It Was a Dark and Stormy Night

When we first checked this book out from the library, it was for my 6-year-old son. I read it aloud to him, and as I did so my older children gradually filtered in to hear it as well. It was engaging enough for even my 14-year-old son to find reasons to be within earshot. I feel it's a great selection to help coax a reluctant reader into having a greater interest in the world of books. Due to its uncommon pirate names, conversational style, and frequently interrupted lines, it may be somewhat difficult for a younger child to read independently. It could also be found a bit scary in parts, but many boys eat up that thrilling pirate life. It's a book that our entire family is anxious to read again!

We started reading this book to our daughter when she was 4 - one chapter a night. When she became a proficient early reader, she delighted in reading it herself or having us read it to her, the whole book at a sitting. It sparks our imaginations, makes us laugh, brings up discussion topics, makes our mouths water (for Antonio's family breakfast, *not* the brigands' stew). Enough pictures to satisfy the 4 to 6 year old, good length for early readers, a great first chapter book. And fun for the whole family :)

Antonio's story evolves entertainingly as he plays off the behavior of his captors. His growing confidence builds the energy of the story. When our family read this together, we could just imagine it being great fun to stage the action for children. The interruptions of the brigands make the story lively, but a little confusing at times. It helps to use different voices for the primary characters (Antonio and the Chief) and the narration.