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Pirates in the Library
Prepare to set sail for the adventure of a lifetime as the fierce Captain Jake discovers a treasure map that leads him and his pirate crew (and parrot, too) right to the…library. Ms. Benitez, the librarian, welcomes the pirates to the library-as long as they behave!-and the search is on for the treasure promised to be hidden within the library. It’s not too long before all the pirates (and the parrot, too) are captivated by the jewels they find on the bookshelves. Now the dilemma is how to get all the newfound treasure back to the pirate ship? Readers will be eager to set course for their own libraries after following Captain Jake through his library adventure. The map of the Dread Pirate Dewey decorates the end papers leading library users through the Dewey Decimal system making this book a valuable learning tool for parents, teachers, and librarians.
40 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 6, 2017
This was a humorous little story about some pirates finding a treasure map leading them to a library, where the treasure are the books. While the pirate concept was great and the illustrations will certainly appeal to very young readers, the story was just so-so. There were some clever details, like the 'no squawking' sign which was funny, or the repetition of 'the captain, his crew and the parrot too', which always appeals to little children. But at the end, the story-telling felt uninspired and I wondered if this could have worked just as well (or better) as a pure picture book without words.
At the end a listing of the Dewey system is added, but I wonder who is the target group for that? Surely not the little toddlers who will be delighted by the colorful pictures and the very simple story?! So what about the Moms (or Dads) who will most likely read those stories? I guess they could gain some knowledge from the list, but will it help them in the children's section of the library? I don't think so - the system doesn't even have an entry for children's literature, much less any subcategories for children's literature, such as picture books, first readers, non-fiction, or subjects like adventure, friendship, animals an so on.
Conclusion: the book has beautiful pictures with funny details to explore, but could do without the text. However, as the target group can't read by themselves yet, it is easy to completely omit or at least pep up the written story.
At the end a listing of the Dewey system is added, but I wonder who is the target group for that? Surely not the little toddlers who will be delighted by the colorful pictures and the very simple story?! So what about the Moms (or Dads) who will most likely read those stories? I guess they could gain some knowledge from the list, but will it help them in the children's section of the library? I don't think so - the system doesn't even have an entry for children's literature, much less any subcategories for children's literature, such as picture books, first readers, non-fiction, or subjects like adventure, friendship, animals an so on.
Conclusion: the book has beautiful pictures with funny details to explore, but could do without the text. However, as the target group can't read by themselves yet, it is easy to completely omit or at least pep up the written story.
November 7, 2016
this book was lame. I'm a librarian and I like pirates but would not read this book to kids
February 7, 2017
'Pirates in the Library' by Nadia Ali with art by Jake Tebbits is a fun book for young readers. It includes a treasure map to finding great books in the library.
When Ms. Benitez starts a new reading program by creating a treasure map for the kids, one inadvertently finds its way into the hands of pirates on the sea. Seizing any opportunity to find treasure, the pirates invade the local library. The librarian has posted a "No Squawking" sign so the pirates have to keep their parrot silent. The pirates learn that the compass rose on the map is actually a decoder for the Dewey Decimal System. The pirates find a different kind of treasure than they thought they would, but each of them finds something unique to their interests.
I liked the clever idea of incorporating the Dewey Decimal System into the compass rose of the treasure map. It's on the end papers of the book. There is also an appendix which expands the system out a bit more, so you can learn that Science and Math is 500, but Stars, Planets, Astronomy, Space is 520. It's a clever way to teach kids how to find treasure at their local library.
My review copy had a number of formatting errors in the text, where letters were missing from words, but I'm hoping that gets corrected for the final version.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Star Bright Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
When Ms. Benitez starts a new reading program by creating a treasure map for the kids, one inadvertently finds its way into the hands of pirates on the sea. Seizing any opportunity to find treasure, the pirates invade the local library. The librarian has posted a "No Squawking" sign so the pirates have to keep their parrot silent. The pirates learn that the compass rose on the map is actually a decoder for the Dewey Decimal System. The pirates find a different kind of treasure than they thought they would, but each of them finds something unique to their interests.
I liked the clever idea of incorporating the Dewey Decimal System into the compass rose of the treasure map. It's on the end papers of the book. There is also an appendix which expands the system out a bit more, so you can learn that Science and Math is 500, but Stars, Planets, Astronomy, Space is 520. It's a clever way to teach kids how to find treasure at their local library.
