How to Be a Pirate
#2 of 12 in How to Train Your Dragon Series
on Goodreads (19,943)
What’s inside...
Learn how to be a pirate with Hiccup, Toothless, and the rest of the How to Train Your Dragon gang in this fun-filled book. Packed with activities, quizzes, and jokes, this book helps you explore the pirate life, from speaking like a pirate to tying knots and building a pirate ship. This second volume of Hiccup's memoirs continues his adventures as he transforms from an ordinary boy into a legendary Viking Hero. Discover if Hiccup can find Grimbeard the Ghastly's treasure before his rival, and whether he can survive opening a forbidden box. Join the excitement and dive into more of Hiccup's daring tales in the How to Train Your Dragon series.
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make a good pirate in the story?
How did the main character's understanding of bravery change throughout the book?
If you were on a pirate adventure, what role would you choose and why?
What lessons did the characters learn about teamwork?
How would you solve a dispute among a group of pirates?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the characteristics of the characters by asking them what they would do differently if they were in the same situation.
Discuss the concept of bravery depicted in the book and relate it to real-life situations where they showed bravery.
Use creative role-play to imagine being pirates together, which can make discussing the book's themes more interactive and exciting.
Talk about the importance of teamwork and ask your child for examples of how they use teamwork at school or with friends.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene and explain why they chose it, deepening their connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The protagonist, Hiccup, demonstrates courage throughout the book by facing fears and standing up to challenges despite being an underdog.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and assert themselves in difficult situations, whether it's trying new activities or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Importance of Ingenuity
Explanation: Hiccup often uses his intellect and creativity to solve problems instead of resorting to brute strength, setting him apart from traditional pirate archetypes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively in problem-solving scenarios and value intelligence over physical prowess.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout his adventures, Hiccup learns the importance of teamwork and building strong relationships with his peers.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of cooperation and maintaining friendships in achieving common goals in a child's day-to-day interactions.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: Hiccup makes several mistakes but uses them as learning experiences that contribute to his growth as a leader.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to see mistakes as opportunities for growth and not be disheartened by setbacks.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks and being underestimated by many, Hiccup remains determined and perseveres through his challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and resilience in achieving their goals, regardless of the obstacles they face.