Stories of Pirates

Author: Russell Punter

Illustrated by: Christyan Fox

Publishing information: (Usborne Publishing Ltd, 31 May 2007, Ages 4-8)

Number of Pages: 46 pages

Genre: Caricature (fiction)

Summary of Plot:       

The book was divided into three chapters, each telling a different pirate story.

The first story was about a boy named Charlie Crossbones. He had spent ten years at pirate school and was officially a pirate. He knew how to be a pirate, and even had a ship. He just did not have the parrot to complete the look. One day there was a sale, full of many parrots of all shapes and sizes. However, they were too expensive. The seller said he could have a cheap parrot as he was turning to leave…It was a loud and squawky parrot. When Charlie tried to steal treasure, the parrot would give him away. He tried to lose it, but it always found its way to him again. It all changed when the parrot was able to save them from being robbed. The captain was very thankful, and gave Charlie money for it. Charlie could now buy a much quieter parrot, which he did.

The second story was about how a girl named Molly was taken captive off of her ship, by a band of pirates seeking treasure. They made her walk the plank after she wouldn’t tell them and give them the key. She just jumped onto the port of an island that they had come to. The pirates got arrested, and Molly came out unharmed. Molly became a lighthouse keeper.

The third story was about a guy named Sam Sardine’s dream to become a sailor. He got a job working as a deck hand. He swept, he cooked, and he washed. He pled to his captain to give him a more exciting job. The captain let him guard a treasure chest at night. He fell asleep though, and it got stolen. To his credit, on land Sam was able to catch the thief. Sam got to steer the ship.        

My Reaction to the book:

            The stories were entertaining. The plots were catching. I liked the comical type of feel that this book had.  I think reading about adventures is catching. It wasn’t boring. I felt like having the larger text size is helpful to people.

Potential Problems:

            Pirates and theft are a major part of the book.

Recommendations:

            I noticed several literary elements stressed in this book. I noticed alliteration. Several sounds were repeated, such as: Sam Sardine, Charlie Crossbones, and Macintosh Mullet and Molly. This book also stresses dialogue. This is important for the age of the target readers. Many kids like pirates. This book will appeal to their interests.