Pirates and Privateers
The History of Maritime
Piracy
Cindy Vallar, Editor
& Reviewer
P.O. Box 425,
Keller, TX 76244-0425
![Skull & crossbones divider](crossbones.gif) ![Skull & crossbones divider](crossbones.gif) ![Skull & crossbones divider](crossbones.gif) ![Skull & crossbones divider](crossbones.gif)
Books for
Young Pirates
![Cover Art: Pedro the Pirate](PedroPirate.jpg)
Pedro the Pirate
by Ciara O’Neal
illustrated by Antonella Fant
Cardinal Rule Press, November 2024, ISBN
9781945369490, US $18.95
Also available in other formats
![Pirate
thumbs-up](me.gif) ![Pirate thumbs-up](me.gif) ![Pirate thumbs-up](me.gif) ![Pirate
thumbs-up](me.gif) ![Pirate thumbs-up](me.gif)
Pedro the
Pirate stands alone. Others offer to help,
but he only needs Parrot the dog. He does
not trust others, especially Governor
Daddysbeard. One day, though, Pedro
locates treasure too heavy for him and
Parrot to take. But the governor has no
trouble seizing it. How ever can Pedro the
Pirate get back the treasure?
Readers are kind of dropped into the
story, not sure exactly what is happening.
Yet this is the perfect way to recreate
what a foster child feels like when placed
in a new foster home. It is a feeling many
can relate to, including the author who
herself was a foster child. She craftily
maintains a piratical atmosphere as Pedro
learns to trust.
The text, which is small for picture or
chapter books, is geared toward young
pirates who know how to read, but the
colorful illustrations allow younger
pirates to understand what’s happening if
the story is read aloud. Simple pirate
lingo adds to the feel of a true pirate
story. The artwork is uncrowded and deftly
conveys exactly what the narrative says.
Treasures abound within these pages, not
just with the story itself but also in the
artwork that accompanies it. The author
provides questions to discuss before the
book is read, while the book is read, and
after the story ends. There is also a “Do
You Speak Pirate” page that includes
instructions on how to “Make Your Own
Treasure Chest.”
Although Pedro the Pirate is a
great introduction to what it’s like to be
a foster child, it’s also a story that any
reader, no matter their age or family
circumstance, will readily understand. As
O’Neal says in her author’s note,
“Everyone, no matter who they are, goes
through stormy waters.” Perhaps learning
about Pedro will allow you to find a way
to navigate through your storm.
Review Copyright ©2024 Cindy Vallar
![Gunner = Send Cindy a
message](cannoneer.jpg)
Click to contact me
Background image compliments
of Anke's Graphics |