Monday, August 10, 2009

Shiver Me Timbers: Books of Pirates and Scallywags

Below is a small collection of delightful and imaginative tales involving pirates.  But not to worry - these stories aren't too scary for young readers.  And if you're looking for more pirate books, ask your librarian.  There are lots out there to be found.  X marks the spot!

Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies by Carolyn Crimi
Henry, a pirate bunny, isn't your typical pirate.  He's more into books than into pirating and he has a hard time convincing his crew mates of the value of books.  That is until the day that they are marooned on a deserted island and by use of the information from Henry's books they are able to save themselves.  (Ages 4-8)
(Full bibliographic info: Crimi, Craolyn. Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies. Candlewick Press, 2005.)

Dirty Joe, the Pirate: A True Story by Bill Harley
This book is quite funny.  Dirty Joe is a pirate leading a band who are out to pilfer dirty socks.  Truly.  And they are ruling the seas until they meet their match in Stinky Annie who is out for dirty underwear.  Yep.  Dirty underwear.  (Ages 3-8)
(Full bibliographic info: Harley, Bill. Dirty Joe, the Pirate: A True Story. Harper Collins, 2008.)

The Night Pirates by Peter Harris
A little boy joins in to accompany a band of girl pirates who have tried to steal the front of his house to disguise their ship in their dreamlike adventures.  (Ages 4-9)
(Full bibliographic info: Harris, Peter. The Night Pirates. Scholastic Press, 2006.)

Roger, the Jolly Pirate by Brett Hellquist
Have you ever wondered where the name "The Jolly Roger" name originated?  Or the skull and cross bones on the flag?  Hellquist has invented a hilarious story about a pirate named Roger who stumbles and bumbles his jolly way into history.  (Ages 4-9)
(Full bibliographic info: Hellquist, Brett. Roger, the Jolly Pirate. Harper Collins, 2004.)

Bubble Bath Pirates! by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Bath time is pirate time for these two boys as their mom ushers them through their nightly routine of waking the plank (getting into the tub) and raiding the treasure (getting chocolate ice-cream).  Filled with lively pirate-speak, this story plays along with bold illustrations and lots of fun.  (Ages 2-7)
(Full bibliographic info: Krosoczka, Jarrett J. Bubble Bath Pirates! Viking 2003.)

How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long
Jeremy is enjoying his simple day at the beach when along comes a pirate ship and a band of pirates who are looking for a digger just like him.  Figuring that his family won't miss him so long as he's back by soccer practice, Jeremy joins up on the pirate ship.  He loves the pirate life - at first, but as the night turns stormy, he decides he'd rather be back on dry land.  (Ages 3-9)
(Full bibliographic info: Long, Melinda. How I Became a Pirate. Harcourt, 2003.)

Edward and the Pirates by David McPhail
Edward borrows a pirate adventure book about a lost treasure from the library and the pirates show up wanting the book.  Edward obviously can't give it to them (it is a borrowed library book) and when he learns that the pirates aren't able to read it themselves, he reads it for them.  (Ages 4-9)
(Full bibliographic info: McPhail, David. Edward and the Pirates. Brown, 1997.)

Shiver Me Letters, A Pirate ABC by June Sobel
In search of more letters than just "Rrrr", this pirate crew journeys through the alphabet sea. With so many alphabet books out there, this one takes a fun twist.  (Ages 2-7)
(Full bibliographic info: Sobel, June. Shiver Me Letters. Harcourt, 2006.)

This Little Pirate by Philemon Sturges
To the rhythm of "This Little Piggie", this story tells of two bands of pirates who arrive at a treasure chest at the same time.  After an exhausting face-off, the two groups decide to team together to enjoy the treasure and throw a party.  And who doesn't love a party?  (Ages 2-7)
(Full bibliographic info: Sturges, Philemon. This Little Pirate. Dutton Children's Books, 2005.)

A Pirate's Night Before Christmas by Philip Yates
Slightly out of season right now, mark this one for the holidays.  A variation on the classic Christmas poem, this festive and bright pirate version offers a little something different for the season.  (Ages 3-9)
(Full bibliographic info: Yates, Philip. A Pirate's Night Before Christmas. Sterling Pub Co, 2008.)
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2 comments:

  1. I love pirates! We should have put our heads together over this one - I have a pirate party coming up in Literacy Lava 2!

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  2. Thank you for your lists. This one is great, we love pirates! Sometimes when I go to the library I don't like spending time to search for good books. Having a list ready with books that have been recommended is perfect!
    I have a post called Bookworm Beginnings and would love for you to come on over and link a list to it each month! What's funny is that your first pirate book is the book I reviewed on my post!
    http://fantasticfind.blogspot.com/2009/10/bookworm-beginnings.html
    I like your blog a lot. Thanks, Chels

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