The Jolley-Rogers and the Ghostly Galleon; Jonny Duddle

Jonny Duddle first introduced readers to pirating family the Jolley-Rogers in the brilliant picture book The Pirates Next Door. This time, the Jolly-Rogers are back in a lively early chapter book that is a perfect step up from Duddle’s picture book.

All is not well in Dull-on-Sea. On the night of the full moon, a mysterious ship is spotted sailing near the town and the next morning residents awaken to find homes and treasures looted. Recent thefts at the museum and at Parrot Point have sent the town into fear and frenzy. Rumours of ghostly marauding pirates are sweeping through the streets and with the next full moon looming the town are in desperate need of help. Matilda has the perfect pirate friend to help… Jim Lad. But can the duo come up with a plan to defeat Cap’n Twirlybeard and find a way to unlock the Chest of Souls that will send the pillaging pirates to their ghostly grave…

I love a good pirate story and this is another hearty, swashbuckling adventure on land and sea. The Jolley Rogers and the Ghostly Galleon is steeped in legend of shipwrecks, sunken treasure, a fearsome captain and a ghastly crew. As you would expect from Duddle, there is bags of action, sword fights, looting - in this case stealing from the bad to give back to the good -, humour, clever wordplay and a good ol’ sea shanty.

A clever narrative links the landlubbers of Dull-on-Sea with the ghostly crew of the Black Rat and the plot requires both the wit and ingenuity of land living Matilda and sea-faring Jim Lad to save the day. Plenty of lively illustrations all add to the pirate mood and the ‘Jolley-Rogers Guide to Speak Pirate' glossary helps readers understanding of pirate language.

Recommended for 7+.