Pirate Nap by Danna Smith, illustrated by Valeria Petrone
When Pirate Nap arrived, I opened it and set it on the counter without reading it. The next day, I came home from running an errand and Bart, who had been home with Ella, said, “This is my new favorite picture book we own.”
Well. What more is there to say?
(There’s more. Don’t get your hopes up).
pirate nap by danna smith
This book is written in rhyme which I often find so grating I want to shred the book up (but I wouldn’t, of course, because that would set a bad example). These rhymes worked like a charm for me – they scan nicely, they aren’t stupid, and I didn’t feel that nagging sensation that the author was just trying to find a word that rhymed, regardless of how it fit into the storyline. In fact, sometimes I find myself just reciting pages of it out loud (especially embarrassing when Ella isn’t even around).
The illustrations have a fun, modern feel to them that I love. And while it’s touted as a “Book of Colors,” the color aspect is subtle. Each page mentions a different color and the name of that color is printed in the color, but it’s not so overt that you can’t just enjoy the story.
Ella is a little young for colors right now, but she loves pointing out the dog and the hat on each page.
It’s just such a rollicking, fun little book. I’d definitely give this one as a gift (maybe with a big pirate hat or eye patch, just because what gift isn’t improved with an eye patch?).
Copy sent by publisher
Ooooh! I adore pirate books.
We love pirate anything here. LE is still mainly a big fan of books with real pictures of babies or animals or whatever. She doesn't listen so well.
Ok, time to be honest – I always kinda skim the kids' book reviews (gee, I wonder why). But now my friend is having a baby, and her baby shower is book themed (you love it, don't you?). So any book recommendations for babies? Please and thank you!
North Meets South
I always love your reviews, but I PARTICULARLY love your kids book reviews. I know the classics – Goodnight, Moon, Dr. Seuss, anything by Sandra Boynton – but it's awesome to hear about the books that YOU don't mind reading over and over again. Thanks!
I actually prefer kids books that rhyme because I think they're more fun to read. Also, easier to memorize which is a plus when both my kids are "helping" me turn pages. That said, there are SO MANY that make me think– You're a published author? I could have come up with a better rhyme than that!
Aw, Hairy Maclary's all about nonsense rhyme…ha. SORRY! 😛
Hello – I just wanted to say thank you for all of your great book reviews! I bought Pirate Nap after reading your review, and my son loves it! It is such a great book! Thanks:)
Janssen – I just got one of those book exchange chain letters and came RIGHT to your blog to look through my options. I ended up deciding on this darling book because it was cheap (even in hardback) on Amazon and because I just loved your review. Thank you for the help!!