Pirate Books for Kids

Whether you plan to celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19 or you just have a little scalawag in your home, pirates are a favorite among kids. Visit your local library or book store and check out one or more of these great pirate books for kids to encourage your children to read and learn more about history..

"How I Became a Pirate" by Melinda Long and Dave Shannon is a beautifully-illustrated story about a young boy's transformation into a pirate. This is a cute book that I enjoyed reading to my own children when they were younger.

"Do Pirates Take Baths?" by Kathy Tucker and Nadine Westcott asks an important question.

"The Great Pirate Activity Book" by Deri Robins and George Buchanan is a great choice for your landlubbers who want to enjoy some pirate fun.

"Pirate Pete's Talk Like a Pirate" by Kim Kennedy and Doug Kennedy will help your kids talk and sound like a rogue of the high seas. Arrr!

"Pirate (DK Eyewitness Books)" by Richard Platt is a great resource for learning more about pirates from history. DK Eyewitness Books are always a big hit for fun and learning around my house.

"Pirates Past Noon (Magic Tree House No. 4" and "Pirates (Magic Tree House Research Guide)" by Mary Pope Osborne, Sal Murdocca, Will Osborne are great for young readers. Not only do they read, but they get to learn about pirates and use their imaginations.

"The Castaway Pirates: A Pop-Up Tale of Bad Luck, Sharp Teeth, and Stinky Toes" by Ray Marshall and Wilson Swain. Admit it, the title alone makes you want to check out this book and a pop-up book is a bonus.

"Pirateology: The Pirate Hunter's Companion" by Captain William Lubber and Dugald Steer was at my local Sam's Club recently and my kids loved looking through it. Geared for grades 2-5 this is a great book for learning about pirates.

"The Pirate Guidelines: A Book for Those Who Desire to Keep to the Code and Live a Pirate's Life (Pirates of the Caribbean)" by Joshamee Gibbs will help your young pirate learn from Captain Jack Sparrow. Topics include how to swagger, how to bead your hair and beard, identifying the parts of a ship, sword-fighting tips and what to do when your compass doesn't work.

Other fun pirate books that make the list include "The Curse of Snake Island #1 (Pirate School)" by Brian James and Jennifer Zivoin; "Pirate Girl" by Cornelia Funke, Kerstin Meyer and Chantal Wright; "1001 Pirate Things to Spot" by Rob Lloyd Jones, Teri Gower and Michelle Lawrence; and "Uncle Pirate" by Douglas Rees and Tony Auth.