The Pirate's Handbook

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Illustrated with diagrams, treasure maps and paintings, this guide for aspiring Blackbeards includes recipes and craft projects as well as juicy historical tidbits, such as what a well-dressed female pirate wears. Ages 8-12. (Apr.)

Children's Literature - Mary Sue Preissner

This is a positively delightful book for the upper elementary/middle school boy or girl, and a great source for a "how to" report. A full-page illustrated diagram shows what the well-dressed pirate wore and gives instructions on making your own buckle shoes. A full-page sample of a "Code of Conduct" also comes with ideas on how to write your own code. Learn piratical language, visit the Rogues' Gallery of famous pirates, make biscuits and take a test for scurvy. Each pirate topic includes illustrations, a craft or activity, and enough facts to interest the most reluctant reader/researcher.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-Aspiring young pirates will enjoy this potluck presentation about one of the world's oldest professions. Lincoln takes an eclectic approach to the history of piracy, covering a broad spectrum of topics-clothing, codes of conduct, flags, ships, and (of course) treasure. The book pairs factual discussions with relevant crafts and activities. For example, a section on provisions is accompanied by a recipe for ``ship's biscuit'' and a questionnaire on how to determine if a person has scurvy. A gruesome description of the punishments exacted on certain infamous pirates will titillate youngsters as well as make them think twice about a life of crime. ``A Rogues' Gallery'' at the end of the book gives brief biographies of some of the more notorious villains, including Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Black-and-white and full-color reproductions, photographs, and drawings illustrate the text. Unfortunately, neither a table of contents nor an index is included. More of a browsing item than report material, this unique British import will fascinate and delight readers.-Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA

Mary Harris Veeder

Any book that begins "Pirates did not wear a uniform" is worth the price, and Lincoln's book is like a good exhibit at a" children's museum: it's accurate about the past but aware of its readership. The book is subdivided into sections covering such topics as clothing, provisions, and types of pirates. Lincoln's project suggestions are fairly simple--for example, cooking ship's biscuits and putting pirate buckles on shoes. There's also a brief rogues' gallery of seven famous pirates. The illustrations are plentiful, with many from historical sources.

From Barnes & Noble

Avast ye landlubbers...here's a treasure chest packed with practical pirate know-how! Just like Long Ben Avery, Black Bart, Anne Bonny, Ching Shih, and other famous sea-faring thieves before you, you'll learn how to dress to kill, cook Salamagundi, raid galleons, draw a treasure map, test for scurvy, and have a rollicking good time on dry land--if you're lucky enough to avoid capture by the gentlemen you've managed to offend! Color illus. Ages 7-11