Review (Book) - The Pirates Next Door by Jonny Duddle

"When a pirate family, the Jolley-Rogers, move to Dull-on-Sea, rumors of their shocking behavior starts spreading through the neighborhood. But, with few other children to play with, Matilda is thrilled to meet the fascinating new family next door!" (inside jacket cover)

I LOVE THIS BOOK! While I enjoyed The Pirate Cruncher (Duddle's first picture book) more, I would still be quick to try to use this book in a pirate storytime for older kids. 

The illustrations are gorgeous; even my artist husband was captivated by the pictures in these books, and enough so that he has actually read both of Duddle's books to me (I love getting storytimes for myself)! The story is a cute one about overcoming stereotypes and treating others the way you want to be treated (even if they don't treat you that way), accompanied by gorgeous digital media illustrations and set in the fun font styles of Aunt Mildred and Tree Persimmon. Some of the words used are a bit more nonsensical (as in the style of Dr. Seuss), but most of the words are understandable, though might need a bit of defining for younger audiences. I successfully used The Pirate Cruncher a couple of summers ago with a camp group of children 5-11 years old, and this book is on about the same level. 

I'm hoping that the "Starring : The Jolly Rogers" means that Duddle plans on writing and illustrating many more of these books!

Amazon recommends this book for ages 3 and up, but I think the book might be a bit long for a 3-year-old, with some of the words being too complex.

My rating: