Nappy the Pirate Baby: Little Gems
What’s inside...
A rollicking tale of a baby who unexpectedly joins a band of pirates. Despite his small size and the nappies he wears, Nappy becomes a key member of the crew, embarking on adventures and overcoming challenges with his new pirate family. Stinky McFlea, Irish Stew, Long Johns, Nitty Nora, and Captain Spratt are pirates aboard the Salty Herring who love nothing more than lazing about on deck and sailing the high seas. One day, a strange wailing noise leads them to discover a stowaway baby on board the ship. The crew decides to raise him like a proper pirate, but they must face the challenges of looking after a baby and uncover the mystery of where Nappy came from. A motley crew of pirates take to parenthood in this whimsical Little Gem from the bestselling author of the Dirty Bertie series.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Nappy felt when he set out on his pirate adventure?
What would you do if you were in Nappy’s place during his treasure hunt?
What is the most important lesson Nappy learned on his journey? Why is it important?
How do the other characters in the story help Nappy in his adventure?
If you could add another scene to the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize expressive and animated tones when discussing Nappy’s emotions and actions to make the conversation lively and engaging.
Encourage your child to relate moments from the book to their own experiences, which helps deepen their understanding and empathy.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to encourage deeper thinking and engagement.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights, reinforcing their confidence in expressing their interpretations and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Courage
Explanation: In 'Nappy the Pirate Baby: Little Gems,' Nappy demonstrates bravery when facing larger-than-life adventures, showing that courage is not about the absence of fear, but facing it head-on.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by standing up for themselves or others, trying new activities, or speaking in front of a class, reinforcing the notion that bravery can lead to personal growth and learning.
Example Lesson: Value of Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nappy encounters various challenges that require quick thinking and problem-solving skills. These instances highlight the importance of creative solutions.
Real-World Application: Kids will learn to approach obstacles in their daily lives—be it homework, disputes with peers, or personal goals—with determination and innovative thinking, essential skills for lifelong resilience.
Example Lesson: Significance of Kindness
Explanation: Nappy often interacts with other characters in a kind and respectful manner, regardless of their background or differences. This promotes a strong sense of empathy and respect.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that kindness can improve relationships and foster a supportive community around them, whether at home, in school, or during play.
Example Lesson: Exploring One's Identity
Explanation: As a pirate baby, Nappy explores various aspects of his identity throughout his journeys, promoting self-discovery and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and embrace their own identities, recognizing uniqueness as an asset. This can boost their confidence and encourage them to express themselves authentically.