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Pirate Santa
Pirate Santa is a charming illustrated children’s storybook that promises a delightful mix of bold buccaneers and swashbuckling good fun. It teaches the universal values of kindness and standing up for what’s right. SYNOPSIS: “Pirate Girl” and “Ninja Boy” don’t meet Santa’s definition of good, and are therefore ineligible for the trappings of a Merry Christmas. Their cause is championed by their dad, “Papa Tal” and the crew of the pirate ship, of which he is a member. Look for Cap’n Slappy (who happens to be Santa’s cousin!) They overcome obstacles and work together to make sure that Christmas comes to ALL children, including Pirate Girls and Ninja Boys.
42 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 19, 2015
Review originally posted Oct 21, 2012 [Amazon & GR]
Rating downgraded from 2 to 1 stars
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Yes, it's that time to gear up for the dreaded holiday list-making. So I was delighted to get a chance to preview PIRATE SANTA (c'mon, it's pirates!). Overall, I liked this book but it's definitely something that each parent will have to decide for themselves (or rather, their children).
THE EASY PART: The story is meant to be read in the cadence of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. There are a few awkward phrasing moments, but it could have been that I was out of practice. More importantly for kids, the graphics are wonderful. Vibrant and detailed yet not so busy to overwhelm the eye. The kids especially loved the sharks.
THE KID TEST: I tried this out on a 3yo and a 7yo. The 3yo wasn't so thrilled with the early pictures (a bit too dark and scary). He listened but kept his head buried against me until near the end. The 7yo? Well, he enjoyed it more, but then we got to a certain part of the story and he made a very accurate observation. It was a moral point and something which I could not contradict or explain away so... onto the next page!
THE PARENT TEST: I wasn't sure about some of the messages underlying the story. First, Pirate Girl and Ninja Boy aren't eligible for Christmas gifts because...why? It's never said so I'm wondering if it's because they're the children of a pirate? Second, there is "the end justifies the means" moment (e.g., the 7yo noted that stealing Santa's magic dust was wrong, even to do good). Lastly, while I agree with the ending of "You don't have to be perfect, just try to be kind", I wasn't sure how that fit with the beginning of "even children not eligible for Santa's attention deserve something" (which goes back to why Pirate Girl and Ninja Boy were "ineligible" in the first place). Troubling because children, no matter the age, should learn that actions have consequences.
Disclosure: Copy provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publisher, without any obligation to review.
Rating downgraded from 2 to 1 stars
______________
Yes, it's that time to gear up for the dreaded holiday list-making. So I was delighted to get a chance to preview PIRATE SANTA (c'mon, it's pirates!). Overall, I liked this book but it's definitely something that each parent will have to decide for themselves (or rather, their children).
THE EASY PART: The story is meant to be read in the cadence of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. There are a few awkward phrasing moments, but it could have been that I was out of practice. More importantly for kids, the graphics are wonderful. Vibrant and detailed yet not so busy to overwhelm the eye. The kids especially loved the sharks.
THE KID TEST: I tried this out on a 3yo and a 7yo. The 3yo wasn't so thrilled with the early pictures (a bit too dark and scary). He listened but kept his head buried against me until near the end. The 7yo? Well, he enjoyed it more, but then we got to a certain part of the story and he made a very accurate observation. It was a moral point and something which I could not contradict or explain away so... onto the next page!
THE PARENT TEST: I wasn't sure about some of the messages underlying the story. First, Pirate Girl and Ninja Boy aren't eligible for Christmas gifts because...why? It's never said so I'm wondering if it's because they're the children of a pirate? Second, there is "the end justifies the means" moment (e.g., the 7yo noted that stealing Santa's magic dust was wrong, even to do good). Lastly, while I agree with the ending of "You don't have to be perfect, just try to be kind", I wasn't sure how that fit with the beginning of "even children not eligible for Santa's attention deserve something" (which goes back to why Pirate Girl and Ninja Boy were "ineligible" in the first place). Troubling because children, no matter the age, should learn that actions have consequences.
Disclosure: Copy provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publisher, without any obligation to review.
