The Pirates Next Door was one of the very first picture books that we read with our daughter. She loves the Jolley-Rogers’ pirate antics and I often find her poring over the little details in the pictures. We’ve bought this book for several friends and it’s fantastic that it has also been translated into German.
The Story: Matilda’s life in Dull-on-Sea becomes more exciting when The Jolley-Rogers move in next door while they repair their pirate ship. Although she has a lot of fun with Jim Lad, the other residents are not so happy about their new neighbours’ behaviour. However, the Jolley-Rogers redeem themselves before they go back to sea.
This book has grog, cutlasses and even a wooden-legged dog. It’s written in rhyme and is laid out almost in the style of a comic book. The pictures are dark, full of detail and speech bubbles move the story along to its conclusion. There is a range of wonderfully illustrated characters often with fantastically disapproving looks on their faces.
Although the age range for this book is described as six to eight my four year old daughter loves it. Despite their mad antics throughout the book the ending does leave you with a good impression of the pirates.
A great story for all young pirate lovers!
Age range: 5+
Author / Illustrator – Jonny Duddle
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