Pirate Stew

When mum and dad go out for the evening, they leave their two children with a very surprising and rather alarming babysitter; Long John McRon, a pirate cook complete with bluebeard, hook and wooden leg. The children are worried by this and even more dismayed when a whole pirate crew turns up at the door as well. Long John is determined to honour his promise to feed the children and when a search of the fridge proves uninspiring, he decides they should make their specialty, pirate stew. This is where the book really takes off with a truly fabulous collection of ingredients from half a sack of gold doubloons to the locks from Davy Jones locker, all seasoned with mermaid’s tears. Cooking is accompanied with a wonderful chorus of “Pirate stew, pirate stew, eat it and you won’t be blue, you can be a pirate too.” These last words alarm the children who, not wishing to become pirates, stay well clear of the bowls of stew. Amazing things continue to happen with the house transforming into a pirate ship taking off and visiting ‘Sally’s Little Donut Shop’ in town followed by a tot of rum before sailing back home in time for mum and dad’s return, who arrive feeing peckish and in the mood for a spot of pirate stew.….!

Pirate Stew is a splendid, rollicking rhyme of a picture book guaranteed to delight young readers. The illustrations are just fabulous, packed with comic characters, detail and pirate fun. Look out for the many pirate references drawn from classics such as Treasure Island and Peter Pan.