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Rufus Goes to Sea
Ahoy—Pirate Pig on board! What does a book-loving pig like Rufus do when school's out for summer? He turns to his favorite stories for inspiration, of course! And before long, he's dreaming of days filled with adventure and nights under blankets of stars. It's the pirate life for him, matey. But Captain Wibblyshins says NO PIGS ON PIRATE SHIPS! After all, pigs get tangled in the rat lines, they picnic in the crow's nest, and worst of all, they even wipe their chins with the Jolly Roger. Can Rufus convince the Captain that he's no landlubber swine? And could his ticket to piratehood be . . . reading?
Kids will love seeing Rufus conquer new worlds in this delightful follow-up to the popular Rufus Goes to School .
Kids will love seeing Rufus conquer new worlds in this delightful follow-up to the popular Rufus Goes to School .
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 7, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 12, 2015
“Rufus Goes to Sea”
Open book to end papers. Who can tell me what is happening in this picture? (Students answer) Show students the other end paper, what is going on in this picture? (Students answer) What can we predict about the book based off of these pictures? Where does it take place? (Students answer) Rufus is the name of the pig in each of the pictures, he knows exactly what he wants to do for his summer vacation but there is a slight problem. What do you think Rufus wants to do for his summer vacation?
- Engages the readers
- Draws attention to action in illustrations
- Raises questions to listeners minds
Open book to end papers. Who can tell me what is happening in this picture? (Students answer) Show students the other end paper, what is going on in this picture? (Students answer) What can we predict about the book based off of these pictures? Where does it take place? (Students answer) Rufus is the name of the pig in each of the pictures, he knows exactly what he wants to do for his summer vacation but there is a slight problem. What do you think Rufus wants to do for his summer vacation?
- Engages the readers
- Draws attention to action in illustrations
- Raises questions to listeners minds
September 16, 2016
Absolutely adorable pig who loves school decides to use his summer vacation to become a pirate but is repeatedly rejected for his lack of skills. What a great premise with fabulous illustrations! Nicely written, flowing text. Wish the cause and effect was tied together more, but a thoroughly charming read nonetheless.
August 6, 2015
Rufus and his longing to read, and the joy he gets from learning to read, pulls on all my heart strings. The book's illustrations are such that I want to curl up with this pig and enjoy an adventure story together.
December 18, 2021
Rufus, an anthropomorphized pig in a world which is otherwise populated by only humans, has to find something to do during summer vacation. So he decides to become a pirate. But the pirates don't want him around. They say pigs will draw on maps or get tangled up in the netting, the type of trouble an active child would get into. So Rufus tries to convince them he should join them.
Kind of playful. I'm not sure what the point is, or if there is a point. The art style isn't my favorite, but it tells the story clearly.
Kind of playful. I'm not sure what the point is, or if there is a point. The art style isn't my favorite, but it tells the story clearly.
April 2, 2023
Once again, what Kim T. Griswell considers an important education into independence. Or a thrilling invitation to adventure???
It leaves me tepid.
Once again, Rufus the pig is barging into a fantasy lifestyle where he doesn't belong. (And in the case of crashing a pirate ship, would this adventure really be good for him?)
Once again, I wonder, "Where are his parents? Why is this little pig in charge of doing whatever he likes?"
To this Goodreader, independent is one thing. Inappropriate is another.
It leaves me tepid.
Once again, Rufus the pig is barging into a fantasy lifestyle where he doesn't belong. (And in the case of crashing a pirate ship, would this adventure really be good for him?)
Once again, I wonder, "Where are his parents? Why is this little pig in charge of doing whatever he likes?"
To this Goodreader, independent is one thing. Inappropriate is another.
August 13, 2019
Rufus doesn't give up! Gorbachev is one of my favorite illustrator's and a perfect match for Rufus' determination and sweet spirit. These pirates won't scare anyone, and Rufus' quest to become a pirate takes up most of the book. Discovering the treasure at the end gave me a real "awwww" moment. I would use this for "Talk Like a Pirate Day" if I had a group that could sit through this slightly longer story.
December 13, 2016
The only pirate book I've ever loved! Rufus has a hard time fitting in with the pirates until at last, the pirates find his knowledge of reading useful to help them read their map to find the treasure. Rufus helps them discovers the hidden treasure: books! Then, of course, Rufus teaches the pirates to read and they love it!
October 15, 2017
This is a fun book, with a cute little pig, Rufus, who really wants to be a pirate for summer vacation. But although Captain Wibblyshins is hiring, he isn’t looking for a pig. Rufus tries everything he can think of to convince the captain that he’s worth hiring.
It’s on the longer side, but pirate-loving preschoolers and elementary students will probably like this book.
My kids enjoyed it.
It’s on the longer side, but pirate-loving preschoolers and elementary students will probably like this book.
My kids enjoyed it.
