The Pirate Tree

by Brigita Orel, Jennie Poh (Illustrations)

The gnarled tree on the hill sometimes turns into a pirate ship. A rope serves as an anchor, a sheet as a sail, and Sam is its fearless captain. But one day another sailor approaches, and he's not from Sam's street. Can they find something more precious than diamonds and gold? Can they find . . . friendship?

Genres: Picture Books, Pirates, Friendship, Childrens, Fiction, Adventure, Immigration

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2019

About the author

Brigita Orel spends her days translating books from English into Slovenian. Before that she worked as a subtitler, proof-reader, assistant accountant (the most surreal job as most of the time she can't put two and two together), cleaner and baker assistant. She has a PhD in Creative writing (Swansea University). She published short stories and poems in various journals. Her work was nominated for the Pushcart Prize and Derby Children's Picture Book Award.

Reviews

[La Coccinelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book made me a little uncomfortable. It supposedly depicts a new friendship, but I was distracted by the obvious power imbalance.

Sam has a tree that she imagines is a pirate ship. One day, a boy named Agu shows up. He's new in town and wants to play. But Sam isn't interested... until she finds out that Agu is from Nigeria and knows lots of stuff she doesn't.

The problem is, at the end, rather than being equals, the book refers to Agu as Sam's "new crew member". She's still the captain. She's still in charge... even though Agu obviously knows more about ships and sailing. It comes across as white privilege.

The illustrations don't really excite me, either. They're a little rough for my taste, and for pictures that are supposed to show two children's imaginations, they don't seem quite fanciful enough. Aside from the accessorized birds and fish, there's not much that really struck me as being that imaginative.

I didn't like this as much as I hoped I would. What tries to be a book about new friendships and inclusion seems to inadvertently reinforce old societal mores (the white kid is in charge, despite being less qualified than the black kid, and almost seems to be using his expertise for her own gain). This could've worked better had the ethnicities been swapped, or if it had simply been about a more generic new kid in town rather than an immigrant. As it is, though, it opens up a few cans of worms that distract from what the book was trying to do: tell a story about friendship, acceptance, and imagination.

[Cathrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do we drop fear of each other
like autumn leaves
and connect through sharing of our own bark
count each others rings through play?
Only a tree knows .... let it show you 🥰👍.

[A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate the message that newcomers have much to offer a community, but I was uncomfortable with the (probably very realistic) power imbalance that didn’t fully right the ship for me even as the children played together.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt this book just reinforced the stereotypes of power imbalances rather than challenging them. I also felt the illustrations were a tad insipid for my tastes. This book just left me cold. I’m going to read it with my class though and see what they make of it - children often see different things that adults haven’t seen.

[Ing Swan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. Sat both of them down to read this book today, my 3 year old was completely absorbed by the book, her emotions were displayed on her face as the plot develops, therefore I would say the recommended age is spot on at 4 - 8 year olds.

Important lessons in diversity, challenges, exploration, imagination and acceptance are depicted really well through this book.

Perfect book for pirate-loving children, I clearly needed to be more in character as a seafarer (as there are words I didn’t know before).

Many thanks Babipur for this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily]

Imagination and making new friends with unique illustrations.

[Laura Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story acknowledges the differences between people's personal experiences in life, and gives these differences value. Sam's realisation that someone being different from herself is no bad thing, but can actually add value to her life by making this friendship, as with all friendships, sparks a joyful ending to the text. Taking an interest in each others differences and actively wanting to learn about each other is a valuable lesson for pupils.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like so many parts of the natural world, a tree serves as the creative inspiration for Sam as she imagines sailing the seven seas aboard her pirate ship. But the story takes a slightly different turn when Agu, newly arrived from Nigeria, tries to join her. She rebuffs him because she doesn't know him and he's not from her street and then continues to play. But Agu proves his worthiness when he corrects her assumptions about Nigeria and can share his own experiences from having been aboard a ship in the past. As it turns out, the two youngsters have a lot more in common than they realized at first. Young readers can feel Agu's yearning for a friend and a playmate while also sensing Sam's reluctance to include him in her game. I was pleased to see that they found common ground and the start of a good friendship. Sometimes all that is needed is a little bit of time for that to happen. The mixed media and natural textures were combined digitally to give the book its unique look. This one would certainly be useful in sharing with others to encourage them to be open to new friendships and experiences. After all, a new friend just might have something to teach us.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Agu comes to join in with Sam's pirate adventure, it takes a while for them to connect but eventually they come together and go on the wildest adventure together. I think this book addresses the issue of prejudice, and making assumptions based on race, which is prevalent in today's society but it is done in a way that is accessible to children. It's never too early to educate children on these issues and books like this are essential for that learning to take place.

A sweet book about how race and background shouldn't matter and doesn't stop people being friends. There are definitely some important discussions that could, and should, be had with children after reading this book with them.

[Christina Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another beautiful book from Lantana Publishing which is, on the surface very simple, and yet has a wealth of opportunities for digging deeper and starting some really important discussions with children about inclusion. Sam is sailing her pirate tree across the seven seas when an unknown sailor, Agu, approaches and asks to come on board. Sam realises that he's not a kid from her street so says no, but soon realises that he has something that he can contribute to the game because he is different to her. I can't wait to read this with my class!
Full review to come closer to publication!

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An elementary and up picture book about a young girl playing make believe when a new neighbor approaches asking to join her games. Immigration and assimilation themes and I liked that both children's thoughts were revealed.

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A newcomer wants to join Sam's ship-tree, but Sam isn't sure. But the new boy knows about diamonds and ships, so he would be helpful to have on board. Together they brave a storm, collect shells, and fight off pirates. Through common threads of imagination, a new friendship is made.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was kind of neat. There is a boy playing pirate on a tree, and another boy comes and wants to play, but the first boy doesn't want a new friend... until the new friend knows something the first boy doesn't. Cool artwork, too

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about a make believe pirate ship, two children, and bonding over play. This story is on the longer side so it would make a better one-on-one story.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice story of found friendship and imagination.

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute

[Aliza Werner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Power imbalance in which a white girl is in charge and a Nigerian boy is submissive to her despite being far more knowledgeable about their sailing imaginative play.

[Shani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story with a decent message.

[Fike Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book for kids to learn about the power of imagination and friendship.