Peter and the Starcatchers (Peter and the Starcatchers, #1)

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Peter and the Starcatchers (Peter and the Starcatchers #1)

by Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson, Greg Call (Illustrations)

3.99 of 5 stars 3.99 · rating details · 27,954 ratings · 2,933 reviews

Don't even think of starting this book unless you're sitting in a comfortable chair and have lots of time. A fast-paced, impossible-to-put-down adventure awaits as the young orphan Peter and his mates are dispatched to an island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. They set sail aboard the Never Land, a ship carrying a precious and mysterious trunk in its cargo hold, and the jo...more

Paperback, 451 pages

Published May 1st 2006 by Disney Editions (first published August 30th 2004)

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Feb 18, 2013 Michael Fierce rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of Peter Pan

Shelves: fairies, peter-pan, pirates, fantasy, childrens-book, ocean-fiction

Sometimes I think I am Peter Pan because if growing up means you have to put down or put away the things you've loved since you were a kid then I can tell you I don't want to grow up. Not now. Not ever. Never. Ever.

I planned to read the original classic one day, having always been a fan of the Disney animated cartoon version growing up, that forever connected me to Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Wendy and all the wonderful characters and places associated with Kensington Gardens and Neverland. I couldn't find a version that had a cover I really wanted so I thought I'd hold out until I found just the right one.

Then, one day, I saw the 2003 film version directed by P.J. Hogan, and though I'll probably get eaten by a crocodile for saying this, I think it's far superior to any version before it and any that will follow. The minute the movie ended, an obsession to read more Peter Pan gnawed at me until I finally picked up Peter and the Starcatchers.

Peter and the Starcatchers was a little different than what I was expecting. A bit of the background and history of the original Peter Pan had been reworked but it didn't matter because this book was still a lot of fun, clever, action-packed, spiritually rewarding, and even answered a few questions along the way.

It continued my interest and appreciation for everything I loved about Peter Pan in the first place.

I plan to read the entire series and am so glad writers of this calibre are continuing the myth and magic that is Peter Pan, who made his first appearance in 1902!(less)

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Mar 05, 2008 Billy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Pulitzer Prize winning humorist Dave Barry, best selling mystery writer Ridley Pearson, and illustrator Greg Call have combined their talents to create a series of prequels to the J.M. Barrie classic Peter Pan. This is the first of those stories.

Let me start my little review by saying that this book is so fun, exciting, and enjoyable that I have completely forgotten (almost) the creepy feeling I felt as a 42 year old man wandering around the children's section of the library looking for it.

Yes i...more

38 likes · like · see review

Jun 26, 2009 Angelic Zaizai rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Mau tau kenapa Peter [pan:] bisa terbang ??
Mau tau kenapa Peter tetep jadi anak2 selamanya ??
Mau tau kenapa ada nama Neverland ?
Mau tau kapan Peter kenalan sama Molly ?
Mau tau darimana asal Wendy ??

Mau ???
Pake Three.. eh baca aja novel ini.. seruuuu

*serasa deja vu gini.. pas banget ya King of Neverland - Michael Jackson meninggal... RIP*

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Sep 26, 2007 Lissa rated it 2 of 5 stars

I picked this book up in the airport on my way to South Africa because I thought it looked a bit Harry Potter-esque. I knew it was a book for children, but it had a heft similar to the Harry Potter books, and I was looking for something light and fast to read. Sometimes, for plane reading, I don't want something heavy and ponderous - just something that will keep my attention and interest for long enough to get from here to there. Unfortunately, the heft of the book and the magical subject matte...more I picked this book up in the airport on my way to South Africa because I thought it looked a bit Harry Potter-esque. I knew it was a book for children, but it had a heft similar to the Harry Potter books, and I was looking for something light and fast to read. Sometimes, for plane reading, I don't want something heavy and ponderous - just something that will keep my attention and interest for long enough to get from here to there. Unfortunately, the heft of the book and the magical subject matter are about where the similarities between Peter and the Starcatchers and Harry Potter end.

