Dinosaurs United and the Cowardly Custard Pirate Crew

Dinosaurs United and the Cowardly Custard 
Pirate Crew

Text by Sam Hay

Illustrations by Daron Parton

Published by Egmont Publishing

For children that love football, dinosaurs and pirates, this picture book nearly has it all... Oh wait, there's even a dinosaur head mask!! When the football kit goes missing, can the dino team find their kit, defeat those cowardly pirates and win the match?

Meet Dinosaurs United, a five-a-side football team in the Fantasy Football League. They're up against the Cowardly Custard Pirate Crew but someone has stolen their football kit. Those dastardly pirates have hidden them but have left clues and a treasure map. The dinosaurs have to use their football skills to defeat the traps and pirate attacks, but not to worry they manage to do it just in the nick of time when the referee's whistle blows. The pirates make a quick retreat back to their ship making Dinosaurs United the cup winners.  

Big, bold and colourful, with fun illustrations, this is looking like it will be the start of an exciting new series. I believe its more aimed at boys, for ages 3+ however that didn't stop Aoife enjoying the dinosaurs and pirates, the football terms were a little lost on her at the moment.

For more information on the new series, check out the Egmont Publishing site here.

The Pirate Cruncher

The Pirate Cruncher

By Jonny Duddle 

Published by Templar Publishing

Another one of Jonny Duddle's classic pirate books gets the board book treatment in this special edition. So if you missed it first time round, beware of the pirate cruncher!

An old pirate tells a tavern full of salty sea dogs about an island bursting with hidden treasure. Once they’ve set sail for the mysterious island, he tells them it is guarded by the terrible Pirate-Cruncher. The greed of the pirates gets the better of them and lets just say the treasure they seek is in safe hands...

Much like Jonny's other pirate titles, The Pirate Cruncher isn't your typical pirate picture book - full of humour and more colourful characters, this is a pirate story with a bite! Jonny flexes his signature style, and the level of detail is phenomenal. Again this board book comes with a surprise flap out spread that reveals something the pirates are unaware of and will certainly having young pirate fans chuckling. A great board book for the pirate in you!

The Pirate Cruncher is available to buy now in this new board book edition from all good bookshops and from online retailers.

The Pirates Next Door

The Pirates Next Door

By Jonny Duddle 

Published by Templar Publishing

Ever wanted pirates for next door neighbours? This story from the wonderful Jonny Duddle may make you think twice. Now in a smaller, board book format, there's another chance to catch this one if you missed it first time around...

The Jolley-Rogers family are moving to Dull-on-Sea, a quiet seaside town. Stopping to fix their ship, this pirate family get the whole town gossiping. Ignoring the grown-ups’ disapproval, Matilda from next door becomes friends with the youngest pirate son. But the rest of the town are not impressed with their new pirate neighbours and demand the council have them removed from their little town. Although the pirates aren't looking to stay for long, they still leave quite a generous present on their departure that leaves a lasting impression...

If you're not familiar with the original print of this book, it's a humorous rhyming tale with a surprise flap out spread towards the end. It's a delightful story about not stereotyping people at first glance. Pirates obviously have a reputation for not being the nicest of people, but this family of pirates are there to change that misconception. Filled with Jonny's beautifully rendered style, each spread is jam packed with detail and great character illustration. A must buy for any pirate fan! 

The Pirates Next Door is available to buy in a new board back edition from all good bookshops and online.