Customer Reviews

Pirates

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is an attractively put together book on the history and details of pirate life. I have been searching for a resource on the subject that presents information on pirates in such a way as to not seem tedious and boring, but instead inspiring and fun (which, as we all know--pirates are fun!). With all the interest sparked on the pillaging bands of men, and sometimes women, with recent films this volume is a must have for anyone with an interest in pirates. Of course, it would obviously appeal to children and is definitely appropriate for that tender age group, but adults can also find much to appreciate.

Meant to be a fun, yet brief overview of pirate life in general, if anyone is wanting more detailed information on a specific aspect of pirate life and history, this is likely still a good starting point for your research. It covers everything from modes of dress,the weapons they used and specific types of pirate ships (especially useful for me, as I had no idea of the names for them in the first place!) to a nice selection of some of the more notoriously known pirates in history and the type of treatment they could expect after capture. There are loads of little tidbits of information besides the main paragraphs, stashed underneath pictures in captions too, so look closely. The book is also slightly interactive with bits of papers and notes that one can pull out and actually hold, such as a privateer's license. So if you're interested in a book on pirates that presents information in an interesting, completely un-textbook-like format, this is the book for you. A treasured item on my bookshelf for sure!

Breakdown of sections (two page spreads per section):
*History (with a nice photo of Wil Turner and Captain Jack Sparrow for all you fans)
*Dress Code
*Ships and Flags
*Life on Board
*Pirate Gallery (Short bios about famous pirates)
*Pirate Lore (setting pirate myths straight)
*Pirate Attack! (What it was like when pirates pillaged/ sieged, the G rated version)
*Treasure
*Life on Land (What pirates did for "fun" while not on ship)
*Capture and Trial
*Punishment (safe for the kids--no gory details)
*Fiction
*Timeline

1. Read laudatory book review of PIRATES praising it for its graphic appeal and "high nutritional value" regarding historical information.

2. Take advantage of seven-year-old nephew's birthday to purchase PIRATES. Note book's handsome packaging, heavy-duty pages, and clever interactive features,

3. Deliver gift to nephew. Slyly watch as he first gleefully, and then most seriously, begins investigating its contents. Revel in the glory of being "the coolest uncle ever." Try to steal book back later to read it some more.

4. Thank John Matthews for making all of this possible.

This is a great book about pirates, with just the right atmosphere for the subject. The skull on the cover has a jewel set into an eye socket and there are many things for children to discover inside. There are authentic looking documents that can be removed from envelopes and hidden pockets, including maps and proclamations. It has a wealth of information about well-known pirates and their Jolly Roger flag designs, weapons, ships and other historical information. Be warned that there are images that may be disturbing to younger children, especially in the "Punishment" section (although they don't seem to affect my son, who is 3!).

My five year old found this book recently at a bookstore, and couldn't put it down. The illustrations are detailed and very appropriate to the period and subject. The pull-outs of the map,tiny newspapers, etc. are very detailed and realistic. The pages are full of things like: terminology (find out what a 'dead man's chest' really means!), what a pirate wears, and where pirates sailed.

I rated it four stars because no matter what---$19.95 is very pricey for a kids' book.

I bought this for my 4 year old son who LOVES pirates right now after viewing the first "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie and seeing the "Tall Ships" on the Great Lakes. I was afraid he would be scared by the pirates turning into skeletons, etc. but he was not - in fact he wanted to watch it again and again. So when I saw this book I knew he'd love it, and he does. Every night before bed he takes out all the separate letters and cards, has me read them, then puts them back in their envelopes. He also has me read all the different types of ships over and over again - he can now name some ship types by memory. This book is very well laid out - even I find the information very interesting and learned things I did not know.

I did want to point out that although the age range given for the book is 4-8, I know some 4 year olds that may be frightened by some of the images and material. There is an illustration of a pirate holding the head of an apparently slain enemy (a few heads actually), a picture of Captain Kid hanging from a noose, and there is a section about punishments that can be unsettling for a squeamish child. The book is beautifully done, but this is definitely not a learn to read book - in some places and most of the interactive pieces the font is a very small and ornate and can be difficult to read.

Again we love this book and it will be in our collection for a long time. For most it should be fine but wanted those with younger ones to know what to expect.

This book stood out to me as I was walking past the Children's Section in the bookstore. I made a mental note to check it out, and then came back to it later. At first glance, it seemed like some childish picture book, but when I sat down and looked through it, I realized quickly that the book had all the information I had researched on pirates right there. Why bother searching through numerous websites and books when the bulk of the information I needed was simply in this one book? Of course, the illustrations and flaps make the book all the better.

My young son and I were both thrilled with this interesting book. All the extras fascinated my son as I hoped they would.

Great book, well designed. There are little secret notes inside that the kids will love. The book is tied into (ever so slightly) The Pirates of the Caribbean Movie; some will find that either annoying or cute. A book to pore over, not rush through.

This book and the Pirateology book were for my 10 year old nephew's birthday. He started reading through it as soon as he got it. I had a chance to page through before I wrapped it and like the other book, I really enjoyed reading it. I have to say I almost kept these two books for myself- since I have always enjoyed the topic too!

This is a great start for any Pirate lover who wants a fun,short but informative read that would be great for either kid or adult.