Zheng's exploits fighting pirates, discovering new lands, and captaining the legendary Treasure Fleet make for a rousing adventure. Admiral Zheng He and his fleet of 'treasure ships' embarked on 7 different expeditions that sailed further than any thought possible - and continued the journey for over 28 years. Finely drawn and colorful pencil drawings by Singaporean artist Lak-Khee Tay-Audouard illustrate this amazing story, told in narrative format with additional historical facts mentioned at length on the bottoms of the pages. Highly recommended for public and children's library collections. Ann Bowler, illustrated by Lak-Khee Tay-Audouard.
—Midwest Book Review

Fascinating Reading!
In the fall of 1405, China launched a fleet of ships to explore and establish China as a rich nation. They sailed under the orders Emperor Zhu Di gave to his childhood friend Zheng He, a man of humble beginnings who had never sailed. How he went about building the ships and sailing more than 35,000 miles makes fascinating reading in Adventures of the Treasure Fleet by Ann Martin Bowler of Loomis.

She writes on two levels. In a narrow, vertical column, she develops the historical fiction of the voyages. Across the bottom of the page in smaller type, she writes a factual account based on her extensive research. Together they add an often overlooked chapter to world history.
Artist Lak-Khee Tay- Audouard pulls it all together with lively, detailed illustrations in color pencil. For end papers, she shows the Chinese admiral's route on a colorful map of China, India and East Africa. 
— Judy Green, the Young Library, the Sacramento Bee

Ann Bowler's story is delightful, engaging, yet incredibly informative. With rich descriptions of the interesting events and characters of the time, the story draws you in immediately. This book is sure to please children and adults alike.
— Jennifer Bloomer- singer/songwriter

A Spectacular Voyage
This gorgeous book is a feast for the mind as well as the senses, opening up a little-known (to Americans) period in the history of China. Ann Bowler takes us sailing through the past with a true story so exotic -- Ships big as football fields! Gold! Jewels! Pirates and warriors! -- That it is hard to believe it is real. Adults as well as children will be enthralled, as we were, with this wonderful and fact-filled journey to ancient times. It is on my gift list for young and old.
— Judith Horstman, Author, Sacramento, CA

Teachers and Parents!! Great book to read to kids again and again!
This beautiful, engaging book delighted my 6th grade history students! The artwork is detailed and gorgeous. There are 2 stories told here. One is historical fiction. It tells of the adventures of the Chinese Admiral who set out to explore for his emperor. The bottom boarder of each page contains the historical information related to each fictional page. My students enjoyed spending time examining the beautiful, detailed artwork on each page. The artwork alone would hold a younger child's attention as the story was read aloud by a parent or teacher.

What did I love most about this book? It inspired my students to ask questions, make connections and have conversations about ancient history!
— D.W., Placerville, California educator

A superb effort!
This beautifully illustrated and written book opens American children's eyes to a fascinating epoch in Chinese history--the great sailing of the "Treasure Fleet" on its several voyages all through Southeast Asia, India, the eastern coast of Africa, and all the way to the Red Sea. Not only does it open a window onto China's rich history, it also provides an excellent geography lesson (thanks to some beautiful maps). Adults will enjoy reading it as well, especially since a "grown-up" history of these voyages is provided at the bottom of the pages. A superb effort!
— Quentin Martin, English professor, Denver, CO

A welcome addition to any library! A terrific way to introduce an important piece of global history and culture to primary and secondary school readers.
This is a treasure of a book, with lively text and illustrations geared to pull the young reader into the world of yesteryear and many of its ancient cultures. Bowler's roots as a teacher are on display. The reader is seamlessly transported into an ancient world, and made to think about how incredible these accomplishments must have felt to people without the modern conveniences we all take for granted.

Intricately detailed art work helps the reader visualize every day life, as well as different cultural characteristics of Africa, India, Siam (now Thailand), what we now call the Middle East, and of course, China. The map at the end of the book helps the readers grasp the magnitude of the 35,000 miles of oceans traveled.

This book tells the story of many fantastic voyages of a visionary explorer in a way that should catch and hold the attention of the reader. What a terrific way to introduce an important piece of our global history and culture to primary and secondary school readers - as well as their parents!
—Allison Branscombe, President, Sacramento chapter of Families with Children from China

A Treasure Chest of History!
Adventures of the Treasure Fleet is much more than a picture book. It is a chapter in world history--85 years before Columbus--that is rarely told. How have we missed the 6'tall Admiral Zheng He's incredible voyages in 300 huge Chinese ships, each the size of football fields? And pirates too! Ann Martin Bowler's detailed research and Lak-Khee Ty-Auduoard's wonderful art have made history an exciting adventure!
—Erin Dealey, California Children's Author