Dedicated Review
By Nicki Richesin, The Children’s Book Review
Published: October 16, 2012
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (July 3, 2012)
What to expect: Pirates, Social Situations, Friendship
Shiver me timbers, there are a great many things to admire in Carole P. Roman’s debut children’s book Captain No Beard– not least of which include the rich language, resourceful hero, and clever storytelling. Her imaginary tale might just inspire young readers to take a trip on the high seas.
It’s awe-inspiring when a book offers young readers a sense of purpose and encourages them that they too can determine their own destinies with hard work and perseverance. Roman seems to instinctively know this by portraying her Captain No Beard as a robust and capable lad. His refrain, “Being a captain is hard work” will embolden children to not give up, but keep on reaching for their goals.
The Flying Dragon crew’s camaraderie demonstrates to children how to successfully negotiate with their peers, how to listen, and most important, how to be a good friend. Playful and colorful illustrations of the delightful animal pirates chart their course as they work together to batten down the hatches and weather the fierce storm. Captain No Beard even risks his own life to save his faithful first mate Hallie. When at last Mom, posing as a mermaid, delivers a treasure chest of golden cookies, we realize that their adventure has been pursued in CNB and Hallie’s great imaginations.
A sense of exploration by being willing to try new things is surely one of the greatest gifts one can give a child. After all, we all long for a sense of adventure whether it’s as captain of our own pirate ship or by merely learning to take more risks. This book is worth all your pirate booty.
For more information, visit: http://caroleproman.com
Add this book to your collection: Captain No Beard
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Nicki Richesin is the author and editor of four anthologies; Crush, What I Would Tell Her, Because I Love Her, and The May Queen. She is the San Francisco editor for Du Jour and a frequent contributor to Sunset, The Horn Book, The Huffington Post, and Daily Candy. Find her online at https://nickirichesin.com/.