What do you think?
Pirates of the Sea!
"No cryin'
No dyin'
No brushin' yer teeth!
No stealin'
No squealin'
No eatin' Parrot Pete!
No nappin'
No scrappin'
No wimpy moans or groans!
No veggies
No wedgies
No disobeyin' Cap'n Bones!" It's the pirate code! Do you pledge? Do you agree? Then open this book to join the crew on the Dragonfish of Doom and become a pirate of the sea!
No dyin'
No brushin' yer teeth!
No stealin'
No squealin'
No eatin' Parrot Pete!
No nappin'
No scrappin'
No wimpy moans or groans!
No veggies
No wedgies
No disobeyin' Cap'n Bones!" It's the pirate code! Do you pledge? Do you agree? Then open this book to join the crew on the Dragonfish of Doom and become a pirate of the sea!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2011
About the author
Brandon Dorman
122 books108 followersThe illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Wizard, written by Jack Prelutsky, as well as Halloween Night, by Marjorie Dennis Murray, and his own Pirates of the Sea! and Santa's Stowaway. He received a degree in fine arts from Bringham Young University--Idaho.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 7, 2018
I am always searching for a pirate picture book that I checked out from the library over 25 years ago. I haven't been able to find it, but consequently, I continue to read pirate picture books!
This particular book doesn't have as strong a story or as magical of artwork as How I Became a Pirate; however, I enjoy reading it more because I love the sound of the alliteration, the rhythm, and the rhymes.
"Blasted barnacles!" comes the cry. "We'll make 'em walk the plank!
Just like they did under William Kidd and that blaggard Heartless Hank."
This particular book doesn't have as strong a story or as magical of artwork as How I Became a Pirate; however, I enjoy reading it more because I love the sound of the alliteration, the rhythm, and the rhymes.
"Blasted barnacles!" comes the cry. "We'll make 'em walk the plank!
Just like they did under William Kidd and that blaggard Heartless Hank."
August 31, 2017
When I read this book it didn't rhyme well and it didn't make sense. I was struggling to create a tone and engage my daughter in it. The illustrations were somewhat cute but there were no underlying themes to teach. I didn't care for but that is not to say that others wont enjoy it and find something useful in it.
June 13, 2019
Pirates go on a journey to seek treasures. After overcoming challenges such as sharks, sea serpents, and sirens’ enticing voices, they finally find real treasures.
Children’s books have the power to make things fanciful. One of the great examples is stories about pirates who, historically, would rob or commit criminal violence at sea, become children's characters who instead explore the sea in search of adventure. In this picture book, pirates were also described as fun and fearless adventurers who keep the promise of brotherhood. As an English language learner, the language here was a bit vague. The texts did not have a difficult vocabulary, but something was weird to me which disturbed my ability to enjoy the story.
Children’s books have the power to make things fanciful. One of the great examples is stories about pirates who, historically, would rob or commit criminal violence at sea, become children's characters who instead explore the sea in search of adventure. In this picture book, pirates were also described as fun and fearless adventurers who keep the promise of brotherhood. As an English language learner, the language here was a bit vague. The texts did not have a difficult vocabulary, but something was weird to me which disturbed my ability to enjoy the story.
April 29, 2021
I just love pirate books. THis one did not disappoint, so much delicious pirate lingo. It was so much fun to read. I read it to the neighbor kids 4, 7, and 10 and they all gave it 5 stars. I can't wait to read it again. When ever we turned the page we liked to say ARRRR and shape are little fingers into a hook.
March 13, 2018
What little boy doesn't like a good pirate book? He loved the book and the pictures, while I thought the story was pretty entertaining.
December 27, 2025
Jaunty rhymes tell of an epic pirate adventure
October 10, 2016
While the story was entertaining and the rhyming was fun, there were just too many words for my toddler to enjoy this book. Maybe in a couple of years.
December 23, 2016
Fun rhythm and rhyme for the young'uns.
June 28, 2016
Pirates of the Sea is a book about a group of nasty, but funny, pirates who are traveling the seas. They do all the typical pirate things, like walk the plank and loot for treasure and they encounter some trouble along the way. The book ends with the pirates finding a treasure chest full of gold treasures. The book is full of rhymes that make it entertaining for the reader. is a fun and entertaining story. I really like the rhyming. And it really made me want to read it in a pirate voice while reading it. The pictures are fun and bright and have a lot of detail. The story is fun.
This reminds me of "The Pirates of The Carribean and the stuff they do is a lot similar to the movie and well. They just don't take kids away from their families on a beach. which is one of my favorites that I watch everytime he comes one.
I would share it just because it's a fun and adventures book but also would not because he kind of says it's ok to go away with strangers you don't know with-out your parents permission.
