In 1419, the Emperor of China sent the most magnificent fleet of ships ever seen around the world. Besides sailors, ambassadors and such on board, there were the inevitable rats, faithful dogs and a certain group of fishing otters.
The old Emperor died whereupon his jealous son, the new Emperor, ordered his fathers ships, upon return, to be destroyed, as well as the animals on board.
One ship crashed before returning on the shores of Ruapuke Beach, New Zealand. Until now, no one has known the cause.
The animals knew.
This is their story.
लेखक के बारे में
Having written numerous books in the children’s literature area, I found the story of the daring 15th century Chinese fleet expedition fascinating, but the story contained no children. It did, however, contain a wealth of animals. And so my first novel that features animals ‘The Otters of Ruapuke’ was born. Researching the different animals aboard the ships, the way they behave, and more importantly, giving each of them unique personalities and places in the story, became engrossing and really, a lot of fun.
With a new grandson in my life, this story takes me a place I like to go, imagination combined with history, and just a big of speculation.
Living in Bonney Lake, Washington I have a love for the outdoors, and for the sea. Combined with my work as a teacher, and especially teaching the history of the world, I find that adding this element of fiction and adventure tops off what I do.