Bunting, Eve Pirate Boy

Bunting, Eve.  Pirate Boy  

 Holiday House     2011  unp   16.95 978-0-8234-2321-7 

 elem  E-BN  Realistic Fiction  

     A boy dreams of sailing on a pirate ship but wants confirmation from his mother that she will always be there to calm his fears. Bright, detail-rich illustrations meld beautifully with the text. A pinch of humor underlies the text and illustrations. Preschool.  When a boy finishes reading a book about pirate ships he decides he would like to sail on one, but has many questions and fears about his safety. Mom replies to each fear with strong understanding that her son just needs reassurance that his mother loves him and will be there to help him if he needs it. Humor is evident in the drawings by Julie Fortenberry such as the fish bowl in the family home having a pirate ship and sunken treasure in it. One of the best illustrations that extend the story is the spray bottle filled with a magic potion that will make the pirates small so they are no longer a threat. The label on the spray bottle says newt free with mint and includes directions to shrink or grow pirates and monsters. Every mother should have such a magic potion!  This book has the perfect connection between the text and the illustrations.  

      A book sure to be a hit with children who will want it read time and again. It could easily serve as a bedtime story since it is not a scary pirate story. Instead it is a very reassuring story of a mother’s ability to conquer pirates and allow her son a great adventure. Preschool through grade 2.             Mother - Son Relationships      Lois McNicol