This reminds me of "The Pirates of The Carribean and the stuff they do is a lot similar to the movie and well. They just don't take kids away from their families on a beach. which is one of my favorites that I watch everytime he comes one.
I would share it just because it's a fun and adventures book but also would not because he kind of says it's ok to go away with strangers you don't know with-out your parents permission.
November 23, 2014
This is a fun and entertaining story.
I really like the rhyming. And it really made me want to read it in a pirate voice while reading it to my girls.
Both girls enjoyed the story, although I think my youngest (3) cared more about the pictures than what was being read. The pictures are fun and bright and have a lot of detail.
The story is fun. The pirates are about to embark on a new quest to find some treasure. They encounter some trouble along the way. The names are funny and really give the story that extra pirate feel.
I think that older children, K-3 would really enjoy this story. Definitely an exciting story full of adventure to read with children that like pirates!
I recommend giving it a read.
This review as well as Cutie Pie’s rating and thoughts can be found on my blog: Her Reviews of Books, Movies, and Everything
I really like the rhyming. And it really made me want to read it in a pirate voice while reading it to my girls.
Both girls enjoyed the story, although I think my youngest (3) cared more about the pictures than what was being read. The pictures are fun and bright and have a lot of detail.
The story is fun. The pirates are about to embark on a new quest to find some treasure. They encounter some trouble along the way. The names are funny and really give the story that extra pirate feel.
I think that older children, K-3 would really enjoy this story. Definitely an exciting story full of adventure to read with children that like pirates!
I recommend giving it a read.
This review as well as Cutie Pie’s rating and thoughts can be found on my blog: Her Reviews of Books, Movies, and Everything
December 30, 2011
While this picture book may go over the heads of very young readers, I think that by age 5, kids will love this book. The outrageous rhymes and illustrations will have young pirate fans giggling. The only reason I couldn't give this a fifth star was that the ending didn't quite live up to the rest of the book. Also, for the most part each character is only involved in one couplet's worth of text, so there isn't a lot of character development, so it's hard to get interested in any of the characters. That's too bad, as some of them should have their own books, just from their names and appearance. I especially liked the one-eyed cannonball juggler and the shark-fighting fiddler.
May 12, 2013
I am a huge fan of Brandon Dorman, and not just because he graduated from the same university that I did (although I have to admit that it does make me a little biased). All you have to do is look at his amazing illustrations to know why I love his work so much.
Pirates of the sea is a rhyming, swashbuckling adventure where we get to follow a group of appropriately disgusting pirates on their quest to find some buried treasure. The writing is upbeat and comical. The illustrations boast of Brandon's unique and energetic style. I just loved this book, and so did my kids. Any pirate lover will enjoy this sea faring adventure.
Books for Kids
Pirates of the sea is a rhyming, swashbuckling adventure where we get to follow a group of appropriately disgusting pirates on their quest to find some buried treasure. The writing is upbeat and comical. The illustrations boast of Brandon's unique and energetic style. I just loved this book, and so did my kids. Any pirate lover will enjoy this sea faring adventure.
Books for Kids
June 20, 2016
Pirates of the Sea is a book about a group of nasty, but funny, pirates who are traveling the seas. They do all the typical pirate things, like walk the plank and loot for treasure. The book ends with the pirates finding a treasure chest full of gold treasures. The book is full of rhymes that make it entertaining for the reader.
The theme of this book is mischief, as the pirates are always causing mischief.
I really enjoyed this book because the illustrations were so vivid and really fit the story well. I have never seen illustrations like this before, they are almost like an animated cartoon.
I would recommend this book because it was really silly and a fun read.
The theme of this book is mischief, as the pirates are always causing mischief.
I really enjoyed this book because the illustrations were so vivid and really fit the story well. I have never seen illustrations like this before, they are almost like an animated cartoon.
I would recommend this book because it was really silly and a fun read.
December 23, 2012
I have no idea why the other reviewers have not been very kind to this book. If it had come from a celebrity, or a better known author, it would be lauded as genius. This children's book is something - and not just because of the popular subject matter (pirates).
The art pops. The rhymes are great. The story is gripping, with little twists and turns that are sure to entertain its target audience. In the end, it has a nice message about being satisfied with your lot in life, and appreciating what you enjoy.
This book needs to be on more shelves.
Recommend.
The art pops. The rhymes are great. The story is gripping, with little twists and turns that are sure to entertain its target audience. In the end, it has a nice message about being satisfied with your lot in life, and appreciating what you enjoy.
This book needs to be on more shelves.
Recommend.
