How I Became a Pirate

Ahoy! Get ready for a high-seas adventure with the hilarious and imaginative classic, “How I Became a Pirate” by Melinda Long, illustrated by David Shannon!

When Braid Beard and his crew row ashore at North Beach, young Jeremy Jacob finds out that being a pirate is all about fun and games. From learning the secret “pirate code” to burying treasure and forgetting all about manners, Jeremy thinks he’s found the perfect life. But he soon realizes there are a few things pirates don’t do—like tucking you in at night or reading bedtime stories!

In this video, children will learn about:

  • 🏴‍☠️ Creative Imagination: Seeing how a simple day at the beach can turn into a grand, seafaring adventure.
  • 🏴‍☠️ Perspective & Values: Comparing the “cool” parts of being a pirate with the comforts of home and family.
  • 🏴‍☠️ Humor & Wordplay: Engaging with fun “pirate talk” and expressive storytelling that builds vocabulary.

This read-aloud is a treasure chest of fun for any classroom or home library! It’s the perfect companion for a “Talk Like a Pirate” day, a unit on maps and exploration, or just a rowdy good time during afternoon storytime.

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