PIRATE PUP
by Caroline Stutson & illustrated by Robert Rayevsky
These are no ordinary pirates. Though they sport eye-patches and parrots, these adventurers are canines that sail far and wide under the command of Captain Pup. On this voyage, the dachshunds, boxers and shaggy mongrels are in search of treasure, but constantly vigilant should the dreaded cats catch up. They find the island where X marks the spot and dig up unspecified booty. Before they can reach familiar shores, the cats board their ship and demand gold. A calamitous but bloodless battle with swords and muskets ensues. When the cats discover that the sought after treasure is something quite other than gold, they hightail it. The triumphant pirate pups arrive home to tearful hugs. The stanzas of this exciting epic poem are reminiscent of Edward Lear’s Owl and the Pussycat: “And toasted their brave Captain Pup, Pup, Pup / And toasted their brave Captain Pup.” Rich with pirate details Rayevsky’s elegant artwork, on parchment-like paper, demands thorough examination. This rowdy, rousing yarn will be a real treasure for any pirate enthusiast or young adventurer. (Picture book. 4-7)