[simpleazon-image align=”none” asin=”1478151706″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YO5x6I7RL._SL160_.jpg” width=”160″] [simpleazon-image align=”none” asin=”1478113553″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JXctNcnQL._SL160_.jpg” width=”160″] In many ways, Captain No Beard is a very good book. It is educational, imaginative, and lively. The font is big and bold which is always helpful to the beginning reader. The illustrations are bright, cheery, and colorful. Most importantly, it’s about having a pirate adventure. The title alone is very enticing. I like the use of repetition and pirate vocabulary to engage and challenge new readers. The writer even throws in a bit of humor. I might even use it in a story time. But I couldn’t escape the feeling that the writer was following some kind of formula, deliberately throwing in vocabulary lessons, life lessons, and the standard “just use your imagination.” And, I completely ran aground from the initially exciting journey when, in the middle of the pirate adventure, Captain No Beard pulled out his dictionary and defined “Shiver Me Timbers.” It threw me right out of the imaginary world and into the real one. I would have preferred a glossary at the end of the book rather than an interruption right in the middle. Also, the constant refrain from Alexander (a.k.a. Captain No Beard) that “being a captain is hard work” sounded like a complaint rather than a useful observation. My overall experience with Captain No Beard was that its goal was to be educational more than entertaining. It makes a good beginning reader book, but not necessarily the best storybook. So, although, it will not go down as one of my personal favorites, I still see the value in it as a librarian and proponent of children’s literacy. If you have a beginning reader, especially an adventurous young boy, in your household, I recommend this book for reading practice. He will love saying “Argh” and “Shiver me Timbers”. Heck, even I loved that part!
A special thanks to the author for hosting a giveaway of her book. I was pleased to be one of the winners, and excited that she took the time to sign it. No review was requested or required in connection with the giveaway.
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Paul R. Hewlett says
Great post & review. I love the idea of a glossary in back. I find those, maps, discussions all very useful and beneficial in children’s books. A very enjoyable trailer!
Paul R. Hewlett
Carole P. Roman says
Thank you for the review on ” Captain No Beard-An Imaginary Tale of Pirate’s Life.” As a new writer, it’s so important to hear honest feedback. I value all of your suggestions and hope to put them to good use. I don’t think you’er “loopy” at all! Warmly, Carole P. Roman