October 4, 2012
Well...the illustrations are nice.... The story, though, is puzzling at best. Santa doesn't, of course, deliver toys to misbehaving children, such as Ninja Boy and Pirate Girl (whose crime is being on a pirate ship??), so his cousin Pirate Cap'n Slappy gets really angry and decides to pick up shipwrecked toys from a mermaid and deliver them with the aid of magical dust stolen from Santa and sprinkled on talking sharks who want to be part of the crew. Which turns out to be Santa's plan all along.
Huh?
I just don't even know what to say about this strange story. It tries to have a moral to the story (i.e. all children deserve toys), but the message is so mixed and bizarre that I got to the end thinking, "What the heck?" Doesn't help matters that the text is intended to be read aloud in a rhythmic sing-song, but the meter isn't consistent, so the flow trips and stutters all over the place. A good editor should have caught those errors and insisted on revisions.
I am thankful to NetGalley and the author/publisher for allowing me to view the eGalley copy.
Oh, and one interesting thing is that the authors are apparently the originators of Talk Like a Pirate Day, which I think is awesome!
Huh?
I just don't even know what to say about this strange story. It tries to have a moral to the story (i.e. all children deserve toys), but the message is so mixed and bizarre that I got to the end thinking, "What the heck?" Doesn't help matters that the text is intended to be read aloud in a rhythmic sing-song, but the meter isn't consistent, so the flow trips and stutters all over the place. A good editor should have caught those errors and insisted on revisions.
I am thankful to NetGalley and the author/publisher for allowing me to view the eGalley copy.
Oh, and one interesting thing is that the authors are apparently the originators of Talk Like a Pirate Day, which I think is awesome!
January 23, 2022
What a great book! I read this over and over to my granddaughter, and she can't get enough of it. The illustrations were cute as could be, and the rhythm of the story, the cadence, is really quite lyrical when you get into it. She liked that she could follow along with the pictures, which were colorful and fun.
Slappy believes that all children deserve presents, even pirate girls and ninja boys, and he decides it's up to him to do something about it, since his cousin, Santa Clause, has rules, and thus, Pirate Santa is born! He and his crew set out to find toys for these kids, and he gets some assistance from a helpful mermaid named Grace. And who needs reindeer when you have tiger sharks? But of course, Santa had a plan all along which that involved Cap'n Slappy and his crew. In Cap'n's own words, "You don't have to be perfect, just try to be kind, Ninja Boy, Pirate Girl, you just keep that in mind,." What a great message!
In summary, my granddaughter loved this book very much, and I enjoyed reading it to her over and over again.
5/5 stars
Slappy believes that all children deserve presents, even pirate girls and ninja boys, and he decides it's up to him to do something about it, since his cousin, Santa Clause, has rules, and thus, Pirate Santa is born! He and his crew set out to find toys for these kids, and he gets some assistance from a helpful mermaid named Grace. And who needs reindeer when you have tiger sharks? But of course, Santa had a plan all along which that involved Cap'n Slappy and his crew. In Cap'n's own words, "You don't have to be perfect, just try to be kind, Ninja Boy, Pirate Girl, you just keep that in mind,." What a great message!
In summary, my granddaughter loved this book very much, and I enjoyed reading it to her over and over again.
5/5 stars
October 31, 2012
In a market of regurgitated stories and products, Pirate Santa rises above them all. I have been working with and entertaining children of all ages for the past 35 years. In that time I have learned that education is best served when tucked into a unique and entertaining product. The original feel of this book is obvious from the beginning and the up to date impressions of a classic figure are used wisely in order to teach the kids in the story a lesson they didn't expect to learn. They say the best way to teach is to not let them know they are learning. Pirate Santa does just that. The other thing that strikes me as wonderful is the various, human nature ways the different characters treat their situation. Without making the story heavy or beyond the reach of young minds, Pirate Santa presents a broad range of emotions for the characters and manages to portray a very three dimensional side to characters typically seen as one dimensional.
Christina
AKA Charity Ann Rackham
Jade Dragon Pirates
http://www.jadedragonpirates.com
Christina
AKA Charity Ann Rackham
Jade Dragon Pirates
http://www.jadedragonpirates.com
September 27, 2012
This book had some of the cutest graphics I have seen in a long time. The entire page being filled with color and having no “white zone” is very pleasing as a parent as it keeps the kids looking at each page and finding items on each page long after the story is done. The story was exceptional with its Dr Suess like poetic style, although I am fairly certain all words were real words and not made up for the sake of rhyme. I would think this style of writing would be rather difficult for the average person yet it could be quite memorable for a child who decides this is his favorite book! This story was fun to read both in my head and out loud. I recommend this book for kids of all ages because even having a parent/guardian reading it is fun!
For my full review please go to my website http://hidethematches.com
For my full review please go to my website http://hidethematches.com
November 11, 2012
In today's world it's hard to be original but Pirate Santa certainly exceeds in this area. This is a great read for 3 to 5 year old children. When each of my two children (a girl and a boy) were little I'd lay in bed and read the same book over and over to them every night before turning out the lights. Niki's favorite was a story about a baby chicken. Austin's favorite was Three Billy Goats Gruff. Every night...over and over again for at least a year each. I can see myself reading this story to them and having them drift off into a world of fantasy of their own when i read this book. And that's what is important. To put our children in a position to safely explore the world and experience it in a positive fashion. I like the moral at the end of the story. It's a great wrap up and leaves your children with a positive thought. I highly recommend it.
October 24, 2012
This book is really... different than anything I have seen. For a Pirate story, Pirate Santa has an interesting theme in its holiday adventure. The illustrations really stood out to my little cousin, (Pirates, Santa, Ships, all in big bubbly cartoons) and whether or not he was keeping up with the story, he definitely enjoyed the overall experience when I read it to him. Perhaps also because of the pirate voice (and Santa voice)I attempted. I actually had a lot of fun with that. We especially liked the Pirate Santa sled... pulled by sharks instead of Reindeer. "You don't have to be perfect, just try to be kind. Ninja Boy, Pirate Girl, you just keep that in mind." This end quote gives you an idea of the stories lesson, and I think it's a great tale.
October 24, 2012
Fun art, fun concept, and a charming tale. Maybe Santa sometimes gets good natured mischief confused with naughtiness - I've certainly know a child or two that just can't seem to stay out of trouble no matter how hard they try. These are the sorts of kids that would know exactly how Ninja Boy and Pirate Girl feel. But perhaps that's best - eight tiny reindeer can only cover so much in a single night, and that's where eight tiny tigersharks can swoop in and lend a hand (er, fin.)
Santa's all right for most, but some of us need Slappy Claus looking out for us!
Santa's all right for most, but some of us need Slappy Claus looking out for us!
October 30, 2012
As a kid my parents gave me non-traditional books and its good to see that there are still books out there that don't follow the same old boring path of most children's books. Books like this show kids that you can be different. This story is creative and promotes using your imagination for alternate ways to put a spin on an old story. I think its fun and I'll be giving my boss a copy for her kids this Christmas.
November 7, 2012
This was a pretty cute book. Good for an early Christmas read. The full page graphics are pretty nice. They look a little anime-ish in some places, especially the little girl. Overall I liked it.
Review will be up on 11/26/12 at Laura's Adventures in Bookland
Review will be up on 11/26/12 at Laura's Adventures in Bookland
October 24, 2012
I love this whimsical book! It is cute, silly, and a fun new spin on a classical tale. I would recommend this book to any parent or teacher. As a preschool teacher of 10 years, I enjoy finding new books to share with my class. I can not wait for Christmas time, then I will be able to share this story with my young students and their parents!
October 24, 2012
This book is a real hit with my son. He loves the artwork, and now we talk about pirates and Santa and more about giving and receiving. As a parent, I really like this book. It's a great story about self-worth.
October 23, 2012
This is fantastic book!! My 6 year old pirate loves it and the best part is he wants to read it all year long!! It's fun, it's creative and it's about PIRATES!!! The important thing is that it encourages my son to read and to be excited about books, reading and adventure!! WE love PIRATE SANTA!!
October 26, 2012
I absolutely loved sharing this book with my nieces and nephews...
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews