"The door was opened. In they came:
A pirate crew. They were not tame.
Now one was fat ...
... and one was thin.
One had a hankie on her head.
One played upon the violin
"Fifteen Bad Men upon a Dead
Man's Chest" and suchlike
pirate ditties."
Do you know anyone who loves a hearty pirate tale? If you do, have I got the book for you. You will not be sorry when you check it out. Take a very close look at the motley crew.
In a surprise twist, two young children find themselves in the company of a brand-new babysitter. Their parents are off to dinner and a flower show, while insisting the children cannot stay home alone.
"His hair was gray. His face was scarred.
Right leg a peg, left hand a hook."
Unimpressed when presented to Long John, they have no idea that he is just the beginning of their pirate adventure. A knock at the door and in pour a diverse and merry band. Nothing quiet or typical about them. A pirate queen promises supper; nothing in the fridge appeals to the pirate crew. Leave it to Long John ... why not pirate stew?
"Pirate Stew! Pirate Stew!
Pirate Stew for me and you!
Pirate Stew! Pirate Stew!
Eat it and you won't be blue.
You can be a pirate too!"
The ingredients are the stuff of pirate legend. Amazing language will have readers eewwwing! and oohing! as they read. Cooking it in a treasure chest, and advising the children that it is worth consuming if they want to be pirates, ensures neither will even give it a try. After the pirates finish eating their stew, the adventure ramps up. The family house becomes a gorgeous flying pirate ship; they sail into the night. Sailing above the town, they notice Sally's donut shop and decide to make a stop. Donut delights! Slightly stale makes no difference to the pirates, or for the children. Then, it's time for home. They arrive just as their parents return, hungry and eager to try the pirate stew. NOOOOOO!
I will leave you to guess what happens next.
Chris Riddell's pirates, setting, facial expressions, energy, adventure, and hair (oh, that hair!) are endlessly funny and very appealing. Engaging for all, this is a bright and delightful read aloud.
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