I’m fascinated by the past so when I see a picture book like This is Captain Cook that encourages a love of history in the very young, I can’t help but be excited about it.
This is Captain Cook is the creation of the very talented Tania McCartney (author) and amazing illustrator, Christina Booth. It’s not just a recount of history, it takes us into the world of Captain Cook and brings him alive to the reader as a person we might be interested to know.
This is Captain Cook tells about the life and times of Captain James Cook through a school play performed by Miss Batt’s Class.
This is such a unique and innovative idea that ensures this book works on a number of different levels. It can be read, or even acted out.
The text is full of facts, but it’s lively and fun. James loved running amok on the family farm with his brothers and sisters and goats and chickens.
The illustrations are beautiful, full of little gems to enthral young book enthusiasts, and make adult readers smile.
The text and illustrations are rich with threads that weave throughout the book making it something that kids can pore over for hours. It’s also a book that’s great in the classroom to appeal to different learning styles.
I have never seen history presented for young children in such an entertaining and appealing way.
The is Captain Cook is published by the National Library of Australia for readers aged 3+
DeeScribewriting Blog 
Great review, Dee. It sure is a great book. Kids should love it.