Reviews (9)

For Elementary School Kids and their Grandpa's
This book is said to be suitable for ages 8 (3rd Grade) and up. It's also extremely suited for grandparents. It combines an interesting story line, Captain Lubber is sailing the world searching for the vicious female pirate Arabella Drummond. The book purports to be his journal or log of the trip and what he learned along the way. It is printed on a heavy parchment paper, and filled with activities requiring that you look at a little book glued onto a page, or tie knots with the strings on another page.
Not Just for Kids
While this is graded for ages 3 and older, it's reviewed here so that all ages will see it, as nobody with an interest in pirates will want to miss the captivating, gorgeous PIRATEOLOGY: A PIRATE HUNTER'S COMPANION. Here is the journal of Captain William Lubber, who sailed in search of female pirate Arabella Drummond. Dugald Steer edits an account which is vivid, packed with photos and illustration, and holds pockets of 'letters' throughout, along with a compass embedded in its cover. Maps and drawings are excellent and entire families will appreciate the coverage; not just kids~

Pirateology
Absolutely for all who have any interest in pirates.Beautifully presented and full of interesting information. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adventure & Adventurers    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Juvenile Folk Tales / Mythology / Fables    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Pirates    8. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    9. Social Science - Folklore & Mythology    10. Specimens    11. Toy and movable books    12. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (151)

Parents - Please Read This Review
I really wanted to like this book. I bought it to read with my 9-year old because she and I are so interested in Pirate stories. I am also a fan of Dave Barry and so thought this would be fun for both her and I.
The answer to (almost) all of your questions about Neverland
This really cool "prequel" answers once and for all the burning questions you have been harboring about the man-child who lives in Neverland with other little boys.No, no - not THAT one, I'm talking about Peter Pan, the fairy-loving, pirate-hating leader of the Lost Boys. (Same thing, you say - but that's a different story altogether)
Eh...
This book is okay. It never really immerses you in the world--instead you just sort of skim along the top of it, half-caring about what happens next. Everyone feels like a stock characters: the "bad guys" are bumbling idiots, and the good guys (even Peter) are self-sacrificing and far-seeing. We barely even see the task force which calls itself the Starcatchers, and the book really could have survived without them. Tinkerbell doesn't show up till the last page or so (I spent most of the book wishing for the fairy to come breathe some complexity and life into the cast), and the croc never eats the clock.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Characters in literature    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Magic    8. Orphans    9. Pirates    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (9)

Great book for pirate lovers - parents of easily frightened young ones should take caution
I bought this for my 4 year old son who LOVES pirates right now after viewing the first "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie and seeing the "Tall Ships" on the Great Lakes.I was afraid he would be scared by the pirates turning into skeletons, etc. but he was not - in fact he wanted to watch it again and again.So when I saw this book I knew he'd love it, and he does.Every night before bed he takes out all the separate letters and cards, has me read them, then puts them back in their envelopes.He also has me read all the different types of ships over and over again - he can now name some ship types by memory.This book is very well laid out - even I find the information very interesting and learned things I did not know.
Fantastic Fun
My young son and I were both thrilled with this interesting book.All the extras fascinated my son as I hoped they would.

A Useful Resource and Just Plain Fun
This is an attractively put together book on the history and details of pirate life. I have been searching for a resource on the subject that presents information on pirates in such a way as to not seem tedious and boring, but instead inspiring and fun (which, as we all know--pirates are fun!). With all the interest sparked on the pillaging bands of men, and sometimes women, with recent films this volume is a must have for anyone with an interest in pirates. Of course, it would obviously appeal to children and is definitely appropriate for that tender age group, but adults can also find much to appreciate.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. History - Military & Wars    4. Juvenile General And Reference Works    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Pirates    8. Specimens    9. Toy and movable books    10. Transportation - Boats, Ships & Underwater Craft    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Transportation / Boats, Ships & Underwater Craft   

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Characters in literature    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Science Fiction    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Mermaids    9. Pirates    10. Readers - Chapter Books    11. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    12. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Editorial Review

Ahoy there, matey! All buccaneers to the poop deck or ye'll be walkin' the plank! Aaarrgh! Author and illustrator Tom Lichtenheld always wondered why pirates' pants are so raggedy on the bottom edges, and what makes pirates so crabby all the time, and why it is that earrings were macho on pirates way before they became cool for any other guys. Sohe decided it was up to him to write the final word on piratedom. This encyclopedia of spectacularly unscientific, unfounded facts about those nasty brigands of the sea will thoroughly satisfy the curiosity of landlubbin' vermin and pirate wannabes alike. Complete with name charts (pick one word from each of three columns to come up with a name like Blind Tooth Willy or One Boot Kidd), diagrams of swashbuckler fashion, and cutaway views of pirate ships, this volume is chock full of unforgettable and indispensable details of the buccaneering life. Did you know, for example, that pirates are very clumsy--why else would they always end up with eye patches and hooks? And the skull and crossbones was Read more

Reviews (19)

GREAT ILLUSTRATIONS & FUN
Ohh, this is a wonderful book.So it might misrepresent actual facts about pirates-soooo what.Do you tell kids that Santas not real?Your kid can look at this book and distinquish fact from fiction.This book is fun, colorful, and creative.(wonderful for children)If your 5-yr old is looking at writing a thesis on the history of pirates for an early admittance to Harvard than buy a different book.Otherwise, this is a colorful piece of young literature for your child.I recommend Lichtenheld's other books too.

Funny but misguided
If all looking for is a few laughs, this book is worth reading.
Everything I Know About Getting Kids to Read
If you don't find humor in this book, you just don't know how to laugh.For kids, there is nothing funnier than talking about boogers, B.O., and other stinky stuff.Adults sometimes loose site of the fun stuff in life...get this book and lighten up...you just might remeber what if feels like to be a kid again.If you are looking for hard facts about pirates, this is not the book for you (which, if you read the editor's review you would know).Tom Lichtenheld did a wonderful job incorporating a savy sense of humor, a rich vocabulary, and interesting illustrations into a book that kids will want to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Humorous Stories    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. Miscellanea    7. Pirates    8. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (2)

read age limit
Great book, but I did not pay close enough attention to the reccommended age limit. It really is a bit too much for my 7 year old. 9 years and up is accurate. It is a very fun book though, with lots of activities and things to make.

Two Hooks Up!
My kids and I love this book.There were so many cute ideas, several parties worth.Pirates are a hit with most kids and this book uses this theme combined with simple objects to make things that kids will think are awesome.I especially liked the recipes, the place cards, the ideas to make with salt dough, and the pirate facts throughout the book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity Books - General    2. Children's 9-12 - Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Creative activities and seat w    6. Creative activities and seat work    7. Games & Activities - General    8. Handicraft    9. Juvenile literature    10. Pirates    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Activity Books   

Reviews (1)

Really Good!
I personally far prefer the non-fiction companions to the Magic Tree House Books.The Magic Tree House books don't seem to have a lot of "meat" to them and aren't very interesting to me or many of my (...) grade students.The non-fiction companions are truly absorbing and interesting.I enjoy them quite a bit and look forward to getting more for my students, and forgeting the fiction books altogether. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Juvenile Nonfiction    4. Juvenile literature    5. People & Places - Other    6. Pirates    7. Juvenile Nonfiction / People & Places / Other   

Reviews (1)

Treasure Pleasure
Treasure Island
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Subjects:  1. Adventure and adventurers    2. Buried treasure    3. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Classics    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Pirates    10. BG-HISTORY - BG-ANCIENT/ARCHAEOLO    11. Classic fiction    12. Juvenile Fiction / Classics   

Reviews (6)

Adorable story
This is an adorable children's book that is thoroughly enjoyed by children and adults alike!Cute humor is interspersed in this story of a jolly pirate.As one might imagine, a jolly pirate is not exactly ideal--or is it?And is there a reason for a pirate flag to be called The Jolly Roger?Read this book to find out.A great book to accompany this one is How I became a Pirate.This story has become a favorite in my second grade classroom.It was a great bargain.Share this book with a special child in your life. I love books that can combine humor with a plot that hooks kids; this is one of those books.

A must have!
While on the ship, Roger is constantly made fun of for his odd behavior as a pirate.He is constantly ridiculed and put below the deck when they attack someone.But, in the end, it's Roger's silliness that saves the day for the ship.
A Big Hit At Our House
My almost 4 year old has recently become entranced with pirates, and this book has been a big hit at our house. The illustrations are wonderful, the story is witty and fun to read out loud for parents, and it's neither too realistically gory nor too white-washy as far as what real pirates were like. We like singing the song at the end too. Great for any kid that likes pirates (or even those who don't--it's just a fun story). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 1-2    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Humorous fiction    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Legends, Myths, & Fables - General    11. Pirates    12. Preschool Picture Story Books    13. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure    14. Language & Literature   

Reviews (7)

A. D. Tarbox, Freelance Reviewer for Midwest Book Review
PIRATE is a great resource for kids 9 and older. The photographs and illustrations, combined with the very informative text, make this a great addition to any pirate enthusiasts library. I actually used this book, and many adult books, as part of my pirate research for one of my novels. PIRATE will take the reader from ancient pirates through the golden age of piracy (1700's) until piracy decline in the 19th century. However, as recent news reports will attest, there are still pirates out there sailing our seas.
So Great it Lasts a Decade
Right, so I've had this book for 10 years, and yeah, it's probably a slightly different version, but regardless, I've had it for ten years and it's downright useful. I'm an artist and writer, and it's a great thing to have. The pictures are very, very vivid, and the short tidbits on piraticalness are excellent accompanionments. In fact, this book started my interest in piracy. And though it is definitely not the only book in my pirate collection nowadays, it's just as loved and useful as when it was.

Not for very young children
This book is not for young children.I purchased this for my 5 year old who is just crazy about pirates and I was did not end up giving it to him.Heed the age recommendations.There are a few disturbing images of pirate punishment devices.It is an informative and interesting book for older children though. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Children's 9-12 - Reference    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. General    6. Historical - Other    7. Juvenile literature    8. Pirates    9. Reference - General    10. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Reviews (1)

Lots of Info!Argh!
This book is chock full of beautiful pictures and offers a brief discussion on:What are pirates?, On the High Seas, A Pirate Ship, Life aboard a ship, Tools of the Trade, Barbary Pirates, The Spanish Main, Piracy in the Caribbean, African Coasts, The Orient, Pirate Women, Buried Treasure, Rules of the Game and Pirates of Today.The book also includes a short glossary of some of the terms used in the book.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. History - General    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Pirates    8. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / General   

Reviews (24)

WHAT A BRILLIANT IDEA!
I have always loved the villains the best in stories: Long John Silver in Treasure Island; Professor Snape in Harry Potter; Captain Hook in Peter Pan; and the list goes on. Now, after all these years, someone has the clever idea to write a book explaining the who and why and how of Captain Hook! I think it's marvelous! An extraordinary concept that I wish I'd thought of - and been talented enough to have been able to have written such a book! It doesn't take any of the magic away from the original Peter Pan story for me at all (as another reviewer claimed it did for him)! Not one bit. In fact, it simply adds to the Peter Pan fantasy's rich and long-lasting mystique!

A shameless joke.
Some authors have no shame. Unfortunately, this is the case of J.V. Hart. He shamelessly use James Matthew Barrie's famous character, Jas. Hook, to give to his book some "automatic" importance. I found myself really disappointed when I compared Barrie's Hook and J.V. Hart's version. Once you read this book you come to the conclusion that it doesn't alter that much to change Jas. Hook's name to William or Steve; it's a whole new character that stole the name of Barrie's character and bears little--or any--resemblance to the one we all know and respect.
And about time too.
Finally, someone has gotten around to telling the story of the real hero of Neverland (as far as there are any heroes, in a place into which you escape in order to avoid dealing with everyday life).
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Biographical - European    3. Characters in literature    4. Children's All Ages - Literature    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 4-6    7. Eton College    8. Fiction    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Legends, Myths, & Fables - General    11. Pirates    12. Science Fiction / Fantasy (Young Adult)    13. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    14. Study skills    15. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Reviews (8)

Ahoy mateys!A fine book!
I bought this book for a homeschool unit study on Pirates and it is wonderful.The pictures are beautiful and the book itself is very informative.It does contain a lot of "new" vocabulary words, but the book also includes a glossary.

A Pirate's Life for Me!: A Day Aboard a Pirate Ship
This book is so popular on the Seacoast of New Hampshire because, the real-life pirate of Brownie Macintoch, performer and songwriter, comes along with this book.He and Julie are a fixture of children's summer entertainment. (Check out www.juliebrownie.com)This book is a realistic portrait of a pirate without the details that are not necessary for young children.If this book interests a child, more books are available that have "those kinds" of details and others that are more gentle.

It Could Be Better!!!
First off I want to say I loved the sea chanty tape.The book would have been better if it had a story line or gave more explanations.I've been reading about pirates for a few years, and I know some of the statements were wrong according to the books I've read.However the pictures are colorful and bright. And most young children would enjoy this simple book about pirates even though it's not quite cohesive or accurate. I will recommend this book for the younger children who are interested in piracy and need an introduction to history.A few months ago I read an excellent novel to my 5th grade granddaughter that was based on documentation and included photos.It was titled THE DIARY OF A SLAVE GIRL, RUBY JO and was about the week Blackbeard and his men on 4 ships held Charlestonians hostage to obtain medicine for his crews.That book had a good story, wonderful slave children characters, was funny, and entertaining! I recommend that one to anyone 10 and up. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. General    5. History - General    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Pirates    9. Reference - General    10. Archaeology    11. Crime & violence    12. History    13. Human geography / peoples of the world   

Subjects:  1. Adventure & Adventurers    2. Children's 9-12 - Sports / Recreation / Outdoors    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. History - General    6. History - Other    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Pirates    10. Sailing - Narratives   

Subjects:  1. Adventure & Adventurers    2. Children's 9-12 - Sports / Recreation / Outdoors    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. History - Military & Wars    6. Juvenile History    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Law & Crime    10. Pirates    11. Sailing - Narratives    12. Weapons   

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Capture at sea    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. General    6. History - General    7. Juvenile History    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Law & Crime    11. Pirates    12. Treasure-troves   

Subjects:  1. Adventure & Adventurers    2. Children's 9-12 - Sports / Recreation / Outdoors    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. History - General    6. Juvenile History    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Law & Crime    10. Pirates    11. Sailing - Narratives    12. Sailing ships    13. Transportation - Boats, Ships & Underwater Craft   

Editorial Review

Climb aboard for the swashbuckling adventure of a lifetime. Read more

Reviews (233)

Let us dance the dance of life
I had to read this book when I was in 7th grade and I really didn't care for itand after I read through it I forgot all about it. Luckily I accidentally kept it and didn't return it because years later I came across it and I decided to give it another chance. I'm glad I did because it's a good adventure book that will keep you interested the whole time. This book has everything from buried treasure, pirates, fighting, sailing on the open seas anddrinking rum. This is a book for both children and adults looking for adventure and a way to escape their everyday life.

A Must Read!
Excellent. A fantastic tale of greed, heroics, and courage. The hero, Jim Hawkins, is swept into a perilous adventure when an old pirate wanders into his home and dies, leaving behind a legendary treasure map. Creative, fun, and exciting, Treasure Island is a must read for people of all ages!

Great piece of pirate myth!
The book is a classy reproduction of the original with all of the wonderful N.C. Wyeth illustrations.A great addition to any library with a piratical bent of mind. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 19th Century English Novel And Short Story    2. Action & Adventure    3. Action & Adventure - General    4. Adventure and adventurers    5. Buried treasure    6. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    7. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    8. Children: Grades 4-6    9. Classics    10. Fiction    11. Pirates    12. 19th century fiction    13. English    14. Juvenile Fiction / Classics    15. Novels, other prose & writers: 19th century   

Reviews (4)

educational and fun!
This book was great fun, and educational too. Very nice illustrations on every page, and nice ones too. Book tries to tell what a Pirates life was like in reality, at least the best way you can describe it to an elementary school student. That is the age this book fits best. Has a neat replica of the "Pirates Code of Conduct", which really is the warped honor among thieves rules they went by.Examples of real pirate flags. Briefly touches on a few famous real pirates too.
My 6 year old son absolutely loves this book!
The book talks about actual pirates and their adventures.My 6 year old son absolutely loves it.

A Great Pirate Book
I am the mother of two boys ages 3 and 4. They love this book. The story and pictures keep their attention and this is the first book they often ask for. An easy read as a parent. An excellent buy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Historical - Other    4. Juvenile literature    5. Pirates    6. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / Counting   

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Caribbean Sea    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. General    6. Harbors    7. History - Other    8. Juvenile History    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature    11. Law & Crime    12. Pirates