Review Detail

DANIELA AND THE PIRATE GIRLS is a fun high-seas adventure about helping others and making new friends. Daniela is the captain of the Black Croc, a legendary vessel and crew. One day, they receive a letter from the mergirls and merboys asking them for help. Once they get there, however, they learn that the merfolk have already been helped- by the Fearless Piranhas, a crew of pirate girls.

Daniela and crew set sail to find these Fearless Piranhas, and along the way, they find the many people and sea creatures they have helped. It seems like the Fearless Piranhas are always one step ahead- they even reach the treasure before Daniela and the Black Croc. When Daniela and crew follow them into a storm, the Fearless Piranhas' ship is damaged, and it is up to Daniela's crew to save them.

What I loved: These are the most helpful pirates I have ever heard of, and I love that the theme was helping others- even when there is some friendly competition over who helps first. The story is simple and cute, and ultimately, about making new friends and sharing adventures. The illustrations are fun sketches with plenty of color and suit the story well. I also love the diversity among the pirates illustrated.

What left me wanting more: As a small thing, it is really hard to tell who everyone is (even Daniela, who I think is the red-headed girl, but I am not totally sure). There are also some scenes that change pretty suddenly and so it feels like you missed a page.

Final verdict: Overall, this is cute book about helping others and making new friends that will appeal to young pirate lovers.