Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies
Illustrator: John Manders
Picture Book
For ages 5 to 7
Candlewick, 2009 ISBN: 978-0763645403
Henry is the son of a fearsome buccaneer bunny captain called Barnacle Black Ear. Unlike his father, who is terrifying and who is proud of his “mean reputation,” Henry is a mild mannered bookish bunny who has no interest in “performing his proper pirating duties.” Instead, he would prefer to read books.
Henry is punished by his father for his unpiractical behavior, and the other pirates on the Salty Carrot look down on him, but Henry keeps on reading books whenever he can.
Then one day Henry sees signs that a large storm is in the offing. He tries to tell his father and the other pirates about the danger ahead, but they ignore his advice. Henry packs his books in empty treasure chests and he waits for the storm that he knows is coming.
In this delightful picture book, pirate loving readers will meet a young pirate who prefers books to fights, and knowledge to treasure. Readers will find it hard not to laugh out loud when they see how Henry proves his worth in a time of crises, and how he changes the attitudes of his fellow pirates in the process.
With a delightful main character, funny illustrations, and a meaningful message about the value of books, this picture book is a must for story times at home and at school.
