B.O.O.K.S.

I know very few children who are not fascinated by the life of a pirate. I'm sure isn't all its cracked up to be, but the adventure, the treasure, and the lack of rules appeal to the kid in all of us. "How I Became a Pirate" by Melinda Long and David Shannon is a beautiful book about a small boy who encounters a pirate ship while building a sand castle on North Beach.  The pirates decide to take Jeremy with them because they can see by his sand castle that he is a "good digger."

Jeremy spends the next day with the pirates on their ship and then goes home so he doesn't miss soccer practice.  The book has clever, bright illustrations and is filled with phrases and vocabulary every would-be pirate needs to know.  However, Jeremy discovers pirates have no books and don't "tuck in." He didn't even ask about a good night kiss.

Most of us (and our offspring) are familiar with J.M..Barrie's "Peter Pan."  Now there are two new books to add to the rich text of Peter, Wendy, and the Lost Boys. Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have written prequels to the beloved "Peter Pan." Did you ever wonder how Peter was able to fly? Did you ever wonder how pixie dust came to be?  These two tales, "Peter and the Starcatchers" and "Peter and the Shadow Thieves" give very believable explanations for all the mysteries in the story of "Peter Pan." Peter comes from London to stow away on a ship filled with shady characters and a mysterious trunk.  These delightful books are filled with mystery, danger and adventure. Children over about 10 will enjoy reading them on their own, but they would make great read-alouds for any children.

I believe that no child is too old to be read aloud to. We all need to learn how to visualize the pictures that really good books make in our minds. So, find a pirate book to share with a child today! Go on an adventure or find a treasure to bury! School starts next week for me, so I will be on the hunt for more great books to read this fall and winter.

Harriet Gulbranson has been teaching elementary school for 35 years. She lives in Stuart, Iowa and is a mother of five children. She attended University of South Dakota and received a Bachelors of Science degree in Education. She loves to read!