Pirates, Ho! by Sarah L. Thomson, illustrated by Stephen Gilpin.

This jaunty, funny book is an ideal read-aloud for any swashbuckling event you may be planning.  The pirates here are cartoony and friendly, but also willing to send someone to Davy’s Locker if necessary.  They chase down other ships, seek treasure, and force people to walk the plant.  All accompanied with the cry of Pirates, Ho!  Everything children love about pirates is right here for them to enjoy.

Gilpin’s silly illustrations very effectively make this a fun book.  Where the text could take it in a darker direction, the illustrations keep it firmly in a light-hearted spirit.  Thomson’s words are rhythmic and one can almost hear the music in them: a jaunty pirate tune of course. 

A winning pirate book that is one of the easiest to read aloud that I have seen, this book is appropriate for ages 4-6.