The Skeleton Pirate

K-Gr 2—Beware the Skeleton Pirate, the Terror of the Seas. "I'll never be beaten," he shouts, until one day he is finally tossed overboard. Down, down he travels to the bottom of the sea where he meets a lovely mermaid. But "they didn't notice the Whale. SNAP! GULP." They are in its belly along with a golden ship and chests filled with treasure. Still the Skeleton Pirate insists, "We're not beaten yet!" Thanks to the clever mermaid, who gently suggests that he use his words instead of deeds, the Whale agrees to let them go along with the riches, which have been making the creature feel ill-a happy ending indeed. Whimsical ink and watercolor spreads enhance this farcical tale. Elegantly dressed rogue pirates scamper over the ship wielding weapons, and the skeleton is less than chilling. By far the most striking illustration is the labeled cross-section entitled "The Whale A MAP." Children will delight in this romp, which is a welcome and fresh addition to pirate tales, with no "arrrggghhh's" to be found.—Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools, OH