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The Jolley-Rogers #2
The Pirates of Scurvy Sands
This summer, Matilda is going on holiday with her friends, the Jolley-Rogers. Their destination is the island of Scurvy Sands - a favourite holiday destination for pirates. When Matilda arrives, the swashbuckling residents are not too impressed with her. She has clean teeth, tidy clothes and doesn't smell like she's been at sea for six months without washing - she's definitely no pirate. But when Matilda discovers the secret of the legendary treasure of Scurvy Sands, the pirates decide that maybe some lubbers aren't so bad. A scurvy sequel to the bestselling The Pirates Next Door.
44 pages, Hardcover
Published August 7, 2018
About the author
Jonny Duddle
111 books61 followersJonny Duddle has been a concept artist for Aardman Animations and created fantastic illustrations for fiction and novelty books, including ALIENOLOGY. He wrote and illustrated THE PIRATE CRUNCHER. Jonny Duddle lives in Buxton, England.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 16, 2018
I read this one in Dutch, but will be writing a review in English.
I totally forgot this book existed (so many books come out), and I was delighted to see it in my library. Translated, so I was a bit worried. Would the humour still work as that sometimes gets lost in translation. And why did the names changes? What is wrong with Matilda and Jim? Those are perfectly normal names and do not need to be changed to Sanne and Sammie. :|
Back to the book and the story, the kids (and of course Sammie's parents/family) are off to Scurvy Sands for a family vacation! Arrrrr, I want to come with them. Before we landed on the sands of that of place with Matilda and Jim, because we have a delightful map at the beginning that tells us several things about the place. Eee, I want to go! And then we also see the place when our family comes to land. The children's club, the food, a roller coaster, treasure, and more.
Matilda is standing out there, she is not a pirate after all, everyone else is though. They are commenting on how she acts and does, and how that is so not pirate-like. And how will she pass the test? Ohhh, a test! I have to say I really didn't like how everyone was being so rude to her (well, OK, they are pirates, I guess I can forgive them a bit), but still I found it a bit annoying that they were acting like that. Not even giving her a chance. I mean, really, the family took her with them for a reason, they wouldn't do that if she was a total hopeless case.
Thankfully Matilda is a girl with guts, and she takes matters in her own hands. Oh, I just loved that she did that! Go go girl. Girl power! *cheers*
Oh, and be sure not to forget to look at the map at the end, it has changed a bit.
Of course, I just adored the art. It was one of the main reasons I started to read Jonny Duddle's book. That and the fact these books are about pirates!
All in all, even with the annoying pirates going on and on about how Matilda isn't a pirate, this was a really fun book. I had quite a few laughs, and I was rooting for Matilda. I would recommend the book.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I totally forgot this book existed (so many books come out), and I was delighted to see it in my library. Translated, so I was a bit worried. Would the humour still work as that sometimes gets lost in translation. And why did the names changes? What is wrong with Matilda and Jim? Those are perfectly normal names and do not need to be changed to Sanne and Sammie. :|
Back to the book and the story, the kids (and of course Sammie's parents/family) are off to Scurvy Sands for a family vacation! Arrrrr, I want to come with them. Before we landed on the sands of that of place with Matilda and Jim, because we have a delightful map at the beginning that tells us several things about the place. Eee, I want to go! And then we also see the place when our family comes to land. The children's club, the food, a roller coaster, treasure, and more.
Matilda is standing out there, she is not a pirate after all, everyone else is though. They are commenting on how she acts and does, and how that is so not pirate-like. And how will she pass the test? Ohhh, a test! I have to say I really didn't like how everyone was being so rude to her (well, OK, they are pirates, I guess I can forgive them a bit), but still I found it a bit annoying that they were acting like that. Not even giving her a chance. I mean, really, the family took her with them for a reason, they wouldn't do that if she was a total hopeless case.
Thankfully Matilda is a girl with guts, and she takes matters in her own hands. Oh, I just loved that she did that! Go go girl. Girl power! *cheers*
Oh, and be sure not to forget to look at the map at the end, it has changed a bit.
Of course, I just adored the art. It was one of the main reasons I started to read Jonny Duddle's book. That and the fact these books are about pirates!
All in all, even with the annoying pirates going on and on about how Matilda isn't a pirate, this was a really fun book. I had quite a few laughs, and I was rooting for Matilda. I would recommend the book.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
January 23, 2019
The cutest story I have read. Absolutely love the illustrations and the unique characters.
September 20, 2019
I personally feel like the story is choppy and is going in too many directions. I also feel like the ending is super rushed. However, I am taking into consideration the fact that my 6 year old really likes looking at the pictures and asks questions about the pictures and characters, and likes flipping back and forth to look at the pictures again and compare things, etc. The pictures really hold her attention.
