How I Became a Pirate

How I Became a Pirate
Author(s)
Co-Authors / Illustrators
Publisher
Genre(s)
Age Range
4+
Release Date
September 01, 2003
ISBN
0152018484
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In this New York Times bestseller illustrated by Caldecott Honor–winning illustrator David Shannon, a boy sets off on a pirate adventure—with surprising results!
When Braid Beard’s pirate crew invites Jeremy Jacob to join their voyage, he jumps right on board. Buried treasure, sea chanteys, pirate curses—who wouldn’t go along?

Soon Jeremy Jacob knows all about being a pirate. He throws his food across the table and his manners to the wind. He hollers like thunder and laughs off bedtime. It’s the heave-ho, blow-the-man-down, very best time of his life. But then Jeremy Jacob finds out what pirates don’t do. . . .

Caldecott Honor illustrator David Shannon teams up with Melinda Long for a hilarious look at the finer points of pirate life. Shiver me timbers—it’s a pirate adventure!

Editor reviews

2 reviews
Yo Ho Ho!!
(Updated: June 30, 2026)
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
N/A
Writing Style
 
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
Jeremy Jacob knows all about pirates because he actually became one. One day, as he builds a sand castle on the beach, a pirate ship saild on in. Braid Beard and his crew are so taken with Jeremy's digging skills that he's recruited. As a pirate, he doesn't have to eat spinach or carrots, doesn't have a bedtime, and never has to brush his teeth or take a bath--what bliss!

Jeremy wants to remain a pirate. But then he discovers what pirates DON'T do--namely, tucking kids into bed, reading them stories, or kissing them goodnight.

Jeremy gets an adventure to remember, and he also gets to come home (where he has conveniently helped the pirates bury their treasure) just in time for soccer practice.

This is a funny and satisfying read-aloud, with illustrations by David Shannon that are wonderfully detailed and exuberant.
G
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