The author relates the story of Columbus's (mis)adventure in a lively manner, setting it well in its historical context. As we all know, Columbus thought he was going to cross the sea and be the first to reach the Indies and their riches. Even after landing in the New World, and returning to Spain, he still believed that he had done so. He refused to believe that his plans had gone amiss. Columbus's virtues (including his optimism) as well as his less pleasant qualities (including his being perhaps overly vain) are captured in this well-written and informative book. Recommended for elementary school libraries.