It was there. Henry Hudson was certain of it. Beyond the impenetrable fog and crushing ice of the North Atlantic lay the dream of kings, merchants and learned geographers - a passage to the Orient. Sailing small wooden boats well above the arctic circle, guided by maps and charts that were based on rumor and hope as much as fact, surrounded by crews that shared neither his belief nor his commitment, Henry Hudson searched again and again for what was not there. In 1611, his mutinous crew set him adrift on the freezing waters of the bay that would one day bear his name. Beyond the Sea of Ice is the story of Henry Hudson's four harrowing voyages of discovery. Bringing the skills of an experienced novelist to her first non-fiction book, author Joan Elizabeth Goodman creates an epic narrative of Henry Hudson's passionate quest. Fernando Rangel's paintings capture the icy beauty of the North Atlantic, the lushness of the new world and the cruelty and death that accompanied a voyage of discovery. Actual entries from the journals of each voyage bring the reader directly into life at sea in the 17th century. Grade 4-7-The English explorer who searched in vain for a "speedy" route to China is brought to light. Readers will learn about Hudson the man, some details about each of his four voyages to North America, and what traveling by sea in the 17th century entailed. The prevailing cruelty inflicted on Native Americans may be upsetting to some readers, but Goodman has reported faithfully the encounters of the English with them. In an appended note, she explains that she used the word "Indian" to refer to the people of North America because that is the word the explorer used. Rangel's full-page, sometimes somber paintings are reminiscent of Marcia Sewall's work in the Pilgrims of Plimoth (Atheneum, 1986). Where Goodman's book shines is in the foldout maps and diagrams of the voyages and in the journal entries by Hudson and members of his crews. The endpapers, borders, and details such as the page numbers encapsulated in a rising sun symbol add to the book's visual appeal. When the next group of students with an assignment on explorers descends on the library, have this useful and attractive resource on hand. Mollie Bynum, formerly at Chester Valley Elementary School, Anchorage, AK Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. This attractive volume from the Great Explorers Books series begins with an introduction that sets the stage for the Age of Exploration and Hudson's part in it. A foldout map indicating the routes of Hudson's four voyages of exploration extends beyond the pages, making it accessible to readers as they follow his story through the text. Each chapter focuses on one voyage, including its sponsors, purpose, difficulties (sometimes calamities), and its outcome. Full-page, bordered paintings provide dramatic visions of events, while small ink drawings and maps are also effective. An introduction to Hudson's voyages that will spark readers' interest. Carolyn Phelan The story of a man and his son set adrift in the cold Arctic waters with only a few loyal supporters is a compelling one. An engaging text, illustrations that are like oil paintings and excerpts from crewmembers' diaries make this a highly readable and informative addition to library shelves. Recommended. ( Book Report ) An introduction to Hudson's voyages that will spark readers' interest.... A foldout map indicating the routes of Hudson's four voyages of exploration extends beyond the pages, making it accessible to readers.... Full page, bordered paintings provide dramatic visions of events. ( Booklist ) Notable Children's Book in the Field of Social Studies for 2000 ( National Council for the Social Studies and The Ch ) Nonfiction Honor Book 1999 ( VOYA ) Where Goodman's book shines is the foldout maps and diagrams of the voyages and in the journal entries by Hudson and members of his crew ... When the next group of students with an assignment on explorers descends on the library, have this useful and attractive resource on hand. (Mollie Brynum School Library Journal 2000-03-01) [An] overview of the explorer's accomplishments and sad fate. ( Horn Book Guide 1999-07-01) Joan Elizabeth Goodman has written four novels for young adults, including three historical novels. Fernando Rangel illustrated The Panama Canal (Mikaya Press, 1998).