While reading children’s picture book How I Became a Pirate, don’t be surprised if you feel a pirate-esque transformation of your own.

Lighthearted and engaging storytelling by Melinda Long combined with the captivating artwork of David Shannon helps readers believe that we have just become pirates, too!

The Story

Young Jeremy joins a pirate crew on their way to bury treasure.  Pirate life appears to be a dream come true.  No vegetables to eat.  No bedtime.  And manners?  Who needs ‘em?

Then Jeremy learns that pirates also don’t believe in some of his favorite comforts of home.  Perhaps being a pirate isn’t that great after all.

What I Love About This Children’s Book

First of all, what’s not to love about David Shannons’ brilliant illustrations?  Enough said about that.

I like to think of the story itself as a subtle ode to parents’ love.  That is, after all, what Jeremy wanted to come home to.

And while the inspirational messages for kids may not be overt, you can find a few bits of wisdom to expand on.  Sometimes we forget to appreciate the good things in life we already have.  Sometimes we might start believing we’d prefer somebody else’s life.  A pirate’s life, perhaps?

Eventually we all learn that the grass isn’t always greener somewhere else. In this case the grass wasn’t greener, but the pirate teeth sure were!

How I Became a Pirate is recommended for pirates ages 3 to 7… and up!