Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Henry & the Crazed Chicken Pirates
Illustrator: John Manders
Picture Book
For ages 5 to 7
Candlewick, 2009 ISBN: 978-0763636012
Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies have a very easy life living on a tropical island, reading books, and basically having fun. The pirates are so used to their enjoyable lifestyle that they refuse to listen when Henry tells them about a “mysterious message in a bottle” that he found. In the message, someone says that they are coming “to steal all yet loot.”
Though his father, Barnacle Black Ear, and the other Buccaneer Bunnies refuse to believe that there is anything to worry about, Henry is not so complacent. He proceeds to write a book called Henry’s plan for Impeding Danger from the Unknown Enemy Who Wrote the Scary Note. Even when Henry tells them that he has seen a floating ship filled with “crazed chicken pirates,” the other rabbits refuse to consider that they might be in danger. Little do they know that Henry’s fears are well founded.
In this second Henry title, Henry once again demonstrates that he is not to be underestimated. He may be bespectacled, bookish, and not at all brave, but he does have hidden gifts.
With wonderfully funny illustrations and a deliciously ridiculous story, this is a picture book that children will enjoy reading.
