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Community comment are the opinions of contributing users. These comment do not represent the opinions of Strathcona County Library.
Jan 16, 2013
Meet “Small Saul”. Distinctly diminutive in stature, he is denied entry to Navel College. Saul decides to enter Pirate College instead, for he has always dreamed of going to sea. After graduating, Saul ends up on the Rusty Squid, where it becomes evident that he isn’t at all like the other pirates. He isn’t good at looting, fighting, or looking tough (in fact, he wears a bunny tattoo)… but he can certainly cook, sing and keep things clean and tidy. Saul decides to use his true talents. He makes delicious cakes and cookies for the pirates, sings sea shanties to them, cleans and even redecorates their cabins, and provides them with breath fresheners. Alas, Saul’s efforts are unappreciated, and one day he is tossed overboard. Poor Saul! Climbing onto a floating log, he waits for rescue. Meanwhile, the pirates are back to eating bland gruel and moldy bread. Their cabins begin to smell of stinky feet and no one is singing sea shanties. Before long, the pirates are longing for Saul’s cooking, songs and housekeeping skills. They turn back and rescue Saul, realizing that he “…had made their ship a home… just like treasure, Saul was rare!” There can never be too many pirate stories for preschoolers, and with the many details to be found in the artwork on every page, Ashley Spires’ absurd, hilarious picture book will be in demand more than once!