Pirate Mom: Step into Reading 3    by Deborah Underwood & Stephen Gilpin Order:  USA  Can Random House, 2006 (2006) Paperback     Reviewed by J. A. Kaszuba Locke This is the story of Pete, who loved to play the role of a pirate ... 'Shiver me timbers, It's a pirate's life for me'. He had a red parrot, a pirate's hat, even his teddy bear had a black patch over one eye. Pete often asked Mom to join in. She said no, but she had a surprise for Pete - two tickets to a stage show. At the theater, the lights dimmed and in the spotlight appeared the Amazing Marco. He pulled a rabbit out of a hat, and cut his helper Zelda in half. Then it was time for Marco's 'most amazing trick ... the Hypno-Trance.' Pete's Mom was selected from the audience as his subject, and he slowly lulled her to sleep. When Marco asked the audience 'What should she be when she wakes up?' Pete called out 'A pirate!' When Mom opened her eyes, she said 'Arrr! I am a salty old pirate. Give me your loot!' Unfortunately, Marco had to rush off the stage to the hospital as Mrs. Marco was having a baby! And Zelda didn't know how to bring Mom out of the trance. Pirate problems developed as Mom walked home. She tried to fight with Ms. Reed, and called Mr. Collins a bilge rat. She put a black patch over one eye, used a wooden spoon as a sword, and scared the mailman. 'Arrr!' said Pirate Mom. 'Arrr!' said the parrot. 'Arrrrrrgh!' said Pete. When the school's PTA arrived at the house for a meeting, Pete was beside himself about what to do! What would you do? Deborah Underwood's Pirate Mom is an enchanting, humorous story, written with the magic of imagination. The author's words will hold children's attention, as Stephen Gilpin's clear-cut lines, full-page muted colors, and cartoon-like character expressions spell out the scenes. This is a great act-out, read-aloud story in the Step Into Reading® 3 series, especially for children ready for the challenge of new words, and to read on their own. (It is even more fun to read with parents, friends, the babysitter, and other pirates in a child's life!) Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews