✰✰✰½ Lewis Dearborn is a shy young boy. Like many kids, he dreads going to school. When his family inherits a rundown seaside mansion, all his mother can do is make quick plans to sell it. Lewis, on the other hand, is in for the adventure of a lifetime. When Lewis quickly claims the tower room for his bedroom, he learns that it comes complete with ghosts. And not just one or two ghosts, but seven in all!
Seven pirate ghosts can be a little bit overwhelming until you get used to them. While Lewis' days are filled with school bullies and not being able to speak up for himself, Lewis' nights are filled with ghostly parties and fun. It isn't long before the pirate ghosts ask Lewis for help; they wish to return to the Maria Louisa, their long-lost ship. With the help of a peculiar classmate, Abriella, Lewis embarks on a mission to help the pirates out. Will he be able to find the courage to complete the task, or will he chicken out? Only time will tell, but Lewis better hurry up before another group of rowdy ghost pirates take up residence on the Maria Louisa.
The Bottom Line: This ghost story for middle grade readers is an adventurous tale of friendship and acceptance. Author Linda Bailey teaches us that it's perfectly okay to be different. Despite the slow beginning, the tale steadily picks up speed and finishes with an adventurous splash.
Details: Seven Dead Pirates by Linda Bailey. Hardcover published by Tundra Books in 2015. 304 p. ISBN: 9781770498150 NOTE: I received a free advance reading copy from Tundra Books in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.
✰✰✰✰✰ On the night before Christmas aboard the pirate ship, the Black Sark, all is quiet. With the stockin's stuck to the bowsprit and visions of treasure chests dancing in thar heads, Sir Peggedy is bound to visit the buccaneers. When suddenly thar arose such a racket and eight giant sea horses and a sleigh with Sir Peggedy flew up from the sea. He said not a word and went straight to his work stuffing stockin's with presents only a pirate could love. There's holiday cheer for every good buccaneer except one. Just when it looks like one little pirate is left out, a simple piece of parchment floats down to the deck. What could it be? Will it save Christmas Day? Check out this seaworthy tale to find out why even pirates look forward to Christmas and a visit from Sir Peggedy.
The Bottom Line: This is a fun parody of Clement C. Moore's classic poem, Twas the Night Before Christmas. The poem is filled with pirate lingo. A pirate glossary is included at the end for those unfamiliar with typical pirate talk. Serra's digitally colored illustrations are fun and engaging. Highly recommended holiday reading for little buccaneers and seadogs in grades Pre-K - 2, especially those interested in pirates and the sea. This would also be fun for story hour at school or the library. Kids will love learning to speak Pirate.
Details: A Pirate's Night Before Christmas written by Philip Yates & illustrated by Sebastià Serra. Picture book hardcover published by Sterling in 2008. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-4027-4257-6
