It Be Talk Like A Pirate Day, Matey!

Here be some picture books fer pirates. They be especially good fer those of us what can't read.

Are Pirates Polite? by Corinne Demas,
Artemis Roehrig, and David Catrow

Pirates at the Plate, by Aaron Frisch and Mark Summers

The Pirates Next Door, by Jonny Duddle

That scalawag Jonny Duddle has books fer cabin boys, too.

Jolley-Rogers #1 the Monsters Gold, by Jonny Duddle

And fer all you dandy land lubbers who can make out more of those infernal scribbles, ye might be liking the books below.

The Jupiter Pirates #1, Hunt for the Hydra,
by Jason Fry and Jeff Nentrup

The Dagger Quick #1,
 by Brian Eames and Amy June Bates

Airborn #1, by Kenneth Oppel and Larry Rostant

If ye be ready for stronger meat, waylay some litrate teen to read you these beauties.

The Pirate's Son, by Geraldine McCaughrean

Mad Kestrel #1,
by Misty Massey and Shelly Wan

Lady of Devices #3, Magnificent Devices,
by Shelley Adina

Get the Words Down

"A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper."
-E. B. White

Pirate bookplate available on Zazzle

Arrr! Booty of Pirate Books

Dead men tell no tales, but here there be plenty of buccaneer books to satisfy even the hungriest reader. Capture a few today, before National Talk Like a Pirate Day be over!

Dagger Quick, by Brian Eames
Cover by Amy June Bates

The Pirate's Son, by Geraldine McCaughrean

by Iain Lawrence

Roger, the Jolly Pirate, by Brett Helquist

Edward and the Pirates, by David McPhail

Pirate Giveaway!

Win a hardcover edition of this book!

Okay, I'm not giving away a pirate, but I am giving away a copy of The Pirate Meets the Queen, an adventure-filled picture book by Matt Faulkner. Here's my review for PPBF.

TO ENTER:
1. Become a follower of my blog, Bookish Ambition (Hint: you're already here!)
2. Leave a comment on this post. Anything pirate-y will do!
3. If you'd like a second chance to win, follow Bookish Ambition on Twitter, or let me know that you're already a follower.
4. I'll put your name into the drawing a third time if you tweet about my contest.

That's it! So this is a shameless ploy to reach more followers, but it is also a chance to win a book. And who doesn't need more books?

Entries will be accepted from June 16-June 30. One winner will be randomly chosen and announced here and via Twitter on July 2, 2013.

Thank-you and Happy Father's Day!

PPBF: The Pirate Meets the Queen

Today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick

The Pirate Meets the Queen, by Matt Faulkner

The Pirate Meets the Queen
Written and illustrated by Matt Faulkner
Philomel, 2005, Fiction,
ages 6-10

Themes:
Adventure, Pirates, Historical fiction, Irish legend, Strong female characters (but not a role model!)



Opening:
"Tis very odd, you know, the things they say about you after you've been dead awhile. I've heard the tales they tell. Some call me a pirate."

Synopsis:
The Pirate Meets the Queen is the slightly embellished, but nonetheless fascinating tale of 16th century Irish pirate, Grace "Granny" O'Malley. Faulkner chronicles Granny from her unorthodox youth, through her days of motherhood, culminating in her historic meeting with Queen Elizabeth.

What I Love:
Who doesn't love a good pirate story? This one has the added bonuses of being about a female pirate, and being based on a true story. The main character is hardly sympathetic, though the author spins the tale a bit in her favor. Matt Faulkner's energetic illustrations are just fantastic enough to be legend, and just realistic enough to be historical. His attention to detail breathes life into the Elizabethan world.

Bonus:

Stephanie Block on Broadway in The Pirate Queen,
2007, from the creators of Les Miserables

1. For more on the creation of this book, check Matt's blog, where he also features sketches from Jack London to Dungeons and Dragons.
2. There's much more to know about the real Grace O'Malley. You can visit her landmark in Ireland, read Granuaile, by Anne Chambers, or listen to the Broadway version of her story, The Pirate Queen by Boublil and Shonberg.
3. There are over 30 crafty piratey ideas collected on Nurturestore.
4. A pirate book is an excellent excuse to play dress-up. Gird on your pool noodle sword. Turn your couch into a sailing ship. Draw your own map and have a treasure hunt.
5. While sherbet ships might be more fun to eat, here's an eye-opening list of real pirate foods including a recipe for hardtack.

The statue of Grace O'Malley,
by Michael Cooper
at Westport House

EXTRA! EXTRA! I'm giving away a copy of The Pirate Meets the Queen at the end of the month. The giveaway runs from June 16-30, 2013. Check this blog on Sunday (6-16-13) for details, or follow me on Twitter to receive the notice to enter!

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday for June 14, 2013.
Thanks to Susanna Leonard Hill.

Pirates and Pre-production Art

video game concept art
origin unknown

I found this pre-production art in a file on my computer, but can't remember whose work it is.  I thought it had a great quality to it and liked the style.  It might be from "Monkey Island".  I need to research it to see if I can discover the artist.  I hope you find it inspiring.

Seeking My Next Book

Glenn Robert Gray said he spent the time he wasn't reading, looking for something to read!  In case you are seeking the same, I thought I'd list my current reads in several categories.  At the bottom you'll find some links for other booklists.

The Moonstone, by Wilkie Collins

In My Father's House,
by Corrie Ten Boom

A Series of Unfortunate Events #12
The Penultimate Peril,
by Lemony Snicket

Frankie Pickle
and The Closet of Doom
by Eric Wight

The Treausre of Savage Island,
by Lenore Hart

For more reading suggestions, try these links:
Reading Tween 
The New York Times Book Reviews
You Are What You Read
Kids' Next
Great Schools book lists

Tuesdays, George, and Hohn

Tuesdays at the Castle combines the talents of two really charming people:  Jessica Day George, and David Hohn.  I have heard some criticism of George's middle grade fantasies, but don't agree.  Her characters are spunky and her point of view is unique.  I'm so pleased to see her latest book, released in October 2011, with fabulous cover art by David Hohn.  His illustration style is a fresh take on old favorites.  He seems willing to experiment with technique to create the right mood.  With such a winning combination, and the promise of a fun new series, this book shoots to the top of my "must buy" list.  Happy Reading!

Snow White & Rose Red
by David Hohn

Treasure Island
by David Hohn