Pirate Boy

PreS-K—As Danny and his mom finish reading a pirate story, the child imagines becoming a pirate and sailing away. But "What if I don't like it on the pirate ship? And I want to come back home?" he asks. Through questions and answers, his mother explains how she will bring him home, riding a dolphin, battling sea monsters and pirates, and using her handy magic spray. Later, they will play at the beach with Daddy and then head home for cookies. Each time Mom answers his question, Danny responds, "Okay. But, Mom…?" giving the text rhythm and predictability. Cartoon illustrations are digitally painted in muted colors, creating a quiet tone. Despite prominent texturing lines, some spreads feel flat or awkward. Similar in theme and format to Margaret Wise Brown's Runaway Bunny (Harper, 1942) and Lisa McCourt's I Love You, Stinky Face (Troll, 1997), with the addition of the ever-popular pirates, the story is not an essential purchase, but it is one that will find its audience.—Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR