 12 when he joins Cook's ambitious journey. The book is delightfully imagined but also well researched. I love the fact that you also get the grumpy goat's story. One can't begin to imagine what it must have been like for the human crew let alone what the animals' experiences must have been like. This is another wonderful story from Jackie French.
January 30, 2017
I loved this lively historical YA tale of the nanny goat who supplied milk to the officers of Cook’s Bark, Endeavour. The arc of Cook’s now famous voyage is beautifully told, much of it from the goat’s perspective, without losing the feel of reality. I have kept goats in the past and will admit the epilogue bought tears to my eyes, good tears.
January 1, 2024
Another great tale by Jackie French about life on the seas aboard the HM Bark Endeavour and attempts to map the transit of Venus. Told from the perspective of the goat, whose role was to provide milk on the voyage for the captain's table; as well as that of twelve year old Isaac who was on his first sailing as a master's servant.
April 13, 2010
This is historical fiction the way it ought to be. I will buy this one for my grandchildren in a few years.
Excellent stuff!
Excellent stuff!
January 2, 2013
Great concept! Learnt more about Captain James Cook reading this book than I ever did at school!!
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April 12, 2014i loved isaac manly didnt they name manly after him btw it was funny when 2 men wanted to get married to tahitians
October 13, 2014
very interesting story
August 28, 2018
Anne 2015
October 8, 2010
The goat who sailed the world by Jackie French (2006)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews