Pirates - Hardcover

In Lamm's (The Prog Frince) spooky yet sprightly tale-within-a-tale, Ellery brings home a library book about pirates, which her brother Max suggests they read in the morning. But the spunky lass insists that they read it "tonight in the dark when we're alone." By flashlight, the girl reads to her terrified sibling the story of Gaspar, who "loots ships that hold treasure and murders anyone who tries to hold on to their gold." Repeatedly interrupting the story, Max attempts to divert its track onto more placid waters, while Ellery determinedly steers it back toward stormier seas. (e.g., " `He buries his treasures in...' `Treasure chests,' guessed Max. `Coffins,' said Ellery"). Peering through the window, Max observes that it might rain and proposes that they read something else, but the relentless Ellery shrugs off his suggestion: "Thunder'll probably crack the house open." Yet relent she does, in a light denouement that entails a droll role reversal. Though Schuett (Purple Mountain Majesties) sprinkles the artwork with skeletons, ravens and bug-eyed pirates, she infuses her pictures with humorous hyperbole more likely to amuse than frighten youngsters. Still, some kids may choose to heed Lamm's sly warning on the back flap: "Do not read this book right before bed or during wild storms." Others will happily snuff out the lamp and grab the flashlight. Ages 6-9.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Gr 2-4-Ellery brings home library books to read to her younger brother, Max, but they are not the kind he wants at all-they're about pirates. He says, "They aren't very nice," and she responds, "They're vicious." Her sole intent is to scare the wits out of him. He wants to wait until morning to hear the story. She waits until it's dark. Then, in the den, she turns the lights down low, and reads by flashlight while sitting in a bay window. The story reads, "He buries his treasures in-." Max guesses, "Treasure chests." Ellery says, "Coffins." The story reads, "-in chests full of-" and Max guesses "Coins, silver, and gold," but Ellery says, "Diamond and ruby rings still attached to fingers." Finally, Max cleverly outsmarts her at her own game. The increasingly fearful expressions of the little boy are priceless as are the "cat-that-swallowed-the-canary" expression on Ellery's face. But the best is her self-realization just before she says, "I think I read too far." The rich color and texture of the larger-than-life pirates have the cinematic feel of a George Lucas film. This is a great read-aloud for a Halloween program, especially if it's a school sleepover, but don't expect anyone to sleep afterward.

Wanda Meyers-Hines, Ridgecrest Elementary School, Huntsville, AL

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.