No Bath, No Cake!: Polly's Pirate Party

K-Gr 3—When a group of silly pirates receives an invitation to Polly's birthday party, they're overjoyed with visions of sweets, including cake. As they rush to set sail, Pete, the pirate parrot, informs them about their lack of personal grooming. They are advised to take a bath and buy something "smart" to wear. Humorous illustrations show the zany pirates scrub-a-dubbing in an old wooden tub and then being measured and modeling clothes in a fashion boutique. Just when they think they are ready for the festivities, Pete advises them to bring a wrapped present-sabers, wooden legs, and cannons aren't fit for a little girl. Overjoyed with glee, the curious pirates flee to the party with a doll, only to have their own surprise waiting for them. Readers will giggle over the ridiculous pirate names-Spoonbelly, Hairpin Hairy, etc.-and the loony facial expressions. However, adults may not appreciate the violence Pete experiences because of his misguided advice. He is gagged and tied to a wooden pole, a scene that storytellers might have trouble explaining. Still, paired with Roberta Baker's Olive's Pirate Party (Little, Brown, 2005) and Melinda Long's How I Became a Pirate (Harcourt, 2003), there's some goofy good fun for young pirate wannabes.—Krista Welz, The North Bergen Public Library, NJ