My review copy had a number of formatting errors in the text, where letters were missing from words, but I'm hoping that gets corrected for the final version.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Star Bright Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
October 6, 2016
Very cute book about the library. However, I was hoping for the story to incorporate the Dewey system within the text not just a listing on the back.
March 26, 2017
I received this ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
The pirates are out to sea when a treasure map lands in their ship. The map says there's treasure at the library and all they have to do is follow Dewey's Decimal map. When they arrive the librarian puts them to work looking for the treasure, but it's not the kind of treasure that they were thinking of. Love books about pirates, add a trip to the library with some fun rhyming and I'm sold.
The pirates are out to sea when a treasure map lands in their ship. The map says there's treasure at the library and all they have to do is follow Dewey's Decimal map. When they arrive the librarian puts them to work looking for the treasure, but it's not the kind of treasure that they were thinking of. Love books about pirates, add a trip to the library with some fun rhyming and I'm sold.
August 31, 2017
If you haven't read this book yet you may feel I've told too much of the story in this review, so don't read on if you don't want spoilers.
Pirates in the Library by Nadia Ali is a delightful story to encourage interest in the library, starting with that title.
Ms. Benitez, the librarian, thought of a way to get people interested in visiting the library. She sketched out a treasure map, made copies of it, and stacked them on her desk by an open window. The map was the Dread Pirate Dewey’s decimal map and showed how to find his treasure.
A storm came up and out the window blew many of her maps! Out on the wild waves was Captain Jake, and one of Ms. Benitez’s maps stuck right on his face. Of course, once he saw what it was, he was determined to find the treasure.
Fierce Captain Jake, his bold pirate crew, and their parrot too, came looking for the treasure. Ms. Benitez happily welcomed them, warning them not to shout or squawk, but to be quiet, and then directed them to rows and rows of “treasure.” Captain Jake was aghast that there were no rubies or diamonds or doubloons! Only books! Many books. When he realized all his crew had disappeared Captain Jake suspected the Dread Pirate Dewey had captured them, but then he found them all reading books about things that interested them, such as … cooking, navigating by the stars, learning to take charge, biographies, fiction, sports, and even the parrot was looking at a book of pictures of birds.
At the very end of the story … well, that’s funny, too. You’ll have to read it for yourself.
The fabulous illustrations for Pirates in the Library were created by Jake Tebbit and add depth to the story. The way Nadia Ali told the story is entertaining, with repetition in such a way that adds to the humour.
Pirates in the Library is an enjoyable book for children and the adults who read to them. In the back of the book is the Dewey decimal system – which shows how it is worked out. Also, the end pages are fun with maps and X marking the spot where the treasure can be found.
Pirates in the Library by Nadia Ali is a delightful story to encourage interest in the library, starting with that title.
Ms. Benitez, the librarian, thought of a way to get people interested in visiting the library. She sketched out a treasure map, made copies of it, and stacked them on her desk by an open window. The map was the Dread Pirate Dewey’s decimal map and showed how to find his treasure.
A storm came up and out the window blew many of her maps! Out on the wild waves was Captain Jake, and one of Ms. Benitez’s maps stuck right on his face. Of course, once he saw what it was, he was determined to find the treasure.
Fierce Captain Jake, his bold pirate crew, and their parrot too, came looking for the treasure. Ms. Benitez happily welcomed them, warning them not to shout or squawk, but to be quiet, and then directed them to rows and rows of “treasure.” Captain Jake was aghast that there were no rubies or diamonds or doubloons! Only books! Many books. When he realized all his crew had disappeared Captain Jake suspected the Dread Pirate Dewey had captured them, but then he found them all reading books about things that interested them, such as … cooking, navigating by the stars, learning to take charge, biographies, fiction, sports, and even the parrot was looking at a book of pictures of birds.
At the very end of the story … well, that’s funny, too. You’ll have to read it for yourself.
The fabulous illustrations for Pirates in the Library were created by Jake Tebbit and add depth to the story. The way Nadia Ali told the story is entertaining, with repetition in such a way that adds to the humour.
Pirates in the Library is an enjoyable book for children and the adults who read to them. In the back of the book is the Dewey decimal system – which shows how it is worked out. Also, the end pages are fun with maps and X marking the spot where the treasure can be found.
October 10, 2016
What a cute idea. The Dread Pirate Dewey (Librarian Ms. Benitez) has drawn up a treasure map with the library containing the treasure. When a storm blows some of the maps out the window of the library, they land in the face of Captain Jake. He takes his crew ashore and they head to the library to find the treasure of Pirate Dewey. What they find, of course, is the treasure held within the covers of books. Most people do not know much about the Dewey Decimal system as it is easier to search of a book using the internet, but it is a great idea. The treasure map shows the compass rose with all the sections of the dewey system and the back of the book lists them and what types of books you would find in each area. What a great book to use in a school library to teach children how to use the library to their best advantage. The illustrations are cute watercolour pictures that are fun and not scary pirates at all. This book should be in all school libraries. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
June 16, 2017
This book is a fun way to introduce children to how the library works, using pirates on a search for treasures. I really liked this one!
May 18, 2017
When a librarian makes a treasure map to help people find books in the library, a pirate crew thinks they will find real treasure, gold and diamonds, and they storm into the library! The pirate crew soon finds better treasure in the books they read and enjoy, but the pirate Captain is harder to convince. It's up to the courageous librarian to show the Captain just how precious books can be.
This cute little story is full of fun and laughter, and I like the way that the crew all pick very different books on many subjects, and all their choices are detailed both in the text and in the illustrations. The cook finds a recipe book, the first mate reads a book about mutiny, and even the parrot finds a book about birds!
The librarian is a calm and cheerful authority figure in the library, and she reminds the pirates that there is no hollering, hooting, or rough-housing in the library. The pirates are effectively daunted by her poised manner, and they even remind the parrot not to squawk.
The illustrations are sweet and colorful, and the funny expressions on the faces of the pirate crew are delightful!
My one problem with this book is that there are a couple of places where things seem to be written out of order, and a place where the illustrations are out of order as well.
The Captain should look wary and angry at first, and then look happy second, but the illustrations are out of order on the page. I think an editor should have caught this and rearranged things to make better sense.
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.
This cute little story is full of fun and laughter, and I like the way that the crew all pick very different books on many subjects, and all their choices are detailed both in the text and in the illustrations. The cook finds a recipe book, the first mate reads a book about mutiny, and even the parrot finds a book about birds!
The librarian is a calm and cheerful authority figure in the library, and she reminds the pirates that there is no hollering, hooting, or rough-housing in the library. The pirates are effectively daunted by her poised manner, and they even remind the parrot not to squawk.
The illustrations are sweet and colorful, and the funny expressions on the faces of the pirate crew are delightful!
My one problem with this book is that there are a couple of places where things seem to be written out of order, and a place where the illustrations are out of order as well.
The Captain should look wary and angry at first, and then look happy second, but the illustrations are out of order on the page. I think an editor should have caught this and rearranged things to make better sense.
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.
June 8, 2017
This review was originally shared on Lazy Day Literature
When Captain Jack and his rough crew of pirates burst into the library, Mrs. Benitez couldn't be more thrilled. Captain Jack has found one of her Dread Pirate Dewey's Decimal maps! Reminding Captain Jack and his crew of the library rules of being quiet and no parrot squawking, she sends them off into the stacks in search of treasure. Captain Jack looks and looks but can't find a single doubloon but his crew seems to have found something even better.
This picture book does a splendid job of pointing out the true treasure of libraries. Books! Stories! It has fun and enticing illustrations that make me want to take another trip to my local library. Perhaps in search of some more great pirate stories. You'll be thrilled to see Captain Jack's crew search the stacks for treasure and what stories they end up discovering.
There's an educational bit at the end that tells us about the Dewey Decimal system and how we can use it to find books we are looking for at the library.
When Captain Jack and his rough crew of pirates burst into the library, Mrs. Benitez couldn't be more thrilled. Captain Jack has found one of her Dread Pirate Dewey's Decimal maps! Reminding Captain Jack and his crew of the library rules of being quiet and no parrot squawking, she sends them off into the stacks in search of treasure. Captain Jack looks and looks but can't find a single doubloon but his crew seems to have found something even better.
This picture book does a splendid job of pointing out the true treasure of libraries. Books! Stories! It has fun and enticing illustrations that make me want to take another trip to my local library. Perhaps in search of some more great pirate stories. You'll be thrilled to see Captain Jack's crew search the stacks for treasure and what stories they end up discovering.
There's an educational bit at the end that tells us about the Dewey Decimal system and how we can use it to find books we are looking for at the library.
June 9, 2017
The watercolor illustrations were beautifully colorful and fun, but the story was lackluster - and I had such high hopes for the concept based on the title! The librarian makes a fun "treasure map" to help patrons navigate the library (which, as shown, wouldn't help much? As a librarian, I can tell you, it should be much more detailed!!) Some of the maps mysterious end up in the hands of real pirates, who think it is a real treasure map, and make their way to the library. The gentle librarian tells them to scour the stacks to find their "treasure" in books, and the pirates are delighted with what they find (even if it's not the doubloons they were expecting!) and all get library cards and take books with them. The concept had potential, but the wording was just a bit uninspiring - maybe it needed a bit more detail? I'm not sure what it was lacking exactly. Also, as the target audience seemed to be pre-readers, I was a bit unsure about the lengthy explanation of Dewey Decimal System included in the back - they won't be able to understand that for years yet!
March 22, 2017
Ms Benitez is an incredibly lucky librarian. Not only does she work with books all day but she also gets to do it with a view of the beach. She hands out maps, by the Dread Pirate Dewey for the locals to hunt down "treasure". But one of the maps make it into the hands of Captain Jake who takes it to mean literal treasure. But instead of discovering diamonds and doubloons they discover the greater treasure of books and, erm well an organised book classification system!
This as always was read with my miniature book critic (aged 5 and 3/4 going on 23). She very much enjoyed both reading this herself and having it read to her. There are some very nice illustrations with some amusing touches. There's plenty of scope for trying out your best pirate voice (mine sounds more farmer Giles than Captain Jack) plus a nice bit of education about the wonder that is the Dewey Decimal System. It's a fun and educational story, worth a read to any budding reader.
I received a digital copy of this from Netgalley for an honest review.
This as always was read with my miniature book critic (aged 5 and 3/4 going on 23). She very much enjoyed both reading this herself and having it read to her. There are some very nice illustrations with some amusing touches. There's plenty of scope for trying out your best pirate voice (mine sounds more farmer Giles than Captain Jack) plus a nice bit of education about the wonder that is the Dewey Decimal System. It's a fun and educational story, worth a read to any budding reader.
I received a digital copy of this from Netgalley for an honest review.
March 27, 2017
This has a good concept, and you know when I say that, that the concept was probably the best part of the book, and you would be right. I love the idea of pirates in a library, searching for treasure. The pictures were bright and colorful, the pirate had a parrot and fake leg. It was all there.
But that was it. The plot is the pirates use the dewey decimal system to find their "treasure, that the librarian has drawn out as a pirate map. And yes, I worked in a library, and it does have treasures, and all that, but this does not make for a funny or even fun story. Sorry.
Love the pictures, though, so three starts for you.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
But that was it. The plot is the pirates use the dewey decimal system to find their "treasure, that the librarian has drawn out as a pirate map. And yes, I worked in a library, and it does have treasures, and all that, but this does not make for a funny or even fun story. Sorry.
Love the pictures, though, so three starts for you.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
August 19, 2020
This was has a higher word count than many recent picture books. There's more text description than many editors like to see and many writers give today. That said, it didn't stop us from absolutely enjoying every word and page. The kids loved the pirates (and their parrot, too!) and the library treasure map. My 9yo daughter asked to see a copy of Moby Dick and Treasure Island! When we finished reading, my 4yo son declared, "That's an amazing book!" He wants to read it tonight, too. Overall, it's just a fun pirate-y jaunt into library and book appreciation, and seriously, every library needs a map like this!
June 9, 2022
Have you ever tried to think, how does Librarian knows about books in big library?
I mean which book is where?
Have you ever heard about 𝐃𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦?
.
No? Then you need to get 𝐏𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 written by Nadia Ali and 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 @starbrightbooks
.
This funny pirate picture book is written in an interesting way where you can read that "Pirate's" accent as well. Captain Jake discovers a treasure map that leads him and his Pirates straight to the ... library. Librarian welcome Pirates as long as they behave. They all found treasures on bookshelves.
.
Interesting book that encourages your little Pirates to fund treasures in libraries as well.
I mean which book is where?
Have you ever heard about 𝐃𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦?
.
No? Then you need to get 𝐏𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 written by Nadia Ali and 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 @starbrightbooks
.
This funny pirate picture book is written in an interesting way where you can read that "Pirate's" accent as well. Captain Jake discovers a treasure map that leads him and his Pirates straight to the ... library. Librarian welcome Pirates as long as they behave. They all found treasures on bookshelves.
.
Interesting book that encourages your little Pirates to fund treasures in libraries as well.
