Knock Knock Pirate

The front endpapers reveal numerous pirates, ranging from Pongy Pirate, Pirate Baby to Pirate Mum, who comes bearing a plateful of cupcakes. KNOCK KNOCK! Gripping pictures reveal a street full of horrified onlookers as ONE pirate, with huge purple hair knocks on our heroine’s door. Our narrator has made herself a paper pirate hat, and donned wellie boots, ready to face the day’s adventures. TWO more pirates tumble through her door, and the purple haired Captain commands Dan and Stan to grab all the treasure they can… Turn the page and THREE grannies crash through the roof, riding cannon balls, followed by FOUR pirate Grandads with knobbly knees. Our horrified narrator attempts to divert them by offering a treasure map… X marks the spot! BOOM! SPLOSH! The whole house sails away along the street! Off sails the house, “past factories, flats and giant whales and out onto the ocean wide, where monsters lurk and mermaids hide.”

The rhyming text rolls along, as we pitch to and fro, and a dreadful gale begins to blow. EIGHT smelly pirates demand of Jim (“I’m not Jim!”) information regarding the treasure location… or she will walk the plank. The illustrations are riveting, every page needing close attention so as not to miss any of the pranks and mishaps along the way. Is the treasure chest found? Does she reach safety? When Dad announces his return home, he is amazed to hear of the pirates who kidnapped her, and the adventures created throughout the day. A triumph in imaginative play, this a counting book to appeal to all small children and their families. The colourful, detailed pictures will charm and entertain the youngest of readers, whilst the strong bold, rhyming text will encourage them to join in.