PEDRO THE PIRATE
Learning to Trust A New Crew
By: Ciara O’Neal
Illustrated by: Antonella Fant
Published: November 1, 2024
Publisher: Cardinal Rule Press
Fiction
Pedro the Pirate sails alone. He can do everything himself and doesn’t need a crew to help him and they definitely don’t need to touch his stuff. Pedro is a foster kid who has recently joined a home with other kids. He is uncomfortable and doesn’t want to make friends with anyone, except the dog who he named Parrot.
The story doesn’t explain that Pedro lives in a foster home. But, you can still understand that he is wary of the other kids and adults. As a pirate, he watches for scallywags as well as treasure. When he spies a treasure he tries to grab it but it is too heavy. Can he trust the other kids to join his crew and confiscate the treasure?
When kids have been put into a situation like foster care, it is hard for them to trust other kids and grownups. Their world has been shattered. They are living in a new home with new people and new rules. It’s hard to want to be friends or get comfortable because all they want to do is go back home. But, that isn’t always the safest place for a kid.
The author shares her personal story of foster care in a note at the end of the book. She offers a metaphor that days with sunlight are good days while days that are gloomy with giant waves can rock the boat. That’s how the day started for Pedro. He was angry and didn’t want to play with or talk to anyone. But, with a bit of courage and kindness and some teamwork, Pedro found that he had a whole crew ready to support him.
Since this story is about a pirate, the author has also included a fun dictionary of pirate terms as well as steps to making your own treasure chest. With loads of imagination and a crew of friends, Pedro the Pirate has lots of fun adventures ahead.
Check out the book trailer:
Check out coloring pages, HERE.
Get your Teacher/Homeschool Reading Guide, HERE.
“When I was in the thick of fostering, I wished for a book that explained how hearts are big. Big enough to love the people who come into our lives without forgetting the ones no longer with us. So I wrote Pedro’s story. A story full of humor and heart that reflects the struggle and beauty of the journey foster children face.”
Ciara O’Neal
Combine humor and picture books. Stir in a middle school library. Add in a pinch of nonfiction writing, two crazy dogs, and seven kids…and voila! You have author, Ciara O’Neal. This busy southern mama lives in her library, herds squirrel with mini lassos, and plots world domination with a donut in each hand. Check out her website, HERE.
Antonella Fant is a children’s book illustrator and graphic designer from Argentina with a touch of Italian heritage. A self-driven artist since childhood, Antonella’s work is playful, curious, and inspired by the TV cartoons and children’s books she adored as a toddler. She loves creating characters and stories, drawing with the imagination and spirit of a child, and bringing joy to young readers everywhere. Check out her website, HERE.
To purchase a copy of PEDRO THE PIRATE, click HERE.
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to make a purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
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Posted Under Antonella Fant, Book Review, Children's books, Ciara O'Neal, fiction, pirates