May 24, 2017
Pirates find a Library treasure map and visit the library in search of treasure. After learning a few library rules, such as using a whisper voice, they begin their search. Slowly each disappears, until the captain finds himself alone. What happened to the crew? Did they find treasure in the library?
I would use this book to discuss library rules and introduce the Dewey categories to elementary students.
I received a pre-published copy free from Net Galley.
I would use this book to discuss library rules and introduce the Dewey categories to elementary students.
I received a pre-published copy free from Net Galley.
February 3, 2021
Pirates take over library looking for treasure and adventure - and find it in unexpected places! A wonderful story about reading, great for kids who love pirates.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated in any other fashion for the review and the opinions reflected below are entirely my own. Special thanks to the publisher and author for providing the copy.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated in any other fashion for the review and the opinions reflected below are entirely my own. Special thanks to the publisher and author for providing the copy.
October 19, 2017
Pirates in the Library is a wonderful book about Captain Jake and his pirates find the treasure of books and how there are books for every one in the library.
This book is very good for reading aloud to children. It belongs on the shelves of every library!
I recieved this book on NetGalley for an honest review.
This book is very good for reading aloud to children. It belongs on the shelves of every library!
I recieved this book on NetGalley for an honest review.
November 23, 2016
A group of pirates go hunting for Dewey’s treasures. They just happen to be in the library and available to everyone. This book is a tad long, but it was fun. I. Think it could be better if they had done more descriptions of the Dewey system that plays heavy in the treasure map.
September 25, 2017
Cute little story about some pirates who find an unexpected treasure in books at the library. A little longer than I was expecting (I was hoping for a good storytime book), but would be a winner for any slightly older book loving pirate!
September 29, 2025
Adorable and funny. Love that the story brings pirates to the library and that they discover a treasure trove of books and a joy of reading. No need to plunder - books are easily borrowed - and there’s something for every member of this boisterous crew.
February 20, 2017
Introduces Dewey decimal system
August 28, 2017
This would be a good book to teach students about the library. It is a fun and engaging storyline, but I think it might be a little too long for the younger ones to sit still
March 23, 2026
This is a cute book about pirates who follow a Dewey Decimal treasure map into a library to find the treasure.
November 24, 2016
Cute way to introduce young readers about the treasures one might find at the local library.
February 18, 2017
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book through NetGalley.
March 5, 2017
Pirates love reading
Captain Jake was excited when a map showing where buried treasure could be found, flew into his face. He rallied his fellow pirates and accompanied by the parrot, they set off to find the treasure buried in THE LIBRARY.
The Librarian was very clever, because she had drawn a map showing where treasures could be discovered in all the different categories of the library.
I liked the story because it was funny. It had silly pirates who found lots of books to read. Even the parrot was reading.
RosieNix (with help from her granny)
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Captain Jake was excited when a map showing where buried treasure could be found, flew into his face. He rallied his fellow pirates and accompanied by the parrot, they set off to find the treasure buried in THE LIBRARY.
The Librarian was very clever, because she had drawn a map showing where treasures could be discovered in all the different categories of the library.
I liked the story because it was funny. It had silly pirates who found lots of books to read. Even the parrot was reading.
RosieNix (with help from her granny)
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
January 11, 2017
This is a fun book, easy to follow and has some lovely images. Can definitely see this one being a firm favourite that gets read over and over - 4 stars from me.
February 21, 2017
Though I love the idea of a fun book to teach kids the Dewey Decimal this book didn't cut it for me. Mixing historical pirates with a modern library was a bit confusing as there was no mention of a time machine. Then the pirates just wondered around browsing and finding books then telling us the books they were reading. There was nothing about the Dewey Decimal system except on the pirate map and a mention in the back. How can you create a book that focuses on a topic then fail to mention it? I was also a bit curious why the parrot got to read but the cat didn't?
I received a copy from netgalley.
I received a copy from netgalley.
February 19, 2017
Pirates in the Library is a lovely little story to introduce the wonder of libraries and books to children. They will be sure to love Captain Jake and his parrot too!
The text is nicely rhythmic and repetitive so that children can recite it with glee. The illustrations are bright and simple with a nice warmth and humour to them. I really liked the balance of fun and learning in this story, and the important message of supporting your local library because they really are full of the best kind of treasure – stories and knowledge
The text is nicely rhythmic and repetitive so that children can recite it with glee. The illustrations are bright and simple with a nice warmth and humour to them. I really liked the balance of fun and learning in this story, and the important message of supporting your local library because they really are full of the best kind of treasure – stories and knowledge
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews