Pirates: Robbers of the High Seas

My situation and perspective comes from being a mother of a just turned 4 year-old who is for some reason, is interested in pirates and wants me to read books to him, yet is scared of them and has nightmares about them. I don't quite see how one can even discuss pirates with small children yet avoid discussions of robbery, guns, killing, and stealing. I don't think it is possible. For this review I will point out some things this book illustrates and discusses and let you decide whether your child is ready for this or may be of an age where these things may be too scary. I borrowed this book from the library and when my son saw the cover he decided it was too scary for him and he didn't want me to read it to him. I read it to see how this author would depict pirates to an intended audience of 4-8 year olds who read picture books.The book has a historical flair, citing places, dates, and real names of pirates. Sometimes I think there are too many dates than a young child would even care to hear about. A general overview of what a pirate is, what they do, and the harm they inflict is depicted. Swords are seen in every illustration and guns abound. Pirates have mean looks on their faces. Kidnapping is mentioned. Illustrations show scenes of pirates taking over ships and throwing people overboard. Actual dueling with swords and fighting with daggers is shown. Some passages can be scary "no treasure ship was safe from the fierce and greedy pirates". Cannon fighting is discussed and depicted. Shooting of guns in battle is shown. Walking the plank is shown. A picture shows the burning of a ship and is discussed. Treasure maps and treasure burying is briefly mentioned. How the countries dealt with pirates is discussed and mentions that pirates that are caught were often hanged for punishment (opening another can of worms for a child to be exposed to, another discussion for parent and child). A confusing point is made where they say not all pirates are bad, and a pirate, well dressed, is shown holding a pistol and wearing a sword, these are called privateers and were considered heroes. I don't think that was explained well enough to make sense to a young child. It states the kings and queens hired them to rob ships of their enemies. I am so confused by this passage and think it sends mixed signals. This section should have either been discussed in more detail and more clearly or else just eliminated altogether since it leaves the reader confused as to whether killing and stealing is acceptable/good or is it bad (as the whole first part of the book was eluding to)? And why would it be all right and heroic for a king or queen to pay someone to kill and steal for them? The book wraps up with saying that pirates no longer sail the seas and that "most of the oceans and seas are safe for travel". I dislike that element of unsure-ness over the safety of ocean travel. Yet another element of fear for young children, to think that even today they aren't safe if th