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Small Saul
From the creator of Binky the Space Cat, a hilarious story about an unconventional little pirate. Ahoy there! Will this sweet little pirate find his place aboard The Rusty Squid or will he be forced to walk the plank? When Small Saul joins the crew of The Rusty Squid, it doesn't take long for the other pirates to notice something is very different about this tiny fellow. He was born to sing sea shanties, bake pineapple upside down cakes and redecorate, not to hold a sword and plunder. Being rough and tough just isn't in his nature. Small Saul learned at Pirate College that pirates only care about three things: their ship, being tough and lots and lots of treasure. Can Small Saul show these ruffians that despite his gentle spirit, he's worth his weight in gold? With treasure chests of laughs, Small Saul's high-seas adventure is a light-hearted celebration of individuality, perseverance and being true to one's self.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2011
6 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Spires
48 books217 followersAshley has written and illustrated many books, most notably the bestselling The Most Magnificent Thing, which is now a short animated film. She creates books that remind kids that making mistakes is integral to learning. She lives in British Columbia with her dog and a growing army of felines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
March 14, 2019
Small Saul is a delightful story about a little guy named Saul who wants nothing more than to be a sailor. But because of his size, the Navy won't take him. So he enrolls in pirate college instead. The problem is, he's not a great pirate. It's just not in his nature.
Eventually, though, he finds a place on a pirate ship. His attempts to endear himself to the crew don't exactly work, and he ends up being pushed overboard. But soon enough, his pirate colleagues realize how much of an asset he was to the team, and Saul is finally appreciated for what he can do.
The illustrations are fun and funny, and the story about finding your place by just being yourself is a nice one. Saul might not be the biggest pirate, but he proves that he has the biggest heart... and the other pirates love him for it.
Quotable moment:
Eventually, though, he finds a place on a pirate ship. His attempts to endear himself to the crew don't exactly work, and he ends up being pushed overboard. But soon enough, his pirate colleagues realize how much of an asset he was to the team, and Saul is finally appreciated for what he can do.
The illustrations are fun and funny, and the story about finding your place by just being yourself is a nice one. Saul might not be the biggest pirate, but he proves that he has the biggest heart... and the other pirates love him for it.
Quotable moment:
August 14, 2011
I have been waiting for this one for a while so I was happy to finally find it. A fun story about a pirate who doesn't quite fit in but finds his place after all.
December 4, 2016
A delightful read by Ashley Spires. Small Saul is a loveable character and the message is important. A perfect read aloud.
March 22, 2022
I loved reading this book with my second graders! It has the sweetest messages of not changing yourself to fit in, and how others will appreciate your differences. Small Saul rocks!
November 21, 2016
Such a lovely message. A picture book for all ages!
May 9, 2021
4.5 étoiles
September 1, 2021
Read for my 365 Kids Book challenge. You can see all the books on their own shelf.
Well that was disappointing, because I've been quite fond of Spires' work before.
There's one female person in the whole book. She is a victim. One of the cool things about pirates of history is that they were somewhat democratic, broadly accepting, and diverse. Spires gave us, with a single exception, white men. Yes, these are jokey stereotyped sorts of pirates, but I would expect rather more range in looks. Ignoring most of the world's population seems odd.
Library copy
Well that was disappointing, because I've been quite fond of Spires' work before.
There's one female person in the whole book. She is a victim. One of the cool things about pirates of history is that they were somewhat democratic, broadly accepting, and diverse. Spires gave us, with a single exception, white men. Yes, these are jokey stereotyped sorts of pirates, but I would expect rather more range in looks. Ignoring most of the world's population seems odd.
Library copy
March 15, 2011
The world can never have too many good pirate books, and this one is a treat. Too short to enlist in the navy, Saul goes to Pirate School instead, but somehow his heart just isn't into looting and pillaging. He's better a tidying up the ship and cooking tasty snacks than he is at swinging a cutlass. Even his pirate tattoo is...um...a bit different.
Can a ship full of bloodthirsty, greedy pirates come to appreciate Small Saul?
It's a good read for kids who want a pirate story, but an even better one for kids who may have a little trouble fitting in.
Can a ship full of bloodthirsty, greedy pirates come to appreciate Small Saul?
It's a good read for kids who want a pirate story, but an even better one for kids who may have a little trouble fitting in.
April 29, 2017
Small Saul demonstrated how we can all contribute while remaining true to ourselves.
March 7, 2025
"Small Saul" is a heartwarming tale that sails against the tide of stereotypical pirate narratives, offering a refreshing perspective on belonging and the true meaning of worth. Ashley Spires crafts a compelling story about Saul, a diminutive but determined individual whose passion for the sea outweighs his physical stature. I loved reading the author's previous books, The Magnificent Thing and The Thong Lou Couldn't Do. And I loved reading Small Saul just as much.
A quick note before I dive in: A heartfelt thank you to Kids Can Press and NetGalley who provided me with a digital ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are sincerely my own.
Saul's journey is a poignant exploration of perseverance and determination in the face of rejection. Dreaming of naval glory, he finds himself adrift, literally and metaphorically, when his size disqualifies him. Undeterred, he sets his sights on a pirate's life, only to encounter further obstacles. The humor in his repeated rejections by gruff pirate crews is balanced by the underlying sadness of his outsider status.
The heart of the story lies in Saul's unwavering dedication to proving his value. He pours his energy into transforming the ship, attempting to infuse it with a sense of home, and diligently tackles kitchen duties. Yet, his efforts are consistently overlooked, highlighting the pirates' narrow definition of a worthy crew member. He even tries getting a tattoo but it only amuses his fellow sailors rather than gaining him acceptance and respect.
The pivotal moment when Saul is cast adrift is both shocking and deeply moving. It forces the pirates, and the reader, to reconsider preconceived notions. Saul's resilience, showcased during his time alone on the raft, ultimately leads to his triumphant return. The pirates' belated realization of Saul's unique contributions, his kindness, and his inherent likability, offers a powerful message about acceptance and celebrating differences.
"Small Saul" is a charming and thought-provoking read that reminds us that true strength lies not in physical prowess, but in character and heart. It's a story that will resonate with readers of all ages, leaving them with a warm sense of hope and the understanding that everyone, regardless of size or background, has something valuable to offer.
A quick note before I dive in: A heartfelt thank you to Kids Can Press and NetGalley who provided me with a digital ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are sincerely my own.
Saul's journey is a poignant exploration of perseverance and determination in the face of rejection. Dreaming of naval glory, he finds himself adrift, literally and metaphorically, when his size disqualifies him. Undeterred, he sets his sights on a pirate's life, only to encounter further obstacles. The humor in his repeated rejections by gruff pirate crews is balanced by the underlying sadness of his outsider status.
The heart of the story lies in Saul's unwavering dedication to proving his value. He pours his energy into transforming the ship, attempting to infuse it with a sense of home, and diligently tackles kitchen duties. Yet, his efforts are consistently overlooked, highlighting the pirates' narrow definition of a worthy crew member. He even tries getting a tattoo but it only amuses his fellow sailors rather than gaining him acceptance and respect.
The pivotal moment when Saul is cast adrift is both shocking and deeply moving. It forces the pirates, and the reader, to reconsider preconceived notions. Saul's resilience, showcased during his time alone on the raft, ultimately leads to his triumphant return. The pirates' belated realization of Saul's unique contributions, his kindness, and his inherent likability, offers a powerful message about acceptance and celebrating differences.
"Small Saul" is a charming and thought-provoking read that reminds us that true strength lies not in physical prowess, but in character and heart. It's a story that will resonate with readers of all ages, leaving them with a warm sense of hope and the understanding that everyone, regardless of size or background, has something valuable to offer.
September 28, 2018
It's tough being smaller or shorter than your peers and it's extremely difficult when your peers just happen to be pirates. Spires uses some funny illustrations that will have both adults and children chuckling. This is one of those books that has a wide appeal range as it can be read in a storytime to preschoolers but also older independent readers will find the story compelling as well.
Quotes I liked from this book:
"He did well in Navigation, but he lacked focus in Looting: The basics.
He was born to sing sea shanties, not to hold a sword."
Find Small Saul at the Westminster Public Library!
Quotes I liked from this book:
"He did well in Navigation, but he lacked focus in Looting: The basics.
He was born to sing sea shanties, not to hold a sword."
Find Small Saul at the Westminster Public Library!
May 8, 2025
This book is absolutely adorable. It is about a small guy who wants nothing more than to be on the high seas, unfortunately he is too short to join the navy. Lucky for him, pirates aren't picky. The only problem is, he really isn't cut out to be a pirate. I loved this picture book about being yourself and accepting what others bring to the table.
And now a joke:
Have you heard about the new pirate movie coming out?
You're welcome.
And now a joke:
Have you heard about the new pirate movie coming out?
You're welcome.
August 30, 2012
You can’t help adoring Small Saul. Too diminutive for Naval College, he settles for the less discriminating but also less prestigious Pirate College in order to pursue his lifelong love of the sea. On his first pirate ship, The Rusty Squid, he eagerly sets about his duties. Decorating pirates’ sleeping quarters, applying scary rabbit tattoos, cooking delicious food and providing breath fresheners to cover the smell of rotting teeth keep him busy but, disappointingly, unappreciated. When the crew tosses him overboard in disgust, it seems to be all over for Saul. But as time passes, the pirates begin to miss the comforts he once provided and, realizing his worth, hurry back to rescue him.
Sepia-toned ink and watercolour artwork by award-winning author / illustrator Ashley Spires provide a perfect background for her characters. Pirates with angular bottoms and heads, looking slightly too vacuous to be really scary, curious seagulls and a peg-legged captain are all part of Saul’s world. Absurd humour bubbles out from every page, and the myriad fanciful details slyly hidden in the illustrations will have children chuckling as they pore over the pictures.
There can never be too many pirate books for preschoolers and this quirky story about an unlikely hero is certain to prove popular. Small Saul is an attractive, understated, humorous book with an astute message. Children will identify with Saul who is his own man, a talented non-conformist with an unquenchable personality who refuses to allow life’s reversals to get in the way of his dreams.
Reviewed by Aileen Wortley in Canadian Children's Book News (Summer 2011, Vol. 34, No. 3)
Sepia-toned ink and watercolour artwork by award-winning author / illustrator Ashley Spires provide a perfect background for her characters. Pirates with angular bottoms and heads, looking slightly too vacuous to be really scary, curious seagulls and a peg-legged captain are all part of Saul’s world. Absurd humour bubbles out from every page, and the myriad fanciful details slyly hidden in the illustrations will have children chuckling as they pore over the pictures.
There can never be too many pirate books for preschoolers and this quirky story about an unlikely hero is certain to prove popular. Small Saul is an attractive, understated, humorous book with an astute message. Children will identify with Saul who is his own man, a talented non-conformist with an unquenchable personality who refuses to allow life’s reversals to get in the way of his dreams.
Reviewed by Aileen Wortley in Canadian Children's Book News (Summer 2011, Vol. 34, No. 3)
October 10, 2020
This was a cute book about pirates and had a good moral to the story. I think some of the vocabulary words may be a challenge to children. I did like the illustrations in the book, although I think they could have been a little more in depth. It was a cute book for a child.
February 4, 2020
Small Saul always dreamed of a life at sea but when the Navy wouldn’t take him because he was too small he enrolled in pirate school instead. Though he doesn’t quite fit in, Small Saul give it his all and eventually graduates pirate school. At sea, Saul doesn’t quite fit in either but he contributes as he can, sprucing up the cabins and cooking tasty treats in the galley. The pirates of course don’t appreciate his very ‘un-pirateness’ and one day while he’s painting the plank they push him overboard. It doesn’t take long for them to miss him cleaning their ship and cooking for them and they come back for him and Saul sails away with them, “Happy to be a pirate in his own special way.”
I really didn’t care for this book. I think that it brushed off bullying and I also didn’t care for the fact that they took Saul back not because they liked him for him but just because they missed his cooking and cleaning.
Potential Problems: Saul get’s a tattoo to fit in (it’s a bunny). This could be a concern for some parents as it is peer pressure to do something many consider inappropriate. It also in a way overlooks bullying excusing it as “just something they (pirates) do”.
I really didn’t care for this book. I think that it brushed off bullying and I also didn’t care for the fact that they took Saul back not because they liked him for him but just because they missed his cooking and cleaning.
Potential Problems: Saul get’s a tattoo to fit in (it’s a bunny). This could be a concern for some parents as it is peer pressure to do something many consider inappropriate. It also in a way overlooks bullying excusing it as “just something they (pirates) do”.
January 30, 2018
A wonderful picture book to encourage children that being themselves is the best way to be. Saul is a pirate who doesn't conform to traditional pirate stereotypes; he excels in singing sea shanties, he cleans, he "prrrrs" instead of "aaaarrrrs." Despite his attempts at being more pirate-y, he is still different from the other pirates. Pushed overboard by the captain, Saul's absence soon becomes missed by the other pirates.
A fun, sweet story, this is a fun nod to celebrating the unique qualities of everyone. This would serve as a great read-aloud and would capture the attention of all children.
A fun, sweet story, this is a fun nod to celebrating the unique qualities of everyone. This would serve as a great read-aloud and would capture the attention of all children.
March 9, 2019
I was not impressed by the story line and my son was upset by how poorly treated Saul was and neither of us were convinced that the pirates would have a change of heart in the way they did. Cute story though.
August 17, 2017
A funny story about a little pirate-wannabe who isn't quite like the others.
August 26, 2017
Cute pirate story about a pirate who doesn't quite fit in.
March 26, 2018
A very cute book that is both about pirates and about the fact that it is okay to be different.
May 23, 2018
Great book about appreciating our differences and following what comes naturally to ourselves no matter the preconceived notions of how we should be.
July 4, 2022
Small Saul hears the call of the salty sea in this cute story about a certain pirate who turns out to be a real treasure.
October 28, 2019
I loved this cute little book! The message was one that everyone experiences once in their lives. The main character Saul wants to join the Navy but they won't take him because he is too small. He decides to enroll in pirate school but he does not fit in with the regular pirates. He tries his best to fit in and become a good pirate but, he doesn't feel like he belongs. He walks off of the plank because he couldn't be a good pirate. But the pirates realize that the ship is so much different without Saul. The message of this book is just so great and everyone should read this book.
I would utilize this in the classroom at the beginning of the year or in the middle, when I see kids who do not really fit into the group of students. All of my students will know that they belong in some way and they should appreciate their unique quality. I would not use this in a lesson per-say, but I would utilize this when I see kids having a hard time being different. The message is one that needs to be taught when kids are young so they understand that it is okay to be different and it can help them learn that so they do not struggle when they are trying to find their identities in the future.
I would utilize this in the classroom at the beginning of the year or in the middle, when I see kids who do not really fit into the group of students. All of my students will know that they belong in some way and they should appreciate their unique quality. I would not use this in a lesson per-say, but I would utilize this when I see kids having a hard time being different. The message is one that needs to be taught when kids are young so they understand that it is okay to be different and it can help them learn that so they do not struggle when they are trying to find their identities in the future.
March 28, 2025
This book was adorable. Small Saul wants nothing more than to be a pirate. But even after finishing pirate school, he doesn’t have an easy life at sea. He’s eventually kicked off his boat when the rest of the pirates realized how good they had it they go back and rescue Saul. While I like this book, I also do not like this book. I love that Saul chases his dream and makes the way he does things work into getting his dream. However, this book shows Saul being constantly bullied by others for being different. And he takes it. He never stands up for himself. So, he is kicked off the boat and when the bullies come back going, oh, we shouldn’t have done that he goes right back to being their best friends. I think the message in this book does not come out the way the author intended. I think there are two dueling messages one that was meant one that wasn’t. And while I normally absolutely love this author’s books, I think this one’s a mess. This sounds more like a bully story where the bullies win then a story about being yourself.
January 19, 2020
Small Saul is one of the finest works of naval adventure comedy (ie: it's a fun book!) by the one and only Ashley Spires! Small Saul yearns to be a pirate, but he has unorthodox means of proving he is seaworthy. Pirates, by way of stereotype, are badass...always. But not Saul, who sings sea shanty's in a cute warble, stands only four foot six and dresses the mates cabins in a way that would make Martha Stewart sea green with envy, but the other pirates are flummoxed. They decide finally to drop him off into the nearest....well, into the ocean to float away, but have they done the right thing, or is this little runt the one pirate they need after all? How cool of Ashley to brazenly shatter the stereotypes in ways that are humorous and appeal to all sorts of kids. You wanna conquer the seven seas in ways that are non violent and still challenge the status quo... better call Small Saul!!!
Four stars
Sail with Saul! Nice pirates rock!
Four stars
Sail with Saul! Nice pirates rock!
July 7, 2025
Small Saul made me say ‘awww!’
Saul has dreamt of living at sea since childhood. But as he gets older, he doesn’t grow very much. In fact he remains quite short, too short for the Navy. The pirates however don’t have any height restrictions. Saul graduates from pirate school only to realize that he’s not a typical pirate. He’d rather sing sea shanties or decorate the cabin than be rough and tough! This unfortunately gets Saul thrown overboard the Rusty Squid. Thankfully, it doesn’t take long for the pirates to realize they miss Saul-aww!
Small Saul pays great attention to detail! The images of pirates picking their noses and scribbling out pirate rules like ‘no brushing teeth,’ gave me and my kids something to giggle about on every page!
Small Saul is a great kid’s book!
Thank you to Small Kids Press and Netgalley for a copy of this book!
Small Saul released May 6th, 2025-go check it out!
Saul has dreamt of living at sea since childhood. But as he gets older, he doesn’t grow very much. In fact he remains quite short, too short for the Navy. The pirates however don’t have any height restrictions. Saul graduates from pirate school only to realize that he’s not a typical pirate. He’d rather sing sea shanties or decorate the cabin than be rough and tough! This unfortunately gets Saul thrown overboard the Rusty Squid. Thankfully, it doesn’t take long for the pirates to realize they miss Saul-aww!
Small Saul pays great attention to detail! The images of pirates picking their noses and scribbling out pirate rules like ‘no brushing teeth,’ gave me and my kids something to giggle about on every page!
Small Saul is a great kid’s book!
Thank you to Small Kids Press and Netgalley for a copy of this book!
Small Saul released May 6th, 2025-go check it out!
March 18, 2025
Thank you to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book!
I thought Small Saul is a great way to demonstrate that people have different strengths, and the value in those strengths. Small Saul is wanted to join the Navy but they said no, so he instead decided to go to Pirate school, where eventually he found himself as an actual pirate on a boat. He took a look at the pirate values and followed them in his own way. Eventually he gets told he's not a real pirate but then the crew misses him and invites him back to do all the extra things he does. I think this is the only thing I didn't love, I'm not sure if this is a message I would want kids receiving - mainly because there was no real apology given (hence why I knocked a star off). But otherwise I thought it was a cute and engaging story.
I thought Small Saul is a great way to demonstrate that people have different strengths, and the value in those strengths. Small Saul is wanted to join the Navy but they said no, so he instead decided to go to Pirate school, where eventually he found himself as an actual pirate on a boat. He took a look at the pirate values and followed them in his own way. Eventually he gets told he's not a real pirate but then the crew misses him and invites him back to do all the extra things he does. I think this is the only thing I didn't love, I'm not sure if this is a message I would want kids receiving - mainly because there was no real apology given (hence why I knocked a star off). But otherwise I thought it was a cute and engaging story.
March 30, 2025
What a great story about a small, but mighty boy! Saul did everything right, even if it was hard. He wasn't appreciated, but by the end, his crew realized they needed his quirky ways. I love how Saul did not give up. He continued to be himself and in the end showed his pirate crew, his skills were important and should be appreciated. This book has such an amazing message, that if you keep trying others will notice your hard work. The illustrations are amazing, detailed, and fun! Overall, I think this is a wonderful addition to any children's library. I know I'll be adding it to my classroom library!
Thank you Ashley Spires and Kids Can Press for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book via NetGalley! This review was written voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
Thank you Ashley Spires and Kids Can Press for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book via NetGalley! This review was written voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
September 5, 2018
4 Stars
This is a wonderful and humorous picture book about a pirate who doesn’t quite fit in. Despite his best efforts to emulate the other pirates on his ship, Saul can’t seem to conform to proper pirating etiquette. However, it isn’t until he is gone that Saul’s crewmates come to see how much Saul made their ship a home, and how much he actually meant to them. Small Saul is a clever story of acceptance and of learning to appreciate people for their differences.
- Miss Emily
This is a wonderful and humorous picture book about a pirate who doesn’t quite fit in. Despite his best efforts to emulate the other pirates on his ship, Saul can’t seem to conform to proper pirating etiquette. However, it isn’t until he is gone that Saul’s crewmates come to see how much Saul made their ship a home, and how much he actually meant to them. Small Saul is a clever story of acceptance and of learning to appreciate people for their differences.
- Miss Emily
October 7, 2019
It had me at 'pirates' but the true beauty of the story comes at the end. Unfortunately, if you are a boy whose gifts are compassion and service it can still feel hard to fit in with the tough, competitive, sports-centric world we live in. This book is the opposite of preachy - it's funny and light - but the message comes through loud and clear: you don't have to change who you are to fit in and not everyone has to act the same to be important.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews