How I Became a Pirate

How I Became a Pirate

Written by: Melinda Long

Illustrated by: David Shannon

Harcourt, Inc. 2003

44 pages

Picture Book – Fantasy

I chose this book because I love pirates! Everybody loves pirates, especially children. This book tells how a little boy became a pirate. The pirates find him on the beach and make him part of their crew. They want the little boy to dig a hole for their treasure. The little boy thinks it is great to be a pirate, until he realizes that the life of a pirate is not what he thought it would be. The pirates’ green teeth, lack of books, and the “no tucking in” rule made the little boy miss home. The little boy convinces the pirates to take him home, and he shows them the ultimate place for burying treasure. 

David Shannon’s illustrations for this book were done using acrylic paint on an illustration board. These pictures will demand the students’ attention because of the bright colors and vivid, real life pictures. Shannon is able to capture the spirit of a scoundrel pirate and yet capture the spirit of an innocent child. Every last inch of each picture is covered with amazing, intricate detail.

How I Became a Pirate is appropriate for preschoolers and grades K-3. I would use this book to introduce a lesson about the ocean to my 1^st grade students. The book has several vivid pictures of the ocean and the beach. I would also incorporate this book into a history lesson for 2^nd graders. I would read the book and show the students the picture of the map at the end of the book. I would teach my students about maps (directions- north, south, east, and west). This would be a great book to read aloud to 2^nd grade students and provide a writing prompt. The writing prompt would be, “Would you enjoy being a pirate? Please explain your answer.” How I Became a Pirate received the Booksense Best Picture Book in 2003.