Author: Aaron Reynolds
Illustrator: David Barneda
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf, 2013
Ages: 5-8yrs
Themes: pirates, cowboys, communication
Opening: Burnt Beard the Pirate was the scourge of the seven seas, the four oceans, and several lakes.His scurvy crew had ransacked so many ships and pillaged so many villages that all their treasure had them riding low and slow. It was time to go ashore and bury the booty.
Summary: (from my Aaron Reynold’s website) It’s a bad, sad day when Burnt Beard the pirate and his scurvy crew swagger into the town of Old Cheyenne. They run smack-dab into Black Bob McKraw and his posse of horn-swagglin’ varmints. Trouble is none of these cowboys can speak Pirate. And none of those pirates can speak Cowboy! And that’s a recipe for trouble. Can anybody bring this explosive situation to a sweet smelling end?
I like this book because: it’s got language! Haha! Pirate and cowboy talk, and therefore this is THE perfect read-aloud for anyone who loves to get into voice. It also shows that misunderstandings are not always obvious, and solutions can come with something as simple as a bath! The illustrations are hilarious, though sometimes I found a few details that were too dark to pick up (good excuse to read again, though!).
Resources/activities: discuss how language and lack of understanding could cause strife, and ask students what solutions they can think of to bridge a gap; fun book to read for a unit on migration; discuss how one language can have such different dialects – how is that possible?; draw your own pirates or cowboys using animals that have a geo graphical connection; read the book for Sept.19th – Int’l. Talk Like a Pirate Day – more info HERE
For more Perfect Picture Book picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE
I can see why that character is your favorite one! The art is delightful, as, I’m sure, the writing is too.
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Aye, aye, pardner!
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looks right up my alley – thanks for sharing, Julie.
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Sure thing, mate!
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What a great idea! And I love “several lakes” in the opening line 🙂 I look forward to reading this one!
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I hope it tickles your fancy, Iza!
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What an unusual book with pirates and cowboys. Sounds like it is very entertaining. And, the solution is a bath? Very funny. Love the illustations. Great activities.
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Good ‘clean’ fun!
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What a great story and illos. This is my kind of pb.
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Giddy up to your library, Catherine!
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They don’t have it so I’ve bought two books today and imnediately have two more on the to buy list. So naughty 😉
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In the best way!
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This looks like an amazing book. 🙂
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Adorable!
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I think I like this better than Creepy Carrots. I’ll check it out. Thanks!
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Aaron Reynolds has written some great stuff (Love CREEPY CARROTS!) so I’m sure this one is, too! 😀
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AARRRRRR! This be’s soundin’ likes it’s as good as a newly pillag’d plunda!
Ain’t that right, pardner! This here book sounds mighty fine an’ looks pleasin’ to the eye!
🙂
I like pirates and cowboys. 🙂
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At’s right, L’il Fish Stick! Finer ‘n a fresh water jelly fish!
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