This was a fun holiday book to read with my son. He loved the pirates and thought the one brother walking the plank was funny. He’s obviously too young to understand what that means. So funny it was. This was a cute story with beautiful illustrations. I really enjoyed the ending.

Very well-rhymed, this story of doing the right thing is actually quite a fine narrative verse for youngsters. The baddie pirate (boo!) steals a gem from his goodie pirate brother, and makes him walk the plank – double boo! But the goodie pirate (yay!) washes up at the North Pole, has cocoa from a passing elf with no thought of stranger danger, and sets to having as good a time of it as he can, helping his new friends and so on. But things would be a lot more Christmassy – for all of us – if the baddie (boo!) can be persuaded to turn good – could that possibly happen?

Yes, a pirate-themed Christmas book doesn’t seem naturally fitting, but let’s face it, we get enough pirates around panto time, that two more won’t make much difference. And this isn’t really as broad as that reference or this review will have you think – it’s not able to pause in its brisk telling to thump any message home, or be cloyingly Christmassy. I think it’s quite classy as a result – a good four stars.

Title: A Swashbuckling Christmas Adventure

Rating: ★★★★★

"Ho Ho Ho! A Pirate's Christmas for Me," written by the mysterious and whimsical "Red," is a delightful and unorthodox holiday tale that sets sail to bring joy and laughter to readers of all ages.

This book is a festive and imaginative twist on the classic Christmas story, infused with the adventurous spirit of pirates. "Red" has managed to create a world where pirates and Santa Claus coexist harmoniously, delivering presents from the high seas rather than the North Pole. The result is a charming blend of holiday magic and nautical escapades that will undoubtedly captivate the hearts of young and old alike.

The narrative is filled with humor, wit, and clever wordplay. The pirates, led by Captain Redbeard, are endearing and comical characters who add a unique flavor to the traditional Christmas narrative. Their high-sea antics, as they attempt to deliver gifts and navigate through stormy weather, are bound to make you chuckle and hold your breath in suspense.

The illustrations accompanying the text are wonderfully vibrant and engaging, bringing the story to life with a touch of whimsy. The combination of the written narrative and these visual elements creates a truly immersive reading experience.

What sets "Ho Ho Ho! A Pirate's Christmas for Me" apart is its ability to refresh the holiday spirit, offering a unique perspective on the season while delivering the core message of generosity and togetherness. It encourages readers to embrace the joy of giving and the magic of believing in the impossible.

This book is a perfect addition to any family's holiday traditions. It's a reminder that the holiday season is not just about Santa's sleigh but also about the love, friendship, and adventures that we create with our loved ones. "Red" has crafted a pirate's treasure of a Christmas tale that will undoubtedly bring a smile to your face and leave you feeling full of holiday cheer. It's a fun, heartwarming, and swashbuckling adventure that will have you saying, "Ho Ho Ho! A Pirate's Christmas for Me" indeed!

This clever story takes the legends of Kris Kringle and Saint Nicholas and mixes them into a Fractured Folktale Retelling. The two brothers Beard are pirates, and they are very different from each other. Kris is gentle and kind and his brother Nic is mean and jealous. The catchy rhymes and bright pictures will entertain youngsters and have you rethinking the stories of Santa. I received this book from Sweet Cherry Publishing through NetGalley and I am pleased to recommend it to families with young children.