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Swashbuckling Pirate Adventures for Young Readers
By Holly E. Newton

Ahoy, mates! Looking for a good pirate adventure? With “Pirates of the Caribbean III” coming out this week, what better way to really get into the excitement than to read about pirates? Here are some outstanding books on the subject.

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First let’s begin with a very fun and funny read-aloud. Fundorado Island: Redbeard’s Discoveries and His Adventures too, by Captain Redbeard, is a hilarious book that begs to be read aloud. The vantage of the entire book is from the captain’s point of view, so of course it’s written in pirate language. “I hopped on top of me treasure chest and snuggled up under me checkered quilt. It may sound a wee bit uncomfortable, but let’s see ye try to get a sound sleep with unguarded treasure in yer cabin.”

Captain Redbeard is relating his life on the high seas and all of the adventures that came his way and he’s relating them to you, the reader! When he discovers a mermaid swimming along side of his ship, he can’t believe his eyes. She tells him of her special island that has more treasure hidden there than you’d think possible. The name of this incredible island is Fundorado. When his ship runs aground on this same island, he can’t believe his luck. Or is it?

His story continually shifts and changes directions, so you never know how things are going to turn out. There are wonderful illustrations, by Chris Murphy, that are sprinkled throughout that help move the story along. There’s even a dictionary located in the back that defines the peculiar pirate’s language. So, join in the fun and read this gem to your youngsters. But beware, they won’t want you to stop until the end! Arrrrrgh!

The rest of the pirate books are geared for younger children, as they are picture books. Backbeard and the Birthday Suit: The Hairiest Pirate Who Ever Lived, written and illustrated by Matthew McElligott, makes the average mean old pirate look especially crusty. That’s because Backbeard, who is drawn with hair everywhere, is so ugly and smelly that you can almost sense the stink from the book’s pages.

It happens to be his birthday and as his crew yells rude remarks about his appearance, he suddenly takes heed and heads off his ship to a clothing shop where he might find something to wear that doesn’t have holes or smell. He’s also looking for a parrot that won’t leave him because of his smelly appearance. The shopkeeper assures him that he has just the right clothing for him. How he is dressed, and the animal the shopkeeper places on Backbeard’s shoulder will surely have your youngster smiling all the way to the end!

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Pirate Treasure Map: A Fairytale Adventure, by Colin and Jacqui Hawkins, will surely have your young’uns looking for pirate treasure. You’ll find a detailed map on the inside cover that will help you as you follow along. The story is filled with fairytale characters that your little one will recognize. It begins with young Jack Hubbard being swept away by his uncle, Cap’n Horatio Hubbard, due to the need for a cabin boy on his pirate ship.

Old Mother Hubbard gives her consent as Jack is thrilled to go on an adventure with real pirates. However, when he learns that part of the scabbardly crew is about to mutiny, he tells his uncle. Unfortunately, the captain’s map that leads directly to treasure falls overboard. Young Jack is bound and determined not to lose this valuable map and jumps directly into the sea.

The ship continues on its way, but Jack is rescued by an owl and a pussycat as they sail past. Once he’s on land, he realizes he’s on the island where the treasure lies. He encounters Hansel and Gretel, the Three Billy Goats Gruff and the three little ghostesses who were sitting on three little postesses. He eventually locates the treasure box — but you’ll have to read the story to find out what the box contains!

Captain Abdul’s Little Treasure, by Colin McNaughton, is another funny story about the adventures of a pirate ship. This story begins when the crew discovers a chest as the captain trips over it. When they open the lid, what do they discover? The captain’s very own baby. His wife has decided to go pirating along with the other pirate wives. As each crewmember takes turns tending the little treasure, you’ll discover how much everyone on the ship becomes enamored with this little baby. There’s a wonderful CD that reads like a movie of the mind included in the back.

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And while we’re on the subject of babies, Pirates Don’t Change Diapers, by Melinda Long, and perfectly illustrated by David Shannon, is another hilarious story about pirates and tending young’uns. When Jeremy Jacob’s mom leaves home to buy some milk, she also leaves her son in charge of the baby sister. As soon as she leaves, there’s a knock at the door. Jeremy Jacob opens the door to a full crew of pirates. Their ship has had a bit of trouble and they need to dig in Jeremy’s back yard to retrieve their treasure to pay for the damages to the ship. Jeremy Jacob won’t let them dig anywhere until his little sister stops crying. And so begins the babysitting by a ship of pirates as they try to console the baby. As with all of Shannon’s wonderfully illustrated books, add this one to the list.

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And for a real peek into the life of a pirate on a ship’s cramped quarters, A Pirate’s Life, by Salina Yoon, is a simple board book with lift-the flaps, stickers and loads of information about life at sea. The flaps and stickers make this learning book loads of fun!

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