Peter and the Starcatchers is a sort of prequel to Peter Pan. It tells the story of how Peter went from being an orphan in London to becoming Peter Pan. In fact, one of the most interesting aspects of the story is seeing how each of the players in the Peter Pan story that most people know comes into the scene. At the beginning of the book, Peter and four other orphans from St. Norbert's in London (the future Lost Boys, of course) are loaded onto the ship, the "Never Land" sailing for the country of Rundoon. They are to be sold into service for the evil King of Rundoon, King Zarboff the Third. On the boat, Peter sees a mysterious magical trunk loaded, and makes the aquaintance of a young girl named Molly who is perhaps not all that she seems. Meanwhile, the evil pirate Black Stache (the future Captain Hook, of course) plans to the steal the magical trunk for his own use. Much of the rest of the book is a comedy of errors as each of the factions tries to get a hold of the trunk. There are, of course, other side adventures including some savages (the indians?), a lagoon full of mermaids, and a gigantic crocodile.

The book is a great children's book, but unlike Harry Potter, it does not transcend the genre. As an adult, I found the action to be pretty thin, the plot and the writing very simiplistic and not particularly thought provoking. As a children's book, I think it has a lot of things going for it, including a good length. As seven or eight year old, I think I would have enjoyed this book immensely. In thinking about the books I loved as a child (A Wrinkle in Time, The Dark is Rising series, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle -- all of which I read around grade 3 or 4), this is definitely less intricate and thought provoking. But for a younger child - even one where it's still necessary to read books aloud, this would be good. I think it would be especially good for young boys who don't have the young adult series like The Babysitter's Club enticing them to read.(less)

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Sep 01, 2011 Madeline rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kids-and-young-adult, fantasy, the-movie-is-better

*Reviewer's Note: obviously, there isn't a movie version of this book (yet, anyway - they're supposedly working on one, which will probably be terrible but I'll save that rant for later) so once again I have to put a book on my The Movie Is Better shelf because I can't be bothered to create a shelf titled The Stage Adaptation Is Better. Just keep in mind that if that shelf existed, this book would be there*

First, Some Background: (for review of actual book, please skip ahead to paragraph four) S...more

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Mar 05, 2013 Tony rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was an absolutely delightful Young Adult Fantasy Novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. I have read many books by both these authors. Pearson is known primarily for the mystery/thriller novels, very good ones, and good old Dave Barry is the loveable goofball writer for the Miami Herald and many just nuts books about his life and views. He is also the Dave of the 90's sitcom "Dave's World," starring Harry Anderson. I couldn't find too much, if any, of Pearson's voice in the novel, but Barry...more

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Jun 26, 2009 Uci rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Peter Pan mungkin salah satu dongeng yang paling asyik untuk diutak-atik, karena begitu banyak 'why' dan 'what if' yang tak pernah terjelaskan oleh sang pengarang, J.M. Barry. Entah sudah berapa buku dan film mengenai Peter Pan yang pernah dibuat, dalam berbagai versi.

Dalam buku ini, Dave Barry dan Ridley Pearson 'merekonstruksi' awal mula Peter Pan and the Lost Boys menjadi penghuni Never Land, mengapa ada putri duyung di sana, mengapa Hook kehilangan sebelah tangannya, dan mengapa Peter Pan t...more

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Nov 04, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews

Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

It's always interesting, at least to me, to read a book that is the retelling of a beloved childhood tale. Whether it be a retold fairy tale such as SNOW WHITE or SLEEPING BEAUTY, or a classic such as PETER PAN, these new spins on old stories usually fall into one of two categories--terribly bad remakes, or truly amazing, imaginative stories with new twists. Thankfully, authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have turned PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS into the latter...more Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com

It's always interesting, at least to me, to read a book that is the retelling of a beloved childhood tale. Whether it be a retold fairy tale such as SNOW WHITE or SLEEPING BEAUTY, or a classic such as PETER PAN, these new spins on old stories usually fall into one of two categories--terribly bad remakes, or truly amazing, imaginative stories with new twists. Thankfully, authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have turned PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS into the latter.

In this rendering, Peter is an orphan about the ship Never Land. He's become the leader of sorts to the other young orphans who have been sold into slavery to King Zarboff the Third, evil ruler of Rundoon. Not long after Peter and his boys board the boat, he meets Molly Aster. The fourteen-year old daughter of the new Ambassador of Rundoon is unlike any other girl Peter has ever met. Actually, the only other girl he remembers seeing in a very long time was the daughter of the Headmaster of St. Norbert's Home for Wayward Boys.

Peter's increasing infatuation with Molly is challenged when she lets him in on a secret--she is an apprentice Starcatcher, one who guards the magical starstuff from the Others who would use it to do harm. Starstuff is magic that, when it falls to Earth, it brings about increased intelligence, happiness, and even the ability to fly. Although Peter is, at first, quite skeptical of Molly and her Starcatcher business, he soon learns that she's being nothing but truthful.

Add to the story the dreaded Pirate Black Stache and the evil pirate crew of the ship the Sea Devil, and you have an interesting story. Throw in the a shipwreck, a missing cargo of starstuff, mermaids, a flying crocodile, and island dwellers that just may be cannibals, and the story goes from interesting to amazing. This is a remarkable retelling, or possibly even a prequel, to the well known story of PETER PAN. Kudos to both Mr. Barry and Mr. Pearson for a highly entertaining and thoroughly engrossing read! (less)

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Feb 27, 2008 Morgan rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone wanting a little adventure

Recommended to Morgan by: Mom

Shelves: magical-fiction, children-s

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This was a really cute story. It's a prequel to Peter Pan that starts at the very beginning...before Wendy, before Never Land, and when Captain Hook had no hook.

I had tried reading this book a couple times, but could never get past chapter 5 or so. It was just a bit too slow...However, my mom-in-law lent me these books forever ago, and I felt I needed to read them and return them. :) So that's what I did!

It still took me awhile to get into this book. The main problem (and reason I gave it 3 sta...more

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Feb 01, 2008 Janssen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2007, fantasy, children

I love Dave Barry. My parents both adore Dave Barry, as does my grandmother, and they've been reading or handing off various columns and books of his to me for as long as I can remember. I've read practically every column he's ever written and most of his books. For some reason, though, I've never read his novels, Big Trouble and Tricky Business. I love his non-fiction columns, so I was less interested in his fictional books. Then, when I went home for Christmas, my brother was reading the secon...more

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Oct 12, 2007 Debbie rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: for fans of harry potter?

Shelves: fantasy, 4th-6th_grade, audio

Loved it. Great fantasy. prequel to peter pan. grades late 4th - 8. Grade 5-9–This prequel to Peter Pan refers as much to the 1953 animated Disney film as to J. M. Barrie's original play and novel. The early chapters introduce the archetypal antagonists: Peter, leader of a group of orphan boys being sent into slavery aboard the Never Land, and Black Stache, a fearsome pirate who commands a villainous crew. New characters include Molly Aster and her father. Molly, at 14, is an apprentice Starcatc...more

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Mar 25, 2009 Kathryn marked it as to-read

Shelves: stalled

Argh! I'm only barely to disc 2 and I already know I will NOT have time to finish everything before it's due back at the library. So, I'm quitting now before I get too engrossed in the story. Hope I can return to it before too long.

I've been nervous to read this because I love the original PETER PAN so much and it seems sort of sacrilege to tamper with it in any way, but this has received such splendid reviews I've had my eye on it. I admit that finding the audio version (narrated by Jim Dale!!!...more

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Apr 18, 2008 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: children, families, Disney fans

Recommended to Cindy by: book club

Shelves: children

This was chosen as a book club read for me, and my initial reaction to the selection was "Oh, no. Not another Peter Pan story." I was pleasantly surprised at this "prequel" series. It is definitely recommended for kids, but I enjoyed it myself. I thought the ideas of how Pater Pan and his friends came to be was quite creative. For any audio book fans, this is read by Jim Dale of Harry Potter fame. Just like in Rowling's books, Dale is fabulous at reading these stories. The book (and its sequels)...more

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Feb 18, 2009 Travis rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: sf-fantasy

If you are going to write a prequel and explain everything about a book considered a 'classic' than at least come up up with something better than this.
Somehow two fairly talented writers got together and managed to suck most of the fun and magic out of Peter Pan.
That takes effort.

The explaination of how NeverLand came to be is on a level of feeble right up there with George Lucas deciding the Force is caused by alien germs.

The only character I liked was the pirate that eventually becomes Captai...more

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Nov 28, 2008 JP Seabury rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: julians-bookshelf

I have vague childhood memories of the tale of Peter Pan and Wendy, which probably come more from the Disney movie than any books that might have been read to me as a child. But from what I remember, it was one of those stories that starts in the middle of some other story.

You don't know, for instance, how Peter Pan came to be a boy who could fly, or never grow-up. You don't know how it is that he lives on an island with the Lost Boys, a tribe of "Indians", and his arch-nemesis, Captain Hook.

In...more

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Nov 20, 2008 Jacquelyn Higgins rated it 5 of 5 stars

The stuff of legends is revealed to have come from the stars in this prequel to Barrie’s Peter Pan. Written by a different Barry, Dave, and co-author Ridley Pearson, Peter and the Starcatchers unfolds the story of the orphan boy and how he came to live and fly in Neverland. Peter is teamed with a brave Starcatcher named Molly, a rough seaman named Alf, and his group of lost boys in this tale of myths and morals. With a little help from dolphins and mermaids, Peter and Molly fight pirates, island...more

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May 28, 2013 Jeremy rated it 5 of 5 stars

We picked up the Audio version of this book before taking a road trip. We thought it would be something that my daughters might enjoy based on a recommendation from one of my friends.

As we began the 8 hour car ride (4 hours each way), we started the book over our car's stereo system thinking that we (that is my wife and I) would be able to chat while the girls enjoyed the book. Minutes later, we noticed that everyone was sitting silently listening intently. It was so riveting that when we arriv...more

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Apr 29, 2013 Andrewc rated it 4 of 5 stars

Peter and the Starcatchers is straight out one of the best books I have read in my childhood. This novel is one of those books that will keep you up all night reading because you are truly drawn into the book. This fantastic novel is about the famously know Peter Pan with a twist. A boy named Peter and his friends from the orphanage aboard a ship called the Never Land destined to an island ruled by the evil king Zaroff. Little do the boys know what kind of trouble and adventure they have gotten...more

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Apr 23, 2013 Tasasha Battle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reading-like-a-writer

In my placement my teacher choose to read to the students, as a relaxing fun literature for the end of the year, a book named Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. On my first glance at the book I assumed that it would be too advanced and confusing to read aloud to the students. However, when my teacher begun to read the students froze and was glued with their mouths open to the book’s content. From there I realized the value of reading to your students. Additionally, in o...more In my placement my teacher choose to read to the students, as a relaxing fun literature for the end of the year, a book named Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. On my first glance at the book I assumed that it would be too advanced and confusing to read aloud to the students. However, when my teacher begun to read the students froze and was glued with their mouths open to the book’s content. From there I realized the value of reading to your students. Additionally, in one reading my teacher caught me in the same stare of amazement as the students. I could not believe that the book I did not want my teacher to read had me entwine like the students. Needless to say, I bought the book the same week and read it with my class. Keeping in mind my “Reading like a Writer” project I discovered that Barry and Pearson used a craft that I appreciated because it is done so well. This craft I calls transitional cutting. The authors would have two stories or scenes going on at the same time with little confusion to the reader when transitioning between them. Thinking about including that craft in my writings would be challenging, on the other hand, when Barry and Pearson executes this craft it actually adds drama to the piece. I got help with the name of the craft from Fletcher chapter nine, “Its About Time.” I thought that this craft could be a form of “cutting” with “focusing on a narrow slice of time” but I did not feel that the authors removed information or took a single scene and focused on it in great detail. Both scenes where told in great detail that the reader could conclude that the authors felt that its contents are important to the story. So, that is why I came up with transitioning cutting. One example of where this craft is used is when Peter comes up with a plan to return to the cargo hold where he discovered an unusually acting trunk with Slank while Captain Scott and Smeed discussed in the captain quarters the new name of the ship Neitherland. Barry and Pearson told both of these scenes in detail at the same time in a transitional cutting way. When Peter had to make noise to twist the lock off the door made the reader nervous, however you knew that they went unnoticed due to the fact that the reader also knows that the captain and first mate where securely in the captain quarters. To move back and forth between these scenes with such clarity forced the reader to become part of the story and feel the nerviness between Peter and Slank down in the cargo hold. Moreover, this strategy of transitional cutting would be beneficial to teach to my students to improve their writings. I would use this book as a mentor text to read to my students to discover how Barry and Pearson use it to tell the story of Peter and the starcatchers. As a mini lesson I would read my own story with two scenes to the class and let them practice the craft with the thoughts of Barry, Pearson and the teacher as examples. (less)

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Mar 30, 2013 Deborah Takahashi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: tween-fantasy

What do we really know about Peter Pan? Disney told us that he is the leader of the "Lost Boys" of Neverland and is the the bane of Captain Hook's existence. But who really is Peter Pan? In this brilliant re-telling of J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan" is an hysterical tale of how a former orphan, with help of a girl named Molly, becomes the beloved Peter Pan. Peter, an orphan, finds himself aboard a ship called "Never Land" headed towards a lifetime of suffering as a servant in King Zarboff the Third's...more

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Mar 24, 2013 Von Fritz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi-and-fantasy

I love Peter Pan so much. He's a childhood fantasy. I've seen all the cartoon versions...the theatrical play movie...and the real movie itself released around 2004. I happened to read the classic book too. However, when I saw Peter and the Starcatchers...a prequel? Gawd...got to read the book asap.

Thank God for the sale at NBS. Bought a copy for only 129 pesos...a thick book. And I just finished it!

The book is a fast paced nonstop adventure about stars and fairies and jungles and pirates and sto...more

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Mar 15, 2013 Megan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kids

I read this book because my son, Lucas, suggested it. My 9-year old Book Club instigator! I had a hard time getting into it. Maybe just a silly case of "adult blockage", thinking, "Hmmm, just a kids book. Not for me." And, each time Lucas would come into my bedroom and see the book on my nightstand, he would grab it and see where my bookmark was and ask me how I was liking it...or, why I wasn't making much progress in finishing it! ;-& At the end of the day, I focused and finished it in a 2-...more

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Feb 18, 2013 Elora Thompson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: english-356-12-books

If you're looking for a twist to an old classic, this is a great one. It's the retelling of Peter Pan and how he came to be. Its starts off with Peter and the lost boys boarding a ship. Of course they are orphans and don't know anything different than the orphanage they lived in. On the ship they have adventures and end up getting caught by Pirates. But weird things are happening to the ship as well, people are seeing weird things coming out of a chest that is hidden in the basement of the ship....more

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Jan 02, 2013 E. Newby rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a great prequel to J. M. Berry's Peter Pan story. While it is only the first in a trilogy, the story stands well on its own. The pacing is movie-esque, which served well to hold the shorter attention span of my six year old daughter as I read it aloud. There were layers of humor that appealed to all members of my family audience. After reading this story, we hastily made our way to the library to get the second book, which we started tonight.

I really only have two complaints about the s...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Grace added it

My book Review: Grace Camphausen
Peter and the Starcatchers: by Dave Berry

The book I read was called Peter and the Starcatchers. It was published in the year 2004. It is by far one of my favorite books, I couldn’t put the book down it was just that amazing. The entire book was based off of Peter Pan and it was incredible. I liked the story because the plot was interesting, the characters were well developed, and the setting was very detailed.

The plot was really interesting when it kept on cha...more

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Oct 27, 2012 Rachelkolbgodfrey rated it 1 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Ugh. Okay, I gave this book so many chances, but I hated it. Here's why:

1. Most of the characters are not developed at all and seem to only be there to fill space in the background. The only characters I actually enjoyed were Alf and Black Stache.

2. Peter does not act like Peter Pan at all. His most defining characteristic in the original book is his arrogance which is completely absent in "Peter and the Starcatchers." He's written as this very generic hero which should never be the case with P...more Ugh. Okay, I gave this book so many chances, but I hated it. Here's why:

1. Most of the characters are not developed at all and seem to only be there to fill space in the background. The only characters I actually enjoyed were Alf and Black Stache.

2. Peter does not act like Peter Pan at all. His most defining characteristic in the original book is his arrogance which is completely absent in "Peter and the Starcatchers." He's written as this very generic hero which should never be the case with Peter Pan! He's such a great character, and I don't know how they messed this up.

3. Tinkerbell is not a bird! I'm okay with adaptations and reinventions that mess with canon, but this idea is just stupid. Fairies are not birds mixed with magic!

4. I admit that I love the original book and might be biased against the book, but try reading it side-by-side with "Peter Pan." I guarantee "Peter and the Starcatchers" will pale by comparison.

5. Slank. Such a pointless character. They should have simplified it to Peter and the gang vs. Black Stache and his pirate crew. (By the way, the stage production was smart enough to make this change! They threw stupid Slank in the ocean, and he was eaten by a shark. When I saw the show, I felt like cheering. Goodbye, Redundant Character! I will not miss you and your pointless subplots!)

6. Tinkerbell is not a bird! Again I have to say it because Tinkerbell is one of my favorite characters of all time. She's a little vindictive bitch, but when someone she loves is in danger, she'll drink poison. *My best Daniel Day-Lewis impression* She will drink it up! Also, why did they wait until the end of the book to throw her in and we spent all that time with the freaking mermaids? She is iconic! Her origin story is not an afterthought thrown into the last 5 pages of the book. GAH! This is so stupid!

6. I thought that Dan Brown's chapters were ridiculously short, but there are chapters in this book that last less than a page. Why even start a new chapter? Once again, this is totally stupid.

7. Starstuff is so poorly explained in the book. It becomes this magical get-out-of-jail card that characters use willy-nilly instead of doing any real problem solving. Can it make people fly? Sure! Does it turn animals into other magical animals (fish to mermaids, birds to fairies)? Sure, except when it's the crocodile. When it's the crocodile, it flies and grows bigger. But...but...that doesn't make sense! I don't object to the starcatchers guarding "magical stuff," but be consistent with what it does.

8. And because it bears repeating, Tinkerbell is not a bird!

I want to mention that as much as I disliked the book, I really, really enjoyed the stage adaptation. It fixed many of my problems with the book (though Tinkerbell is still a magical bird, bah!), and people who didn't like the book should give the show a chance. I don't have any hope for the film, though. The stage adaptation worked because it was extremely tongue-in-cheek and had this wonderful steam-punk style, and I think the film version will try to take itself seriously.

Skip the book, probably skip the movie, and see the play. Also, read the original "Peter Pan!" It is still an amazing book!(less)

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Oct 23, 2012 Jordan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-1-12

Peter and his friends are taken to a ship to be transported to King Rundoon and to become slaves. Upon the ship, Peter learns of a mysterious box filled with wonderful gold dust that feels amazing to be around. With the help of Molly, a young girl, they learn that the box is filled with Starstuff and it can cause death, unless harnessed correctly. Then it can become all-powerful. Captain of the ship, Captain Black Stache, tries to stop the kids from taking the box, but fails several times. The s...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Tangaloa Kaufusi rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read, “Peter and the Starcatchers,” by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. I think this book is great! In the first few pages (pg. 2) the authors were very descriptive and made the book come to life. It was easy for me to get a picture of what was happening the story which kept my attention. “They’d set out from St. Norbert’s in the dark, but now Peter could see grayish daylight through the small, round coach window on his side. He looked out, squinting, and saw a dark shape looming by the wharf. I...more I read, “Peter and the Starcatchers,” by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. I think this book is great! In the first few pages (pg. 2) the authors were very descriptive and made the book come to life. It was easy for me to get a picture of what was happening the story which kept my attention. “They’d set out from St. Norbert’s in the dark, but now Peter could see grayish daylight through the small, round coach window on his side. He looked out, squinting, and saw a dark shape looming by the wharf. It looked to Peter like a monster, with tall spines coming out of its back. Peter did not like the idea of walking into the belly of the monster.”
There are several leaders, good and bad in the story. Peter is an example of good leader and Captain Black Stache is a bad leader. Peter is the leader of the Lost Boys. This is a group of boy’s ages 7 to 9 years old and they are orphanages. Peter made ‘it his business to keep his eye on things in general’. (pg. 1)
As the leader of these orphanages, he created a family for them so they did not feel alone. Some of the boys are captured by Island savages and Peter goes back to rescue them. (pg. 265)
“Peter looked, and his heart jumped. There, perhaps fifty feet away, a half dozen spear wielding men were surrounding his mates-James, Prentiss, Thomas, and Tubby Ted. Alf was there, too, but the big man was standing, holding his right hand up, speaking to the oldest-looking of the men. Whatever he said, it apparently was the wrong thing, because suddenly the savage was pointing his spear directly at Alf’s chest. “
“He’s going to kill Alf!” whispered Peter. “We’ve got to stop him!”
I don’t know,” said Peter, moving toward the right, keeping just outside the clearing. “well think of something.” “We’d better think of something.”
Peter does do “something” to rescue these boys. He risks his own life by getting captured and then plans an escape route with Alf.
Captain Black Stache is a pirate. He is looking for treasure that is on the ship of the Lost Boys. (pg. 35) “Treasure, lads!” he shouted. “The greatest treasure ever taken to sea!”
“The pirates sheered again, louder this. “Or some have said,” said Black Stache, and he turned to stare at a cage on the main deck. There was a man inside the cage, a uniformed sailor. He huddled in a corner, shaking at the sound of Black Stache’s voice.
“And if this scurvy dog is wrong,” said Black Stache, his black eyes boring in on the terrified prisoner, “then he’ll wish he’d never been born, that I vow.”
“The treasure’s on the Wasp. I promise,” cried the prisoner. “I heard it with my own ears.” “It ‘d better be,” Black Stache said. “or I’ll wear them ears on a necklace.”
Captain Black does not care for the life of his prisoners, only his treasure. This is a big difference between Peter and Captain Black. These two characters made the story exciting and the main reason why I liked the book so much.

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Sep 19, 2012 Bess rated it 3 of 5 stars

The entire family is listening to this on CD in the car. Various CD's are in all the cars because our 7 year old asks before she is even in the car "turn on the boat story". My 9 yr old & I were reading it simultaneously to listening to it.

I have to say, the narrator, Jim Doyle (also narrator of Night Circus) draws you in hook line & sinker. My rating would be 3.5 stars w/the .5 added because of the excellent narration. I started listening first & that prompted me to actually pick u...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Joanne G. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: bumberjean-joint-library

Who knew humorist Dave Barry wrote young adult fiction? He teamed up with Ridley Pearson to write a series based on J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan. Their initial foray into the mythology of Peter Pan introduced the reader to Peter and the Lost Boys; set up the hows and whys of Never Land; and explained the creation or establishment of Tinkerbelle, the crocodile, mermaids, savages, and pirates. I appreciated the thoughtfulness of supplying a background to everything in Never Land, and I found the new i...more

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About Dave Barry

Dave Barry is a humor columnist. For 25 years he was a syndicated columnist whose work appeared in more than 500 newspapers in the United States and abroad. In 1988 he won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary. Many people are still trying to figure out how this happened.
Dave has also written a total of 30 books, although virtually none of them contain useful information. Two of his books were used as...more

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Books by Dave Barry

Peter and the Shadow Thieves (Peter and the Starcatchers, #2)

Peter and the Secret of Rundoon (Peter and the Starcatchers, #3)

Peter and the Sword of Mercy (Peter and the Starcatchers, #4)

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“Black Stache had no love for the Queen, no love for women of any sort, except for his ma. He had a real soft spot for his ma, and was truly sorry for the time he’d marooned her.” — 25 people liked it

“He felt a momentary pang of regret that he had not spent more time with his beloved wife. But it passed when he remembered that the reason he’d gone to sea in the first place was that he had never really liked his beloved wife.” — 22 people liked it

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Peter and the Starcatchers (Peter and the Starcatchers #1)

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