The Night Pirates
What’s inside...
The Night Pirates tells the story of a young boy named Tom who embarks on an adventure with a group of fearless girl pirates. Together, they set sail to an island where they plan to take back treasure from the grown-up pirates. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and learn the value of courage and friendship. All aboard for a POP-UP adventure! A perfectly pitched, irresistibly charming read-aloud picture book for the youngest pirate enthusiasts! 'Down, down, down the dark, dark street they came. Up, up, up the dark, dark house they climbed. Stealthy as shadows, quiet as mice. Only the moon was watching when they arrived. Only the moon was watching when they left. Only the moon & one little boy.' Tom is awoken by a band of rough, tough little girl pirates, so what does he do? He joins their ranks! Together they set sail in search of treasure. But what will happen when they meet a crew of rough, tough grown-up pirates? Readers will be swept up in the spare, jaunty text, & quirky illustrations in this unexpected bedtime adventure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-4
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the night pirates were searching for on their adventure?
How do you think Tom felt when he joined the pirates? Would you have joined them?
What does bravery mean to you? Do you think the pirates were brave?
How did the pirates work together as a team? Can you think of a time when you worked with others as a team?
If you could write another adventure for the pirates, what would happen?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences.
Ask your child what they would do if they were in Tom’s shoes, fostering a deeper connection to the character’s decisions and actions.
Discuss the concept of teamwork displayed in the book. Highlight real-life situations where working together is essential.
Encourage creative thinking by asking your child to imagine a new adventure for the pirates, supporting their storytelling and imaginative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Adventure
Explanation: In 'The Night Pirates', the young protagonist joins a group of girl pirates on a daring adventure, demonstrating bravery and a willingness to try new things.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new experiences, whether it’s trying a new activity at school or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Gender Equality
Explanation: The pirate crew in the story is primarily made up of girls, challenging traditional gender roles and showcasing that girls can be adventurous and brave just as boys can.
Real-World Application: Children learn to treat everyone equally regardless of gender and recognize the capabilities of all individuals.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The young boy and the girl pirates work together to accomplish their mission, showcasing the importance of cooperation and teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of working collaboratively in group settings such as in school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: The story uses a magical and imaginative setting where houses can be carried away, inspiring creativity in young minds.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination in play and creative problem-solving in day-to-day tasks or academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Kindness and Friendship
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, the pirates display acts of kindness towards each other, and the young boy forms a new friendship with the pirate crew.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of being kind and forging friendships based on mutual respect and shared experiences.