Book Review of The Produce Pirate
Sponsored* | All opinions are our own
The Children’s Book Review
The Produce Pirate
Written by Alexa Palmer
Illustrated by Abigail Glass
Ages: 4+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: Alexa Palmer | ISBN: 979-8-31784-876-7
What to Expect: Pirates, Girl Power, Teamwork, Healthy Eating, Fruits and Vegetables, Adventure, and Humor
Ahoy, readers: a crew of quick-thinking girl pirates races a band of rascally rivals across the high seas to claim the juiciest treasure of all, a chest full of fresh fruits and vegetables.
The Produce Pirate and her crew know how to run a ship. Every mate has a job, and a few have a touch of magic up their sleeves. Lava Lotty, for one, can pour hot, bubbling lava from her mouth when the crew needs saving. There’s a treasure on a sunny island just over the horizon, but the crew isn’t the only one sailing for it. The Piggy Cats and the Sharkie Boyz want that bounty too, and they don’t play nice. With storms of mischief brewing and a race to the island underway, who will drop anchor first?
Alexa Palmer fills the story with drama and hearty pirate talk, and it’s begging to be read aloud with a growl and an “arrr.” Her best idea is the treasure itself. Turning fresh produce into the prize flips the usual gold-and-jewels quest on its head and slips in a healthy-eating message without ever lecturing. The Piggy Cats and Sharkie Boyz are original villains, and they add a slightly twisted streak of humor that keeps the adventure from getting too sweet. The whole thing runs on whip-smart-girls-versus-rascally-boys energy, and young readers will happily pick a side.
Abigail Glass’s digital illustrations cheerfully balance the story’s shadowy moments so the danger feels exciting and never frightening. Comic-style panels, bold text, and speech bubbles keep the pages moving and give the picture book the energy of a comic. The finale is a feast, in both senses of the word, and kids will come away wanting to bite into the juiciest, most flavorful fruits and veggies they can find.
The Produce Pirate is a great pick for kids who love pirates, comics, and girls who save the day. Parents and teachers looking for a sneaky nudge toward the produce aisle will like it too.
Buy the Book
About the Author
Alexa Palmer is the author of Jolene: Adventures of a Junk Food Queen. Her comeback kid is The Produce Pirate. Alexa started her writing journey at just 8 years old, when she composed her first short story. When she thinks of ideas for her books, she always remembers what children love best; fun, fantasy, and adventure. Her hope is that you always have a fun ride with adventure, and always try your best to stay healthy and happy.
For more information, visit www.junkfoodjolene.com.
About the Illustrator
Abigail Glass is a Pittsburgh-based illustrator and muralist who loves bringing words to life and transforming ordinary spaces into colorful, imaginative environments. She studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, where she earned her BFA in Illustration. An artist since she could first hold a pencil, she thrives on turning big ideas into playful, detailed worlds. She’s always chasing that extra bit of magic, refining her work to ensure every piece has heart. Her goal is simple: to create art that makes people smile.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, unbiased review of The Produce Pirate. Learn more about getting a book review …
