Penelope & the Pirates - Hardcover

Bored with life on the wharf, Penelope signs aboard the S. S. Sweetwater as ship's cat after convincing Captain Ned that the markings on her fur represent a treasure map. At sea, a pirate crew whose captain has overheard Penelope's claim storms the ship and kidnaps her. After the pirates (much to Penelope's surprise) dig up a buried treasure, Captain Ned reappears with a blare of trumpets, saving her from walking the plank in the nick of time. In the pictures, double pages in a soft wash of nautical hues make room for the action, while the comic style, with its round-faced figures, red-capped monkey, and exaggerated details, confirms the farcical mood. The playful pictures, the comfortable predictability of standardized pirate motifs, and the informal narrative sprinkled with seafaring words keep the story as light and swift as kids' dress-up games, while Penelope's independence and trickery, the fast pace, and some slapstick moments keep it from being altogether sappy. Not in the same league as Ardizzone's sea stories about Tim, but a pleasant yarn. --Karen Litton, London Public Libraries, Ontario, Canada
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.