 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Pirate Cruncher
- By Jonny Duddle
- Genre: Adventure
Common Sense Media says
Too full of clever laughs to scare most young mateys.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that, being a tale of pirates and monsters, this book has a generous share of swords, guns, and long, sharp teeth. But kids will know these foolish pirates are headed for trouble, and giggle as the crew’s worst fears come true. The pirates hear about the treasure in a tavern, but judging by the straws in the mugs they’re most likely drinking root beer rather than spirits.
What's the story?
There be treasure abroad -- but is it worth the cost? A mysterious fiddler shares a treasure map with Captain Purplebeard and his greedy crew. After they set sail, he warns them of a pirate-eating monster, but the captain is undeterred. They press on, even as they grow increasingly unnerved by the fiddler’s terrifying song. The pirates, of course, run into the dreaded pirate cruncher -- the real surprise is how, exactly, they got there.
Is it any good?
“I think treasure brings nothing but trouble!” squawks a macaw early in this cautionary tale. He’s right, of course, but like most adventures the real fun is in the journey. The eccentric crew’s thoughts are shown in cartoon bubbles, shifting from treasure to monsters, but they set aside their doubts. The abundant visual jokes -- a sleeping pirate cuddling a teddy bear with an eye patch, a tentacle salting an oblivious pirate’s breakfast egg -- infuse the deliciously dark story with sly humor.
This may not be good bedtime reading for sensitive kids -- aside from the monster issue, the dark tones of the early pages and the decorated font can make it a bit difficult to read in subdued lighting. Observant readers may pick up on the clever twist at the end early on, and those who miss the hints the first time will pore over the book to find all the clues. The fiddler's rhyming chantey has an easy, fun rhythm without going overboard on pirate talk.
The pirate cruncher’s long tentacles quietly curl through each page, pulling its prey ever closer. Both menace and humor are surprisingly well combined in the lively illustrations. The gotcha ending is wonderfully played.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the pirates’ greed and the expression “blinded by greed.” How does greed affect this crew of pirates?
The pirates don’t gather much information before deciding to go off on this adventure. What questions would you have asked before deciding whether to go?
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| Author: | Jonny Duddle |
| Illustrator: | Jonny Duddle |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Adventure |
| Publisher: | Templar Books |
| Publication date: | April 13, 2010 |
| Number of pages: | 38 |
| Hardcover price: | $15.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 3 - 8 |
| Read aloud: | 3 |
| Read alone: | 7 |
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