Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs (Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs)

K-Gr 3 -This imaginary adventure combines a boy's two passions -pirates and prehistoric animals. Flinn's markers run out while he is drawing a dinosaur at school and he goes to the supply closet to get more. There he discovers a sobbing pirate who explains that his ship has been stolen. Along with three friends, Flinn vows to help Captain Stubble retake the "Acorn". The closet wall falls away, revealing a bright blue day and a scrappy-looking vessel. The children don pirate garb and Captain Stubble, who prefers to be the cook, puts Flinn in charge. They discover that the "Acorn" has been taken over by fierce, pirate dinosaurs, and a great battle ensues. All of the creatures jump overboard—except for the "Tyrannosaurus rex". Flinn crosses swords with the frightening beast until it finally surrenders. Then it is time to return to school and the children step back through the closet and into the classroom where everyone is wondering where they have been. Ayto's watercolor-and-ink illustrations are angular, bold, and lively. The pirate dinosaurs -complete with eye patches and pointy weapons -are a curious combination of ferocious and precious. They look very much like Flinn's drawing. The fast-paced action and vibrant artwork make this tale a fun and exciting read-aloud." -Linda Staskus, Parma Regional Library, OH"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.