Pirates Don't Go to School!
ISBN13
9781788813808
Review published
12/08/2019
By Reviewer
Judith
Star Rating
By Author / Illustrator
Alan McDonald and Magda Brol
Age range(s)
3+
Review
Jake is not enjoying the pirate life. When we first meet him, he is cleaning parrot poop from the deck of the pirate ship and has a long list of chores ahead of him. To the horror of his family, he longs to escape to school! Jake's parents and Gran warn him of the terrors of school, but Jake is not deterred. Finally they give in and Jake gets his wish to go to school, along with Poll the parrot, hidden under his hat. After a few moments of doubt in the playground, Jake is soon welcomed to the class by Miss Cherry. However, chaos ensues when Poll escapes and flies around the school and through the window! When the head teacher falls over in all the confusion, it does not look good for Jake and Poll. Luckily, Jake remembers the ship's biscuit he brought along with him. Poll is enticed back to the classroom by the crumbs. Miss Cherry leads the class in a sing along, followed by an art class, then story time. Jake enjoyed his day so much he wants to go to school again. The next day, his whole family go with him. The final illustration shows that a good time was had by all. The book explores some real first day fears, as well as some of the fun school activities one can expect. There's a lovely role reversal in the pirate family's initial attitudes to school. The illustrations depict a range of school characters, typical scenes and activities, as well as the pirate life at sea. There is plenty of detail in the pictures and the observant will find something new every time. A hilarious introduction to school, with a pirate theme, and a parrot who almost steals the show on every page! Picture book / Ages 3-6 years / Reviewed by Judith Greenall, librarian