June 27, 2011
Fun rhymes and illustrations make this a must-have for any pirate event! Kinda long, so probably best with preschool or school-age. The rhythm is good, except I had to keep stopping to look at the pictures myself! I can't wait to read this one to a group to see what the kids think! I wish, however, they had the pirate code or yo-ho-hos more often for group participation; but that's a minor flaw in a fantastic story.
June 28, 2011
I thought this book might be too long for my mostly toddler audience, but I was wrong. The kids loved this book laughing and commenting on the illustrations, especially when among the pirate treasure there was a teddy bear and a pair of purple pirate underwear. Great rhyming book, great illustrations just the right amount of pirate-speak to make this book a great read-aloud that will appeal to all ages.
August 10, 2011
"No cryin'
No dyin'
No brushin' yer teeth!
No stealin'
No squealin'
No eatin' Parrot Pete!
No nappin'
No scrappin'
No wimpy moans or groans!
No veggies No wedgies No disobeyin' Cap'n Bones!"
It's the pirate code! Do you pledge? Do you agree?
Then open this book to join the crew on the Dragonfish of Doom and become a pirate of the sea!
I know a little 3 year old who LOVED this! It was pretty cute!
No dyin'
No brushin' yer teeth!
No stealin'
No squealin'
No eatin' Parrot Pete!
No nappin'
No scrappin'
No wimpy moans or groans!
No veggies No wedgies No disobeyin' Cap'n Bones!"
It's the pirate code! Do you pledge? Do you agree?
Then open this book to join the crew on the Dragonfish of Doom and become a pirate of the sea!
I know a little 3 year old who LOVED this! It was pretty cute!
August 30, 2011
A tour of the wreck with the pirate flag, The Dragonfish of Doom, introduces us to Twitchin' Billy, Smelly Fred, Burpin' Bart, and the rest of crew. The pirate code is tattooed on Sea-Slug Nate's chest, and includes, "No cryin/No dyin'/No brushin' yer teeth!/No squealin'/No stealin'/No eatin' Parrot Pete!" Of couse, they encounter a storm, mermaids, and treasure. Detailed, brightly-colored illustration add to the action and silliness. Gr. PreK-2.
June 17, 2012
Great fun for my 3 year old, but disliked the uneven and inconsistent rhyming and the somewhat disappointing and unclear ending. Also sad that despite trying to represent some racial diversity in the pirates and mermaids, they felt no need to incorporate female pirates. Because they didn't, the only women in the entire book are the ugly/enticing mermaids who the pirates are trying to make out with. Not the best message.
August 24, 2012
I wish Brandon Dorman would just come illustrate my life. This is a short picture book, but you could spend forever poring over the amazing illustrations. I love his work. There isn't a ton of plot here, but really cute none the less. My favorite spread is the pirate code tatooed on the pirate's belly - inventive.
September 28, 2012
I love a good pirate story as much as anyone, and this one was pretty good. The rhymes were a bit awkward at times, but the colorful characters more than made up for that.
The illustrations really made this book stand out. Young readers who love cartoonish drawings, bright colors, and looking for small details will delight in these complex illustrations.
The illustrations really made this book stand out. Young readers who love cartoonish drawings, bright colors, and looking for small details will delight in these complex illustrations.
June 12, 2013
Perhaps my favorite pirate book so far (and we've found some good ones!)
The illustrations are finely crafted, and the rhyming text is marvelously written—it was just a really fun book to read aloud, which, in my opinion, is pretty rare for rhyming text. If you are tired of the same tired Dr. Seuss rhymes, this is the book for you!
The illustrations are finely crafted, and the rhyming text is marvelously written—it was just a really fun book to read aloud, which, in my opinion, is pretty rare for rhyming text. If you are tired of the same tired Dr. Seuss rhymes, this is the book for you!
January 9, 2015
I really enjoyed the rhyme and meter of this book. Unfortunately, the kids in my program found it boring. I find it difficult to use extended rhyme with kids because they want to interact with it, not just listen to rhyming words. Perhaps this book would be better for younger (pre-speaking) kids.
May 1, 2016
The rhymes are clever and layered, engaging and fun. The illustrations are excellent and busy, full and entertaining. The story is about loving what you do and who you are. It was fun to read to a young child, who immediately asked that it be read again when it was done.
May 26, 2011
One of the best pirate books for children that I've found. A "must have" for Talk Like a Pirate Day!
May 27, 2011
Any Pirate loving child will love to read this colorful fun storybook again and again.
June 2, 2011
Cute rhymes! I especially the pirate code. :)
August 10, 2011
Great art, uneven rhymes. More for the pirate fans.
November 4, 2011
A fun pirate book with fun rhymes and very fun silly names for the pirates themselves.
March 10, 2012
A rollicking rhyming romp--great for pirate lovers and read alouds.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews