Pirate Palooza

March 1, 2009
Gr 2-5-This book will give those children who love the ridiculous just what they want: a zany, mile-a-minute graphic novel. When a living-room wrestling match results in a broken coffee-table leg, Stone Rabbit and his wolf friend, Andy, think they've found the perfect fixa genuine pirate's peg leg. After attaching it to the table, they are visited by its previous owner, Barnacle Bob. The ghost pirate takes Stone Rabbit and Andy aboard his vessel, the Biscotti, and makes them part of his crew. When Andy is in danger of getting thrown overboard, Stone Rabbit has to decide if he is a heartless pirate or a friend. His decision sends the two pals to a showdown with the ghost pirates in the local comic shop. The bold illustrations are bursting at the seams with energy. Occasionally, quick changes in perspective require some extra effort from readers to follow the action, but many children will be delighted with the book's quick pace, cheeky dialogue, and pop-culture references.Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI

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