Love the way that Saul is shown to be unique through his actions and how in the end those actions that are dismissed originally are eventually recognised and appreciated. In the end, Saul is a true pirate and valued member of the team - Justin his own way. Lots of chance for discussion about the meaning within the text and to explore the vibrant images.

This is a children's story of Small Saul who doesn't quite cut it as a typical pirate. While he doesn't have usual pirate characteristics, he is able to provide some unique characteristics to the pirate community. This is a book about celebrating differences in humans.

An oldie, but a goodie! This is a fun one for a pirate-themed storytime. Small Saul just wants to be a pirate, but he doesn't quite fit in.

3.5 - I loved the illustrations and the moral of the story, but my (almost) 5 year old wasn’t super interested in this one. I think it might have been a little too wordy. But if your kiddo likes pirates it might be a win! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This is a super cute children's book about a boy who loved the sea, Saul. When Saul is rejected by the Navy because he is too small he decides to become a pirate. Saul doesn't make the best pirate... Saul tries to keep up and carve out his own place on the crew by being unique but it gets him thrown off the plank. Eventually his crew realizes just how valuable his unique talents were and they go back for him and ask his forgiveness. Saul is happy to be back with his crew and they are happy to have him!
I love the illustrations in this book, they depict the words so well. I love the extra thought bubbles and noises that the illustrations bring with them and the little mouse that you can search for on each page. My 7 year old daughter loved this book and I loved reading it aloud to her. It would be a perfect short read aloud book for a prek, kindergarten or 1st grade class to teach kids how we all belong and that everyone is valuable even if they beat to their own drum.
The *only* thing I wish was different, and why I'm deducting a half a star is the second to last page that says "is just something they do"... This reminded me someone saying "boys will be boys", which I am not a fan of, because everyone is accountable for their choices and actions, even pirates. Overall I do recommend this book!
Thank you to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

I love Ashley Spires' books. Small Saul wants to live at sea, but he's too short for the Navy, so despite his lack of ferocity, he decides to become a pirate. And even if he's not a conventional pirate, his fellow crewmates learn to appreciate him. A good message about being true to yourself, and accepting others as they are, with adorable details in the illustrations (I especially love the battle scene where Saul takes the time to put a Band-Aid on a pirate's cut arm and hand him a sucker!)

In Small Saul, Ashley Spires delivers a delightful, whimsical tale about embracing one’s unique qualities and finding your own place in the world—especially when you're not quite what others expect. Small Saul, a sweet, gentle pirate, isn’t your typical swashbuckler. While his fellow pirates on The Rusty Squid are all about treasure, toughness, and sword fights, Saul has a heart full of song, a love for baking pineapple upside-down cakes, and an eye for redecorating. He’s a pirate who doesn’t fit the mold, and that’s exactly what makes him so endearing.

The book is a celebration of individuality and the courage to be yourself, even when it seems like you don’t belong. Small Saul's journey to prove his worth in a world of brawny pirates is charming and full of warmth. His determination and kindness shine through as he navigates the seas of self-acceptance, showing that there's more than one way to contribute to a crew—even if it’s not with a sword.

One of the book's highlights is the illustrations. Spires’ artwork is vibrant and full of personality, capturing both the humor and heart of the story. Each page is packed with colorful, expressive scenes, from the hilarious pirate antics to Saul’s tender moments of self-reflection. The contrast between the rowdy, traditional pirates and the gentle, thoughtful Saul is beautifully conveyed through the illustrations, with Saul often depicted in soft tones and round, friendly shapes, while the rest of the crew are drawn with sharp, angular features and bold colors. This visual distinction cleverly underscores the theme of Saul’s uniqueness.

The playful illustrations are a perfect match for the story's tone—light-hearted, fun, and full of quirky surprises. They bring the characters to life in a way that complements the text’s humor and emotional depth. And, of course, the visual emphasis on Saul's little acts of kindness and creativity, like redecorating the ship or baking cakes, adds a layer of sweetness to the narrative.

Small Saul is not only a wonderful read for young readers but also a great conversation starter about the importance of being true to oneself, no matter how unconventional that might seem. It’s a heartwarming story of perseverance, friendship, and finding value in qualities that might not always be recognized by the world around you.

Whether you're drawn to its hilarious pirates, its gentle hero, or its beautifully vibrant artwork, Small Saul is an unforgettable story with a powerful message that will resonate with readers of all ages.

This was heartwarming but it also gave me the giggles. Small Saul wants to be a pirate so bad -- he even goes to pirate school and gets a certificate saying "you arrrr a pirate." But once he finally gets a spot on the ship, the other pirates don't appreciate his differences at first. I love how Small Saul didn't change and the pirates learned how differences could be good.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this adorable picture book

Saul is a little guy and he wants to be a pirate, but his skill set is a bit different from a typical pirate. He prefers to cook and keep things tidy on the ship rather than loot, growl, and search for treasure. The other pirates don’t think he fits in, so they toss him overboard. They quickly realize they miss Saul’s cooking and appreciate his cleanliness more than expected. They begin to understand that being different isn’t so bad and that really want Saul back! So, they rush retrieve Saul, who was clinging to a log in the water, and everyone is happy.

The message is loud and clear in this cute story – Saul didn’t need to be exactly like the other pirates to belong. His skills filled a crucial gap, and the pirates learned to appreciate Saul and his contributions. And Saul was thrilled because he finally became the pirate he always wanted to be.

The illustrations are amazing and the story will definitely resonate with kids.

This book has been previously published but is being rereleased in paperback.

Thank you @netgalley and Kids Can Press for a copy of this book, which I have read and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I love a children's book with a good story AND a message. Illustrations were great in this book, the story is engaging and funny AND kids get the message that it's ok to be exactly who you are. The premise of the book is that Saul desperately wants to be a pirate but might be a little ''soft'' for the typical job. However, as Saul contributes to the pirate's lives, they come to see the value he provides and welcome him to be part of the gang. Saul didn't have to change to be a pirate...there can be lots of different kinds of pirates.

A fun story about a pirate who doesn’t quite fit in but sure tries to. Small Saul is. Lovable character and the message is fantastic. Great read.

The illustrations are absolutely stunning, Overall, the book was well written and I did really enjoy it. Thank you for this advance reading copy!