James Cook

Hello! My name is James Cook. When I was a little boy, I lived near the big, sparkling sea in England. I loved watching the tall ships with their big white sails. I dreamed that one day, I would be a sailor and have my own adventures on the water. I worked hard, and in the year 1755, I joined the Royal Navy to learn all about ships and sailing.

My dream came true. I became the captain of a wonderful ship called HMS Endeavour. Starting in the year 1768, my friends and I sailed far, far away across the giant blue ocean. We saw amazing new places with sunshine, funny animals, and beautiful beaches. I loved to draw pictures of the new coastlines we found. These pictures are called maps, and they helped other sailors know where to go.

I went on three big voyages and explored more of the world than anyone had before. I lived to be 50 years old. Today, people remember me as a brave explorer who made wonderful maps that helped everyone understand our amazing world a little bit better.