September 17, 2018
Mad Jack McMuddle was a pirate who was always lost. A long time ago, he buried his treasure on the island of Scurvy Sands. The place is a resort now, specifically for pirates. There are oodles of arcades, swimming, pirate fun, and treasure hunting, but no one has ever located Mad Jack’s treasure.
Dull-on-Sea is a bleak place in winter, but when summer arrives, it’s quite lively. While fishing off a pier one day, Matilda hooks a bottle with a message from her friend, Jim Lad Jolley-Rogers. His family is off to Scurvy Sands for fun and relaxation. Would she like to come too?
Most parents would say no, since pirates are n’er-do-wells, but the Jolley-Rogers are good pirates, so off Matilda goes on a grand adventure. Capt’n Ollie Day welcomes them with open arms, but it isn’t long before the other vacationers begin questioning whether Matilda should be allowed to stay. After all, she’s not a pirate. She’ll never pass the Pirate Test. But Matilda and Jim Lad pay no heed to such whispers. They’re too busy studying Mad Jack’s portrait and map, because they are determined to find his lost treasure!
This sequel to The Pirates Next Door is grand fun. The illustrations are colorful and each pirate has his/her own personality and expressive face. The story is a wonderful take on “Never judge a book by its cover.” Whether read aloud or silently, by oneself or with someone else, the adventure immediately draws young pirates into the tale. It can easily be transformed into a play so everyone can participate, or words that are capitalized can be shouted to add a dramatic flair to the telling. There’s even a bit a treasure included, for the artist has included a four-page foldout spread. There are also two diagrams depicting the Scurvy Sands resort and they are not the same. Are you savvy enough to spot the difference?
Dull-on-Sea is a bleak place in winter, but when summer arrives, it’s quite lively. While fishing off a pier one day, Matilda hooks a bottle with a message from her friend, Jim Lad Jolley-Rogers. His family is off to Scurvy Sands for fun and relaxation. Would she like to come too?
Most parents would say no, since pirates are n’er-do-wells, but the Jolley-Rogers are good pirates, so off Matilda goes on a grand adventure. Capt’n Ollie Day welcomes them with open arms, but it isn’t long before the other vacationers begin questioning whether Matilda should be allowed to stay. After all, she’s not a pirate. She’ll never pass the Pirate Test. But Matilda and Jim Lad pay no heed to such whispers. They’re too busy studying Mad Jack’s portrait and map, because they are determined to find his lost treasure!
This sequel to The Pirates Next Door is grand fun. The illustrations are colorful and each pirate has his/her own personality and expressive face. The story is a wonderful take on “Never judge a book by its cover.” Whether read aloud or silently, by oneself or with someone else, the adventure immediately draws young pirates into the tale. It can easily be transformed into a play so everyone can participate, or words that are capitalized can be shouted to add a dramatic flair to the telling. There’s even a bit a treasure included, for the artist has included a four-page foldout spread. There are also two diagrams depicting the Scurvy Sands resort and they are not the same. Are you savvy enough to spot the difference?
September 10, 2019
This story would be good to read with children from year 1 to 5. It introduces the idea of penfriends and children in younger years could be matched with an older child to write emails (incorporating ICT) or letters. There is rhyme in the story which helps to keep a rhythm but there are some uses of dialogue, vocabulary such as ‘quay’, ‘voyage’ and ‘elope’ along with concepts such as pen friends which may not make it suitable for very young children. There are great, bright illustrations which appear almost 3D and this helps to make the story more realistic. Speech bubbles also help with characterisation. There’s also a picture of a rolled-up letter from Tilly’s pen friend, which could be used to look at different forms and purposes of language. It could also be used in PSHE and circle time as it touches on bullying as the pirates think Tilly is strange as she looks different to them as they talk about her, but then after she passes the pirate test they are nice to her. There are also two pages which fold out, making it more interactive.
December 8, 2018
The Pirates of Scurvy Sands by Jonny Duddle. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2018. $17. 978-0-7636-9293-3
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
This rhyming book, with eye-catching illustrations, follows the story of a little girl going on an adventure with a little pirate boy. The pirate boys' crew is skeptical of him bringing a girl along, and ask funny questions about her, as she tries to fit in.
The art in this book draws you in immediately and is great for young readers. The bubble boxes make it fun for children to read along.
Megan Joseph, Kindergarten Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
This rhyming book, with eye-catching illustrations, follows the story of a little girl going on an adventure with a little pirate boy. The pirate boys' crew is skeptical of him bringing a girl along, and ask funny questions about her, as she tries to fit in.
The art in this book draws you in immediately and is great for young readers. The bubble boxes make it fun for children to read along.
Megan Joseph, Kindergarten Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
June 26, 2021
This is a fun and engaging story about a little girl who decides to go on a trip with her pen pal who happens to be a pirate. The story conveyed a positive message to children about not making assumptions based on appearance in a fun and engaging way.
I found the illustrations worked well alongside the story and were nice for children to look at.
The pace was OK and liked the usage of more advanced vocabulary being introduced to the children throughout the book. I feel exposure to such vocabulary is important for young readers to develop literacy skills. Attempts were made to rhyme throughout the book, but I felt this was inconsistent and did not always work. Overall, it was an enjoyable story and I would recommend it.
I found the illustrations worked well alongside the story and were nice for children to look at.
The pace was OK and liked the usage of more advanced vocabulary being introduced to the children throughout the book. I feel exposure to such vocabulary is important for young readers to develop literacy skills. Attempts were made to rhyme throughout the book, but I felt this was inconsistent and did not always work. Overall, it was an enjoyable story and I would recommend it.
November 11, 2021
Matilda's pirate pen pal invites her to join his family at the Scurvy Sands, a place where pirates go for vacation. The locals are a little offended that a land lubber has come to their resort, but when Matilda pulls off what has eluded all the pirates, she wins some new fans.
This is both a treasure hunt/mystery as well as a look at a pirate and land lubber culture clash. I felt like either this needed less or more. It felt like the culture clash and treasure hunt were forced to work together instead of flowing naturally. It works, but it felt clunky. The illustrations are imaginative, and what puts the pirates off about Matilda will likely make kids laugh. Hand this to Disney-ish pirate fans, and would be treasure hunters.
This is both a treasure hunt/mystery as well as a look at a pirate and land lubber culture clash. I felt like either this needed less or more. It felt like the culture clash and treasure hunt were forced to work together instead of flowing naturally. It works, but it felt clunky. The illustrations are imaginative, and what puts the pirates off about Matilda will likely make kids laugh. Hand this to Disney-ish pirate fans, and would be treasure hunters.
September 26, 2018
I didn't like the book very much. First of all it was a rhyming book. Some of the cadence was very off, and for some books, that works. Not for this book.
The illustrations are really good, but at times there is too much going on.
The story itself was crowded. Way too much for a little reader.
The illustrations are really good, but at times there is too much going on.
The story itself was crowded. Way too much for a little reader.
July 16, 2024
A fun follow-up to The Pirates Next Door. Matilda goes on vacation with her pirate bestie and his family, and, in a reversal of the previously mentioned book, all of the pirates think she's weird and not pirate-y enough to be using their resort. Hopefully without giving spoilers, she proves herself to be worthy to be on their island, by using her brain. Good for her.
January 9, 2020
Great fun, fantastic illustrations and a lovely message of tolerance.
The Pirates next door was a wonderful book by Jonny Duddle. This picks up where it left off carrying the same strong message regarding open mindedness and tolerance dressed up in a fun way. Recommended.
The Pirates next door was a wonderful book by Jonny Duddle. This picks up where it left off carrying the same strong message regarding open mindedness and tolerance dressed up in a fun way. Recommended.
March 28, 2020
Fun
Perceptions change, so don’t you judge people on what you see, sometimes a new perspective can be good on things. I loved the role reversal from the first book. Another great short tale, beautifully drawn.
Perceptions change, so don’t you judge people on what you see, sometimes a new perspective can be good on things. I loved the role reversal from the first book. Another great short tale, beautifully drawn.
February 24, 2024
In this sequel to The Pirates Next Door, Matilda is sending Messages in a bottle to the Jolly Roger family. Jack invites her on a voyage to Scurvy Sands. This rhyming story is full of salty characters are wonderful artwork. The ending is perfect. Enjoy.
June 11, 2024
I didn't really enjoy this. I found it too busy, and I did not like all the rhyming. There is a lot of narration, but there are also a ton of speech bubbles, and I didn't really like the story. I also wasn't a fan of the artwork.
July 10, 2019
My kids loved this one! The story and pictures spark creative imagination.
November 23, 2019
Awwww I really loved this book and I know the kids will too! I love the deeper message about trying to fit in and prove yourself but knowing who you are is always enough.
December 8, 2020
Funny, a bit ridiculous, amazing art, and just wild ride!
November 18, 2021
fun and silly.
November 23, 2021
Matilda isn't a pirate but joins a ship full of them to go hunting for hidden treasure. With a ship full of experienced pirates, none of them think Matilda can be of any help, until she is!
April 29, 2023
This one was fun. My only issue is that the cadence of the rhyme scheme didn't always flow well which makes it a little awkward to read
August 14, 2025
Fun story, hated the rhyming structure.
July 5, 2025
Matilda is invited to spend her summer vacation with a pirate boy named Jim Lad, and sail to Scurvy Sands and hunt for Mad Jack's buried treasure. All the other pirates thought Matilda wasn't much of a pirate, but more like a landlubber. Matilda surprises them all when she discovers a clue to where the treasure is buried.
October 26, 2019
Super flotte illustrationer og god historie - men hader at det er skrevet så det rimer >_<
December 16, 2025
It was okay
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews