Captain No Beard: Stories for Youngsters Who Love Pirates ~ Poppins Book Nook

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There is something about pirates that just appeals to the masses. Young girls might be less enthralled than young boys, but it does seem to be something kids have loved for ages.  Deciding which books to showcase for this month’s Poppins Book Nook was a challenge as there are so many for different ages.

 

I ended up deciding to showcase a series of books about Captain No Beard by Carole P. Roman. 

Since we reviewed a few of her “If You Were Me and Lived…Series” books, our family has been blessed with several of the Captain No Beard titles arriving in our mail box. This has J especially happy as he loves these short stories.  And, this homeschooling mama likes that the ‘lessons’ being taught in the stories are not always super obvious to him.

(As these titles were sent unsolicited, I felt no compulsion to do a straight on review but rather share how much we love them. Do note that links to the books on Amazon are affiliate links which may result in our family earning a small commission should you elect to purchase anything through them.)

 

Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate’s Life

Captain No Beard and his pirate ship The Flying Dragon set sail for a voyage of the imagination with his fearless crew of four: First Mate Hallie, Mongo the Monkey, Linus the loudmouthed lion, and Fribbit the floppy frog. Normally a young boy named Alexander, his cousin Hallie, and three stuffed animals, once they board his bed their world is transformed into a magical vessel, sailing the seven seas on dangerous and exciting adventures!

 

This title sets the stage for the future ones as you’ll soon learn that Captain No Beard is just an ordinary boy with a lively imagination.  I like that it gently encourages kids to consider imaginative play where they can be whatever they want to be.

 

 

Pepper Parrot’s Problem with Patience

The crew of the Flying Dragon are sailing again. This time, new crewmember, Pepper Parrot is having a hard time keeping up with the drills. Captain No Beard and his mates join together to help Pepper achieve her goals with patience and tolerance.

 

I can’t think of any child who doesn’t struggle with patience.  I know that I struggle with it at times.  So, I love having a story that approaches the topic without preaching to the kids.

 

Stuck in the Doldrums: A Lesson in Sharing

When the wind stops blowing, Captain No Beard and his crew, including First Mate Hallie, Linus the Lion, Fribbet the Frog, Mongo the Monkey and Polly the Parrot, are stuck on a desert island. Maroon with nothing to do, they begin to play and enjoy themselves. However, Captain No Beard has other ideas, bossing his crew around and making playtime cheerless for everyone. Soon, Captain No Beard decides he has had enough and storms off. When his ship is attacked by a giant squid, he realizes he needs his crew more than ever. Captain No Beard and his crew show young readers that’s it’s important to cooperate and share your belongings. The crew teaches us that if you want to have friends, then you must be a friend too.

Soon, Captain No Beard decides he has had enough and storms off. When his ship is attacked by a giant squid, he realizes he needs his crew more than ever. Captain No Beard and his crew show young readers that’s it’s important to cooperate and share your belongings. The crew teaches us that if you want to have friends, then you must be a friend too.

Maybe my boys are unique, but it seems like the more technology they consume, the more prone they are to being ‘bored’ when mom unplugs them.  What a fun way to not only see that you can get past that bored feeling, but to also see how much more fun you can have with friends.

 

Strangers on the High Seas

Captain No Beard and the crew of the Flying Dragon welcome a new crew member, when Cabin Girl Cayla joins the ship. Responsible for his little sister, Captain No Beard is not very happy because he finds his newest charge a distraction. When faced with danger, the captain must find a way to escape. While learning valuable lessons about strangers, the crew realized not to judge somebody because they are young or small. Strength comes in all sizes!

**This is the only one we do not own.  That, or J has hidden the copy from me!  So, no personal comments here.**

 

The Treasure of Snake Island

After a fierce battle with a storm, the crew goes in search of treasure. Alexander, that is, Captain No Beard uses a map to locate it on the ominous sounding Snake Island. Bravely they dig until they find the best treasure ever!

I am right there with Hallie in NOT liking snakes.  Even the exhibits at the zoo can give me the willies.  I do love the treasure the youngsters find in Alexander’s room…and I know it is something my boys treasure as well.

 

 

The Crew Goes Coconuts!

There is a storm brewing on the Flying Dragon, and it’s not about the weather. When the crew finds themselves parched and not enough juice to go around, blame falls on Matie the goat, Hallie’s friend. Divided, they square off, ready for a fight and Captain No Beard must teach his crew that not only is bullying wrong, they must learn to value and respect each and every member of the crew. Watch the crew of the Flying Dragon learn an important lesson about being a true friend.

 

As bullying is becoming more pervasive in our society, I like the low-key approach this title takes towards it.  Learning to get along with others is a key skill we all need and how much fun it is to have it taught through a fun story.

 

 

You can purchase the books from Amazon through the links below.  The titles are also available in Kindle format for purchase (ranging between 99 cents and $2.99) or to borrow through the new Kindle Unlimited.

 

 

 

Dressing Up as a Pirate

This can be as elaborate or inexpensive as you’d like.  I wish I could find a photo of my second son’s pirate costume for Halloween years ago.  We used a freebie patch from a summer reading program along with a plastic sword and a homemade vest made from bright colored felt which he selected.

 

J loves to dress up as seen here:

 

 

Once the kids are all dressed up, it is time to let their imaginations run (a little) wild. 

Challenge them to speak like a pirate.  Make some pirate themed foods.  Pull out the Legos or Playmobil for imaginative play.  And, when they get a bit older take it a little further with a study about real pirates.

You can find a LOT of neat pirate-themed activities and lessons on Carole P. Roman’s Pinterest page.  I’m following her and am already thinking of things to do with J this fall.

 

What are some of your family’s favorite pirate stories?

Do your kids enjoy dressing up like pirates?

  

 

This post is part of the Poppins Book Nook.

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