"Villagers like to come to rest and cool down in the shade of a huge, old tree. But when a young traveler decides to join them one day, a rich man on whose land the tree stands demands they leave because he owns the tree and therefore its shade. Thinking fast, the traveler strikes a deal: one that will enable him to outsmart the rich man--and ensure that the villagers will always have access to the shade tree's shade, wherever it may fall."--

A swashbuckling tale of leaving home, and the joy of adventure. Drawn to the horizon since she was small, the heroine of this story longs to discover what lies beyond it. She builds herself a boat, with the help of her parents, who know they cannot keep her on the little island they call home. With courage, joy, and the gift of the most brilliant of swords from her parents, she sets off. She sails through storms, faces down sea monsters, and comes...