Latest Edition - Reviews...

Blackbird Reads "Pirates"
by Deborah Wright

You can't beat a good swashbuckling yarn, and here's a selection for all ages starting with the younger ones.

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"Pirate Pete"
by Nick Sharrat published by Walker

Very simple, very cheerful, but the fun lies in the press-outs which allow you to change the subjects: 'Shiver me timbers... I see a pig / balloon / seagull / doughnut in the sky.' Children love choosing, the crazier the better.

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"Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs
by Giles Andreae published by Puffin

When Flinn looks in the art room cupboard, he discovers a real live pirate, Captain Stubble (and very sleazy he looks too). Together they discover pirate dinosaurs and a terrific battle ensues. Lots of 'yo, ho, ho!' and terrific illustrations, especially a T.Rex complete with pirate hat and cutlass.

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"The Man Whose Mother was a Pirate"
by Margaret Mahy published by Puffin

A weedy little man in a dull office job is transformed when his mad pirate mother takes him to the sea where the 'drift and the dream of it, weave and the wave of it, the fume and foam of it never left him again,' and a new pirate joins up.

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"The Barefoot book of Pirates"
by Richard Walker published by Barefoot Books

Seven well-written traditional pirate stories from around the world. Lots of lovely, intricate illustrations, so it's ideal for children of 5 and over who are moving on from picture books.

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"Pirates, Plants and Plunder"
by Stewart Ross published by Eden Project Books (Random House)

For older children, this is a fascinating collection of true-life stories of explorers who braved pirates and other dangers to bring back plants from all over the world. With chapters like 'Risking Death for Rhododendrons' this is no dusty account, but an exciting and vivid read.

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"How to be a Pirate by Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III"
translated Cressida Cowell
published by Hodder

Completely different, this is a spoof for older children, the sort of book which adults find tiresome, and children love. The title says it all...

And don't forget the Pugwash stories by John Ryan with the dastardly pirate Cutthroat Jake.

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