'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Thursday 16 May 2013

Review: Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs: Smugglers Bay

Captain Flinn is a five-year-old school boy who leads a group to rescue their friend from the evil Pirate Dinosaurs. Why? Because Pirate Dinosaurs love sausages made from children, of course.

Smugglers Bay is chock-a-block full of action and energy. There is a chase on train tracks, a battle, tomato sauce and an explosion. The illustration of the incredible sausage machine is sure to spark the imagination.

For those who prefer listening to the words, there are exciting ‘clickety-clack’ train sound effects and songs sung by Captain T Rex,

‘Sizzling sausages squished in a bun, I long for that tingling taste on my tongue.’ This book really is a joy to read aloud and is bound to enthrall with its subject matter and busy pictures. The author has mixed the perennial favourites of the picture book world to create a formidable foe. Why have Pirates when you can have Pirate Dinosaurs?

I would highly recommend this for a fun read with action loving children who are just moving out of picture books, but still love to share a story at bed-time. In a world where books might be competing with television and screens, this one will be a winner.

And if none of the above captures your child’s imagination, wait till they hear the line, ‘Take this, you smelly old stink-head!’

Nothing will make a five year old giggle louder.

Title: Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs (Smugglers Bay)
Author: Giles Andreae
Illustrator: Russell Ayto
Publisher: Puffin, $14.95 RRP
Publication Date: 2010
Format: Soft Cover
ISBN: 9780141501321
For Ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book