Kylie Howarth, 1, 2, Pirate Stew, Five Mile Press, March 2017, 24pp., $19.99 (hbk), ISBN: 9781760403201
Two small children with vivid imaginations go on a pirate adventure in this rhyming counting book. The text is reminiscent of the well-known rhyme ‘1,2, buckle my shoe’, with each line centring on a pirate theme, for example:
‘1,2, round up the crew. 3,4, now grab an oar’.
The numbers continue right up to twenty-two, yet it is a quick and easy read. The simple illustrations tell a story on their own which features elements of home life, gardening and cooking.
1,2, Pirate Stew is a fun book, although the text is a bit clunky to read aloud. This is the type of book that would appeal to very young children, yet the story conveyed through the illustrations is more appropriate for slightly older children. It would be a good book for children who are interested in pirates and pretend play.
Reviewed by Rebecca Blakeney