July 17, 2017
Great basic story of a cute pig who wants to be a pirate but the ship's captain won't allow him to board the ship. He keeps trying to find a solution. He is a very determined pig. I would buy for my media center. Highly recommended for grades 2-5.
February 19, 2018
Rufus is back and this time he wants to be a pirate. The pirate captain does not want a pig on his ship until Rufus shows how useful he can be by reading and teaching the pirates to read too. They do find the buried treasure - lots of books.
Great message about how important reading is.
Great message about how important reading is.
February 1, 2019
Our favorite pig is out of school for the summer and wants to try his hand at being a pirate like in his favorite book. Can he convince the pirates to let him join them? Love the perserverence and heart. Preschool and up
July 26, 2017
Love this book! The treasure is books the Pirates seek and Rufus the pig helps them find it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2017
The ending is prettttttty adorable. =)
May 4, 2018
Happy to have been able to enjoy this one...dedicated in the honor of a special little boy.
March 11, 2019
This book teaches the value of reading and persistence when it comes to your drams. Great illustrations.
September 29, 2021
A nice book that highlights the importance and benefits of reading.
June 24, 2022
Rufus hops in a taxi and tells the driver what he wants to be. Then the driver says, "Hang on!" and just takes him there. If only that worked in the real world.
March 25, 2017
My nephew loves pirates and this story sounded like a cute one. A little pig who loves to read and goes on a pirate adventure...such a cute idea for a story and the images were lively and fun. A great one to share with the little man.
March 15, 2017
Perfect for a pirate or a pig themed story time. Great illustrations and a simple, but fun story line.
June 17, 2015
Just looking at the cover sort of ticked my fancy and made me want to meet Rufus. How timely here at the start of summer, to have Rufus, who dearly loves school and books, go to school and find the school door locked. Other students are off to various summer activities, but Rufus decides he want to be a pirate. So he sets out to board a pirate ship and go to sea.
The illustrations capture the essence of Rufus ------ as he tries time and time again to board the ship but the captain of the pirates won't allow a pig on his boat and he gives various reasons why he won't. Rufus returns time and time again with something he, a pig, can do to help on the ship.
Throughout the story, Rufus' love of books and of reading is obvious. He has his books with him wherever he goes. And finally finds the solution to his becoming a pirate in the use of words - words which appear in books, on signs, and everywhere.
The child (and parent) that loves books will identify with Rufus. And perhaps the reluctant reader will see how books are fun companions and a key to opening many doors.
Rufus Goes to Sea is a super book that will engage the child individually or in group settings. This would be a great book for the home, school, or public libraries to make certain they have on their shelves.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review and the opinions expressed are solely my own. I was not compensated for this review.
The illustrations capture the essence of Rufus ------ as he tries time and time again to board the ship but the captain of the pirates won't allow a pig on his boat and he gives various reasons why he won't. Rufus returns time and time again with something he, a pig, can do to help on the ship.
Throughout the story, Rufus' love of books and of reading is obvious. He has his books with him wherever he goes. And finally finds the solution to his becoming a pirate in the use of words - words which appear in books, on signs, and everywhere.
The child (and parent) that loves books will identify with Rufus. And perhaps the reluctant reader will see how books are fun companions and a key to opening many doors.
Rufus Goes to Sea is a super book that will engage the child individually or in group settings. This would be a great book for the home, school, or public libraries to make certain they have on their shelves.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review and the opinions expressed are solely my own. I was not compensated for this review.
March 28, 2015
School may be out for Summer, but Rufus Leroy Williams III (really, you can just call him Rufus) has more lessons to learn. These are lessons you can’t learn in the classroom, but in the wider world we call life.
Instead of taking dance lessons, or going off to camp, Rufus wants to spend his summer being a pirate.
Not to pillage and plunder, but to have adventures on the open sea, and uncover buried treasure that’s meant to be claimed by the ones who find it first! He quickly makes contact with a pirate gang in need of a new crewmate.
But just like fighting for his rights to an education is his inaugural outing: Rufus must prove himself worthy to a band of sea dogs who have reservations about letting a pig join their crew.
Valeri Gorbachev’s illustrations are as charming as ever, given the new season,
and seaside locales, the colors pop with a extra shot of intensity.
Kermit the Frog of Muppets fame historically said, “It’s not easy being green.”
Well, it’s also not easy being a cultured and literate pig, in a world filled with narrow-minded humans who think pigs are hopeless naughty slobs (Not saying none are, just that it’s not true of EVERY pig, okay?)
It’s no different than most folks thinking all rats are mean and nasty. Hello! Discriminate much!? But I digress…Anyway, "Rufus Goes To Sea" is a charming reminder how reading is not just a fun escape, but a superpower that even a pirate can respect!
-Reversion Of The Original Review At TalkingAnimalAddicts.com
Instead of taking dance lessons, or going off to camp, Rufus wants to spend his summer being a pirate.
Not to pillage and plunder, but to have adventures on the open sea, and uncover buried treasure that’s meant to be claimed by the ones who find it first! He quickly makes contact with a pirate gang in need of a new crewmate.
But just like fighting for his rights to an education is his inaugural outing: Rufus must prove himself worthy to a band of sea dogs who have reservations about letting a pig join their crew.
Valeri Gorbachev’s illustrations are as charming as ever, given the new season,
and seaside locales, the colors pop with a extra shot of intensity.
Kermit the Frog of Muppets fame historically said, “It’s not easy being green.”
Well, it’s also not easy being a cultured and literate pig, in a world filled with narrow-minded humans who think pigs are hopeless naughty slobs (Not saying none are, just that it’s not true of EVERY pig, okay?)
It’s no different than most folks thinking all rats are mean and nasty. Hello! Discriminate much!? But I digress…Anyway, "Rufus Goes To Sea" is a charming reminder how reading is not just a fun escape, but a superpower that even a pirate can respect!
-Reversion Of The Original Review At TalkingAnimalAddicts.com
April 3, 2015
Rufus Goes to Sea is a beautifully illustrated children's book with a wonderful message!
It's summer and Rufus Leroy Williams III (btw I absolutely love his name!) wants to go on an adventure like the characters in his favorite books. He wants to be a pirate but the problem is Rufus is a pig and the Captain of the ship says "No pigs on a ship". After a few trial and errors, Rufus finally finds a skill that the pirates need. Rufus is literate and the pirates need someone to read the treasure map. During the journey Rufus teaches the pirates to read and finally they find the buried treasure of books!
This is a very cute story that will help instill the love of books in its young readers!
It's summer and Rufus Leroy Williams III (btw I absolutely love his name!) wants to go on an adventure like the characters in his favorite books. He wants to be a pirate but the problem is Rufus is a pig and the Captain of the ship says "No pigs on a ship". After a few trial and errors, Rufus finally finds a skill that the pirates need. Rufus is literate and the pirates need someone to read the treasure map. During the journey Rufus teaches the pirates to read and finally they find the buried treasure of books!
This is a very cute story that will help instill the love of books in its young readers!
April 7, 2015
With school closed for summer vacation, Rufus decides that the next best thing to do is become a pirate, so he heads down to the docks where luckily for him the pirate ship is hiring. But when Rufus applies he gets turned down, turns out the pirate they're looking for has to be quite special. As Rufus tries again and again to get hired one begins to wonder WHAT does it take to get the job? At the end of his hopes Rufus finally finds out, but can he be THE pirate they need? Plenty of pirate talk and silly pirate names help this story along to a treasure of an ending.
June 5, 2015
I love Rufus. This one is really cute--it's summer vacation, so what does a school-lovin' pig do? He takes his backpack, lunchbox, and blanket and heads off to become a pirate. But just like the principal in Rufus Goes to School, the captain thinks that pigs just cause problems, so Rufus figures out how to make himself indispensable. This doesn't wow me quite as much as Rufus Goes to School, but I'm just really happy to see him again. This is a great one to recommend to kids in preschool and early elementary school.
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April 22, 2015Rufus decides to be a pirate for summer vacation and learns all he knows about how to be one from his books. When he approaches a pirate ship the captain tells him, “No pigs on pirate ships!” It takes the many things Rufus has learned from reading to and the act of reading itself to get his place secured on the ship.
November 5, 2015
What's not to like? An adventurous (and very clever) pig, plenty of pirate-related humor, a serious attempt at learning how to be a pirate, and splashes of ship-pirate-related terminology and tropes to satisfy fans. The resolution's emphasis on the power of reading and the treasure within the cover of books is icing on the cake.
May 6, 2015
Grab a copy of "Rufus Goes to School" and follow it up with this great sequel!
Rufus, the sweetest and smartest piggy you'll ever meet, goes on another adventure and shows us yet again what hard work, determination, and a love of reading can accomplish! <3 Rufus!!
Rufus, the sweetest and smartest piggy you'll ever meet, goes on another adventure and shows us yet again what hard work, determination, and a love of reading can accomplish! <3 Rufus!!
July 14, 2015
I received the book from the Chat with vera contest.
The illustrations are cute with lots of color and detail.
The story itself flows easily without being too simplistic or too difficult. I loved the ending of the story as well.
The illustrations are cute with lots of color and detail.
The story itself flows easily without being too simplistic or too difficult. I loved the ending of the story as well.
January 29, 2016
If you liked Rufus goes to school, you'll like this one too. Similar format, but Rufus becomes a pirate. What kids don't like a pirate? The illustrations, as before, are very well done and quite charming.
April 9, 2015
I love that Rufus brings books even on a pirate ship!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews