Chester the (Almost) Pirate

by Ann P. Borrmann, Tracee Guzman (Illustrator)

Chester is enrolled in Captain Grey-Fogg's pirate school and, by hook or crook, is determined to become a pirate! After picking out a first mate, Chester begins week-long classes in the art of piracy. Things don't always (or ever) seem to be right for Chester in any of his pirate classes. But, at the end of the week, he gets an unexpected surprise when one of his mishaps changes everything. Pirate-lovers of all ages arrrrgh sure to enjoy reading about Chester's misadventures!

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

Published October 20, 2022

Reviews

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!


I just couldn’t say no when I got the request if I wanted to review this book~! It sounded like a fun book full of pirates, misadventures, and surprises.

Can I just say that I would love to go to a pirate school? I mean, sounds just way better than normal school. Where you have to sit still, mostly just learn bookish things, teachers who don’t go arrrrr (but may be a bit kinder than a pirate XD). I was eager to follow Chester (our MC) on his first day at school + all his other days and the adventures he has. I loved that the first mates were all animals! And not just animals animals but also some bigger ones! I wouldn’t have minded a sea monster! And we see all the fun everyday. From cleaning up the boat to finding treasure to learning how to be real pirates farts and burps, teehee. There is plenty to come if you want to be a pirate!

But if you think that is fun, wait till you see what happens each day. Because Chester is extra-ordinary clumsy, and not just him, his first mate also has a hand in it, or should I say tentacle? I had such a big laugh each time, especially since for some reason the pirate who runs the school gets caught in the chaos. XD OK, I did feel for Chester as he was working his hardest, but I am sorry, it was also just so hilarious to see everything that could go wrong go wrong. Even the simplest things.

The ending! Oh, I was definitely holding my breath there and then letting it out again as the last pages popped by. PHEW! I won’t spoil anything. You will just have to read to see if Chester becomes a pirate and he can live the good life!

The art was OK, it was very colourful. There is a lot to see on each page, and the illustrator made me laugh with how she drew the head pirate as he kept getting caught in whatever accidents happened when Chester was around.

All in all, I had so much fun reading this one and I am sure it will be a hit with kids. Also showing that you can still achieve a lot even if you are so so clumsy. XD I would recommend it~

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Chester the Pirate’ is a picture children’s book about Chester wanting to be a pirate. He goes to school to become one, and he isn’t alone. He has a friend called Roger, an octopus.

Chester and Roger’s adventure is sweet and endearing. The message embodied in the book is uplifting. The illustrations induce joyfulness and are filled with colors. This creates a perfect environment and experience for the young mind.

Children’s books always have to contain the necessary immediate attraction and continuous intrigue. The book did succeed in doing that.

The added humor and the entertainment really stand out. The author has created a perfect book for parents seeking fun and exciting material for their children. I recommend this book.

[Reader Trejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yo Ho Ho! Is A Pirate’s Life for Chester?
Have you ever wondered what pirate school would be like? Dive into the escapades of Chester at Captain Grey-Fogg's pirate school in the book "Chester The (Almost) Pirate." This charming tale follows Chester's hilarious misadventures as he learns that becoming a pirate is harder than it looks!
This book is a must-read with childlike crayon-colored illustrations and a story that engages pirate lovers of all ages. Will Chester earn his eye patch, or will his missteps cause him to walk the plank?
For more of Chester’s pirate adventures, check out the sequel, "Never Take a Pirate's Pearls."
(I read the ARC of this book)

[Brandon Detwiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Chester the (Almost) Pirate," is a great little book with colorful illustrations that highlight any little kid's fantasy of learning to be a pirate! Over the course of the week-long class, Chester learns things like 'How to bury treasure' and picking a first mate. You know - all the neat things that make being a pirate a pirate. I recommend this book for any child that loves to pretend and be different things! And, don't miss out on the great ending!!!

[A Eden]

An adorable narrative that offers a fantastic children's adventure. The illustrations were also outstanding. I found the hardcover to be of excellent quality.

[Kevin Fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Chester the Pirate" is a children's book that shines with humor and heart. It tells the story of Chester, an aspiring pirate with a knack for clumsiness, and his octopus first mate, Roger. The book's colorful illustrations and comical adventures make it a hit with young readers. It teaches valuable lessons about determination and perseverance while delivering plenty of laughs.

[R.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chester the (Almost) Pirate is an adventurous story of a boy named Chester and his First Mate, the Octopus called "Roger", on their quest to become pirates.

This story is very fun and silly! Chester and Roger complete tasks during their pirate school that takes them through the steps of turning into pirates. They mess up, they fix their mistakes, they laugh, and just have a grand ole time! The fonts used in the book make the reader want to read with emphasis and fun, and the illustrations inspire kids to be creative.

The only hesitation that I have in reading the book to kids is that while in pirate school, they learn, "Pirates slurp and loot. They burp and toot. They never say 'sorry' or 'excuse me'." And though this is funny and may just be a point for laughs, I do see some young pirate lovers adopting the behavior and undoing the "manners" lessons of their parents. So, if you have a little pirate on your hands, it may be worth emphasizing the need to say "sorry" and "excuse me" outside of the pirate's life.

I received this book from the author for free. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.

[Marin . · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute adventurous book with not a spectacular but humourous narrative. The words chosen are simple, so the actions can easily be followed. The illustrations are funny and colourful and the childish style corresponds well with the "silliness" of the text. There are many words in the book that are bolded but I couldn't find a consistent pattern. Because there is no sequence, the days of the week are a bit lost.
As we all know, children love to imitate. There are several sentences about what pirates learn in school - although funny - they are not very educational regarding young readers' conduct...

[Ausita Ausita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A boy named Chester enrolls in a pirate school and is determined to become a real pirate.
This is a fun and humoristic story that will bring smiles on children's faces.

The illustrations are done in crayon and are pretty cute and colorful, with many details.

I find the size of the fon is too small (normally, the minimum should be 16 points but for this one I believe 18 would work as well).

[Sarah Immonen Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this tale of Chester going to pirate school. We loved that he could pick out his own first mate and the rigorous training he received that he unfortunately fell short each time.
I appreciate that although he didn’t get picked to be a pirate, his charm won over the teacher to become an honorary pirate!

[Ashley Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Chester the Pirate" is a fun children's book that follows the journey of Chester, a pirate-in-training and his first mate, Roger, an octopus. The illustrations are colorful and add to the story. My favorite thing about the book was how clumsy Chester and Roger were. I think kids would enjoy this silly book.

[Stephanie Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chester wants to be a pirate more than anything! And I've got to give him props for taking his passion all the way to enrolling in "pirate class" and doing what he needs to do to realize his dream. This book is adorable! It's great for those kids who love pirates but also for those kids needing to see how to set a goal, do the work, recover from mistakes, and succeed!

[Nigel Tetley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about a child's attendance at a week-long course in piracy. The humour is innocent as we watch the calamatous events unfold, and the childlike simplicity of the illustrations is enchanting. A lovely read for all children.

[Carolyn Watson-Dubisch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chester has just started pirate school and boy is he excited, but will his instructor Captain Grey make it through Chester's training? A cute story with charming and naive illustrations. I loved the Octopus first mate!

*I received a review copy of this book

[Holly DiBella-McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many laugh-out-loud moments within this story. We loved the characters and loved each new adventure for each new day of the week during pirate school. This book makes a great read-aloud story or level 2 Reader. The illustration style is fresh and engaging as well.

[A.M. Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story flowed perfectly. Such a cute take on becoming a pirate. Plus even traveling with an octopus! They get into a lot of trouble. But overall a fun and quick read that will keep the kids engaged.

[Anders Roseberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book explores a world of pirates, misadventures, and surprises, and I found it to be an engaging read. The narrative follows Chester's experiences at a pirate school, introducing his octopus companion, Roger.

[Fynisa Engler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered what pirate school would be like? Well, follow Chester as he finds out all it takes to become a pirate...well 'almost' pirate. I loved all the pirate lingo. I also like that the illustrations are simple and something a kiddo might be able to teach themselves to draw.

[J.T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great pirate book! Imaginative, funny, and filled with all the pirate lingo a pirate lover could want. And, bonus, there's an octopus as a first mate! The illustrations are darling, and the story is fast paced. I recommend it.

[K.A. Mulenga · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute book about Chester and his friend Roger. I liked the simple illustrations. I received a copy of the book from the author for free.

[Nina Maxim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming, naïve, sweet, entertaining, simply lovely illustrated story!

[Robyn Gram-Barclay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about feeling included and friendship, as well as being recognized for trying your best! Endearing illustrations!

[Stacey Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is super cute! I loved how this story was written and the simplicity of the illustrations! I know my story time channel subscribers are going to love this too!

[Linda Updyke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute storybook with wonderful illustrations

[Danna Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book for children to read, also the highlighted vocabulary is great for the children to remember important words in the story.

[Lily L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chester The ^almost Pirate is an adorable story that tells about a little boy's adventures. The illustrations in this book are fantastic and clear. A good book to read for kids.

[Debi Novotny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love pirate books and this is now one of my favorites! The humor is so cute and the illustrations are adorable. Add this one to your bookshelf or classroom library!

[Rachel Rivenburgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids are obsessed with pirates currently, so this was a must purchase! So cute!

[Keri McWhorter · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love pirate books, and this was a fun one to add to the collection.