The Pirates of Captain McKee! written by Julie Lawson and illustrated by Werner Zimmermann
Picture book published by Scholastic Canada

Originally published as Whatever You Do, Don’t Go Near that Canoe, The Pirates of Captain McKee is a rollicking adventure story that will have broad appeal to young children, especially those who love pirates.

A nominee for The 1996 Canada Council for the Arts Governor General’s Literacy Award for illustration, The Pirates of Captain McKee tells the story of two children, a brother and sister, who are warned not to go near a canoe. The warning, given by Captain Kelsey McKee, is accompanied by a wink so the children are undeterred. They don lifejackets and climb into the canoe. Before long they find themselves well away from the dock.

Through fast-running currents, through slow-rolling tides,
Far into the fading light,
Through sun flecks and sunset, through dusk’s purple haze,
The canoe sped into the night.

Although returning to the safety of home seems a great idea, the children are not in control. The magical canoe is deciding their course. Just before dawn, the canoe and the children approach a pirate ship at anchor and many, many intimidating pirates onshore. The pirates recognize the canoe and decide to teach the children a lesson. Frightened about their predicament, the children fear the worst until they notice a “marvellous smell… There’s marshmallows roasting round here!”

Gorgeous illustrations and delightful rhyming text make this a wonderful read aloud for children aged four and up.

To extend the read aloud experience –

The Pirates of Captain McKee at Amazon.com

The Pirates of Captain McKee at Amazon.ca

Storytime Standouts - Raising Children Who Love to Read

Can You See What I See? Treasure Ship created by Walter Wick
Picture Puzzle Book published by Scholastic

Picture puzzles can be entertaining, intriguing and sometimes frustrating. As well, for our children, they represent a marvelous opportunity for cognitive development – especially when enjoyed with a chatty adult.

Apart from noticing very small details, the adult-child discussion that can accompany a book like Can You See What I See? Treasure Ship is not-to-be missed. Author/illustrator Walter Wick challenges his young readers to discover all sorts of wonderful words that they aren’t likely to encounter unless an adult is part of the experience.

So, come aboard, explore the bounty of intriguing illustrations and share these vocabulary treasures with your child: saber, peacock, hourglass, tattered, bugle and more.

Can You See What I See? Treasure Ship at Amazon.com

Can You See What I See? Treasure Ship at Amazon.ca

Extend your child’s learning with these free pirate theme printables –
Note: There is a file embedded within this post, please visit this post to download the file.

Storytime Standouts - Raising Children Who Love to Read

The Wave Runners by Kai Meyer
Teen fiction published by Egmont UK Ltd.

The Wave Runner is the first book in an exciting, fantasy-adventure trilogy for middle grade readers. Mr. Meyer meshes an exotic Caribbean setting, dangerous, swash-buckling pirates and intriguing fantastical creatures to create an exciting tale.

We follow the story of Jolly, a 14 year old polliwiggle (someone who can walk on water). Jolly could be the last surviving polliwiggle and is certainly a key to to defeating evil forces that threaten the Caribbean.

Be warned, the ending of this book leaves many questions unanswered and will draw readers to (Part 2) The Shell Magicians like pirates to treasure.

Pirate Curse (The Wave Walkers Book One)
The Wave Runners at Amazon.ca

Storytime Standouts - Raising Children Who Love to Read

Arr ye looking for a fun pirate picture book, me hearty?

Small Saul Written and illustrated by Ashley Spires
Picture Book published by Kids Can Press

Saul knows that he is meant to sail the seven seas but he’s not quite tall enough to be a sailor. The next best alternative is to become a pirate. Saul completes his pirate training and earns his diploma but is hard-pressed to find a crew to join. “Even though Saul was small, it looked like no one had room for him…” When he is finally invited to join a pirate ship calledThe Rusty Squid, he is excited to find ways to contribute. Unfortunately, it is not long before the captain and crew understand that he is not a typical pirate. “It didn’t take long for the other pirates to notice that something was different about Small Saul.” He knows how to garden and bake and is rather good at decorating. He decides to get a tattoo but bunny tattoos don’t intimidate anyone.

Great for children who love pirates and also for children who will benefit from a boost of self acceptance. Small Saul is a treasure.

Kids Can Press’ Storytime Activities for Small Saul

Update June 18, 2012 Small Saul nominated for Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award

Small Saul at Amazon.com

Small Saul at Amazon.ca

Storytime Standouts - Raising Children Who Love to Read