The Pirate Problem

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2017

Review

Based on the TV series Peg + Cat, this level 2, 6-chapter book will help young readers to figure out some math. Peg + Cat are on an island and some hungry pirates show up so they must ascertain very quickly how to get these pirates fed and how to do it equitably. If pirates get hungry they start singing - badly! There are different fruit trees on the island, but apparently pirates only like certain kinds of fruit and the Great Banana nearby is not yet ready to drop. Peg + Cat must put on their thinking caps and use their math skills to save the day. When a kleptomaniac monkey appears on the scene and steals some peaches, Peg + Cat must go to plan B, but what might that be? With lessons about sharing and problem solving, this is a good choice for kids 4 - 8. The illustrations follow the text well and the font reminds one of old-fashioned typewriter print which makes this book unusual and sort of retro.

Overall Book Score: very good