What You Need to Know:
• Small Saul is a triumph! I love this book for kids of all ages.
• This is a terrific story celebrating individuality.
• Ashley Spires is also the creator of the popular Binky the Space Cat Books.
• The illustrations are adorable, just one look at the cover and you fall in love with Saul, with his big glasses and his
cute little pirate body. |
Sweet Book Summary:
Small Saul is absurdly charming. Little Saul dreams of life on the high seas from a tender young age.
When the navy would not have him, Saul enrolled in Pirate College; apparently pirates aren't very picky. Pirating didn't come naturally to Saul. Although he did well in Navigation, he "lacked focus in Looting: The Basics". Eventually Saul was able to get his pirate certificate, he just needed to find a crew. Finally, a ship had an opening for Saul.
It quickly became apparent Saul was not like all the other pirates. Instead of looting he liked to redcorate and instead of fighting he cooked delicious desserts. The captain and the other pirates decided the unconventional Saul wasn't an asset to the crew and threw him overboard! But as soon as the decks started to get dirty and the crew went back to eating bland food they realized they missed Saul and that he did in fact contribute to their voyages. Luckily for the crew, when they turned the boat around they found Small Saul, who forgave them for throwing him overboard, after all, "throwing people overboard is just something they do".
This picture book is a clever little masterpiece. Spires' has taken a valuable childhood lesson, individuality, and made it accessible, engaging and entertaining. Children' will fall in love with Saul and eventually his pirate cohorts, when the pirates realize the errors of their ways. Spires witty writing and the often humorously contrasting illustrations will have young audiences belly-laughing. Pick this book up for your little pirate or princess at once!
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Author: Ashley Spires Illustrator: Ashley Spires Published: 2011, 32 pages
Themes: Excellent Read-Aloud, Exquisite Illustrations, Humor, Pirates, Individuality, |
Sweet Discussion Questions:
• In what ways are you not typical?
• Do you have friends who are not typical?
• Have you ever been in a situation where your differentness has caused a problem? How?
• How did you handle that?
• Is it better to be yourself or conform to those around you? Why or why not? |
| This recommendation was written by: Melissa Y. |
| Support Independent Book Shops: Click Here to Buy this Book on IndieBound |
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