by Mark Harmon
First published 2015
Columbus and his young companion David arrive in London seeking financial support from King Henry VII for a westward voyage to Asia. They have already met Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo without success. David quickly befriends Prince Arthur, the king's eldest son. The two boys spend their days aboard the royal barge floating down the Thames, where David learns about English history and the royal coat of arms. Their friendship nearly turns dangerous when they venture too close to the dragon cannon mounted on the boat's front. Back on shore, the boys join the grand festivities celebrating the birth of Prince Henry, the king's newest son. David experiences wonders he has never imagined: riding a jeweled elephant and camel, watching plays about nine historical figures, and witnessing a spectacular banquet where living birds burst from baked pies. While David enjoys these royal pleasures, Columbus works to persuade King Henry VII to finance his ambitious expedition. The question remains whether the Italian navigator can secure the funding he desperately needs or if he and David must continue their search elsewhere.
Genres: historical, historical-fiction, adventure
Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: London, Asia, Thames
Period: 15th Century
170 pages · Paperback · CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform