The Barefoot Book of Pirates with Audio CD

The Barefoot Book of Pirates retold by Richard Walker, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan

Plumbing the storytelling traditions of diverse cultures, from Japan to Morocco to Persia, both Walker and Matthews come up with treasure for this book. It will be news to most readers, that Robin Hood once took a seaside holiday ("Robin Hood and the Pirates"), and that the list of famous swashbucklers includes an Irish woman ("Pirate Grace"). The prose is top-notch, richly embellished and seamless. Whelan tailors her delicate watercolors to each story's country of origin. "The Abbey Bells," for instance, a Scottish pirate tale, features plaid ship's sails. Each story is presented against a different background page color, and tiny thumbnail illustrations hover about the page numbers (a pair of violins for "Music Charms the Pirates"). Superbly executed, this book is a must-have for storytellers and folk- and fairy-tale fans. 

Stories included are:

• The Captain's Goose (Scandinavian)
• Robin Hood and the Pirates (English)
• The Kobold and the Pirates (German)
• Pirate Grace (Irish)
• Music Charms the Pirates (Japanese)
• The Abbey Bells (Scottish)
• The Ship of Bones (Moroccan)

Book Details:

• Number of Pages: 64
• Book Size: 8-1/2" x 10-1/2"
• Book Type: Paperback with Audio CD
• Recommended Ages: 4-8
• ISBN: 1841481319
• ISBN: 9781841481319

Book Condition:

• This book is brand new and is in perfect condition. 

"Walker has extensively researched the genre in order to make this uncommon selection." - School Library Journal

"Walker come[s] up with treasure.... Whelan's effervescent artwork recalls Jane Ray's in composition, color and use of detail and borders. She tailors her delicate watercolors to each story's country of origin." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Why We Love It

This book focuses on adventure rather than the typical pirate stories of violence and gore. This is a book that can be enjoyed by children of all ages.