The Gingerbread Pirates

by Kristin Kladstrup, Matt Tavares (Illustrator)

What if a brave Captain Cookie stood up to Santa? A fresh, funny story that sparkles with all the excitement of a pirate adventure — and all the magic of Christmas morning.

A funny and magical Christmas story about a gingerbread pirate, Captain Cookie, and his daring adventure on Christmas eve to rescue his crew from a mysterious cannibal named Santa Claus…

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Pirates, Holiday, Fiction, Fantasy

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 8, 2009

About the author

Kristin Kladstrup is the author of the middle-grade novel THE BOOK OF STORY BEGINNINGS and the picture book THE GINGERBREAD PIRATES. She lives near Boston, Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

If the Hallmark Channel tried to do a mashup between Treasure Island and the Nutcracker for their 12 Days of Family Christmas lineup, it would be this book.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Jim and his mother make gingerbread men for Santa's visit one Christmas Eve, the young boy asks that they make the cookies in the form of pirates. Keeping Captain Cookie for himself, Jim falls asleep while the sweet creation mulls on what he has heard of this cookie-eating cannibal known as Santa. Determined to rescue the other gingerbread pirates, the captain sets out on an epic journey, one in which he learns a little bit about what Christmas is, and finds himself transformed into something a little more permanent...

With Christmas cookies, Santa's midnight visit, and pirates - what's not to love?!? The Gingerbread Pirates pairs an entertaining and creative seasonal story from author Kristin Kladstrup with appealing artwork from illustrator Matt Tavares, who, amongst other titles, has also produced an edition of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas . Recommended to young cookie and/or pirate lovers who are in the market for magical Christmas stories.

[The Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

It takes a lot to come up with an original idea for a Christmas book, but Kladstrup has done it. Pirates! A gingerbread theme that isn't Holly Hobbie cute! Santa as a potential villain--though of course he turns out to be a nice guy after all. And a happy ending.

Only one thing missing. There should have been a recipe for those gingerbread pirates--but would the kids have EATEN them?

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're looking for a children's Santa-themed story about pirates, this'll scratch that itch. I enjoyed the details in the illustrations that suggested the little boy is obsessed with pirates (his clock, the pirate nutcracker, the skull and crossbones on his stocking). However, I read it a second time with the theory that it's really the mother who is obsessed by pirates.

[Sirah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim and his mother make gingerbread pirates instead of regular cookies, but the captain hears that a canibal is coming to eat his crew. He leaps into action (or stumps, because he's got a tooth-peg leg). The world is a big place for a little cookie, but with a little Christmas magic, everything will probably turn out fine.

This is a silly story with a lovely festive element. It made me smile, which is exactly what it meant to do, I think.

[Dinah Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughter was
Assigned to read this book for school. We both thought that it was just okay. The ending was the best part.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeah, we’re a bit late on reading this library book. The concept of Christmas cookies coming to life was cute.

[Heidi Ostergaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most requested from my kids

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, I had never thought of Santa Claus as a cannibal, but now that I see the world through the eyes of a gingerbread man, I can see his point quite clearly.

This year as little Jim is making Christmas cookies with his mother he has a brilliant idea, since pirates are his favorite thing, why not make gingerbread men that look like pirates.

That evening, as Jim is going to sleep, he wishes that Captain Cookie had a pirate ship.

They must have been magical words since suddenly Captain Cookie burst to life wondering where his crew is and who is this “Santa Claus” that wants to eat them.

What ensues is a very funny magical story involving cliffs, hungry mice, rescuing his crew and a terrifying encounter with a cannibal.

A very funny Christmas yarn that will become a family favorite.

[Steve Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Book? Pirate Book? Is it possible to have confusion of where a story fits with those two categories? It is here! This one is hysterical! An original pirates story as told through characters that are gingerbread men - all connected to Christmas. The premise, title, and illustrations are entertaining enough for kids. The content and style will keep them entertained while also making adults smile (it did me!). This is the recipe for a good, original picturebook for me!

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

While looking for a Christmas book other than a Nickelodeon-esque retelling of The Night Before Christmas at BN last night, I found this and knew my littles would love it, and they did! Luckily I enjoyed it too, since they want me to read it every night before bed until Christmas (and probably after as well!)

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars A cute book with a fun twist. Great illustrations, interesting story...a l of Christmas Magic! Another nicely illustrations book by Matt Tavares

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want a Christmas book you can use your pirate voice for? This is a new favorite at our house. It's a sweet story (get what I did there?) filled with Santa's magic.

[Children's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know, I know it’s not even December yet … buuut I couldn’t resist. The only thing I like more than Pirates are gingerbread Christmas pirates 🤣
A boy and his mother make gingerbread pirates and leave them out for Santa. The Captain worries about the fate of his cookie pirate crew. What will happen when Santa arrives? Will he be able to save his crew?
This was recommended to me by a friend, their students loved it and so did mine. The illustrations are excellent and really keep the children entertained. I love the concept too, such a fun idea for a Christmas book. Totally worth checking out 🎄

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the family goes to bed on Christmas Eve, the freshly baked gingerbread pirates come alive. Captain Cookie finds himself separated from his crew. Can he get to them before they get eaten by Santa Claus?

The art is good quality, although I feel like something more cartoony might have worked better for the story.

[Ms. Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book that the students in my class cannot get enough of. We read it multiple times this year and the story kept popping up in journals all week and in conversations. Every part of this book is a great adventure for children.

[Maryanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with my three year old a couple of nights ago. He absolutely loved it and now it is a favorite! It is in the rotation of books we read every night now. It has Santa Clause and pirates. It doesn’t get better than that!

[Mely · Rating 3 out of 5]

A uniquely written Christmas story. Santa, gingerbread cookies, pirates, and cannibals. Yes, this is a children's book and yes, it is appropriate for kids of all ages. Cute and colorful. A great addition to some holiday reading.

[Ronda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gingerbread? Check. Christmas magic? Check. Pirates? Check. Wait--what? Yep, pirates meet Christmas in a gingerbread trifecta of picture book fun for a nice change of pace from my usual holiday readalouds. More later....

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A one-of-a-kind story where a pirate-loving boy and his mother make gingerbread men in the fashion of pirates. The Captain comes to life at night on Christmas Eve and works to save his crew's life from Santa whom he heard wants to eat them.

The illustrations are standard.

[Pamela Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! A boy and his mother are making gingerbread men before Christmas and the boy decides to make them into pirates. On Christmas Eve, the pirate captain sets out to find his men and ends up finding more than he bargained for. Delightful!

[Lis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gingerbread Pirates is so Cute

This is an adorable story about a boy who created gingerbread cookies for Santa Claus. In only a few pages, the author was able to make the reader care about the Gingerbread Pirates and hope that they survive Christmas Eve.

[Jolyce Abernathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captain Pirate cookie saves his crew of pirate cookies from the "cannibal Santa Claus". Funny, cute and clever!

[Awjtf · Rating 4 out of 5]

really funny!

[Anne Soderlund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read for Christmas season. Spoiler alert - Santa does not eat the pirate crew. Wishes are granted.

[Melissa McAlvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The girlies and Todd all thought this one was fun.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this would just be a funny romp, but the end was surprisingly magical. Definitely gave me warm-fuzzy-Christmas feelings

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young boys gingerbread cookie pirate comes to life and has quit the Christmas adventure. Preschool and up

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one and I had to share it with my niece and my nephew. Such a cute story and a fun book to read together.

[Darinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy and his mother make gingerbread men. Instead of regular gingerbread men, they make a pirate crew. During the night, the crew comes alive. A fun and imaginative Christmas book.