“CeCe wants to play pirates with the boys in the neighborhood, but they tell her that girls can’t be pirates. CeCe is certain that her Grandpa knows about pirates because he has so many tattoos. As Grandpa reveals each arm tattoo to CeCe, he describes a characteristic that a pirate must have, helping CeCe realize she can be a pirate because she’s brave, quick, independent, and fun. Full of love and girl power, this picture book reminds readers that they can be anything they want to be!”
— Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
A National Bestseller!
"A beautiful, generous, fun collaboration of story and illustration and pirate tattoos. Seriously wise pirate advice for everyone." - Jon Scieszka, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature
CeCe dreams of being a pirate. When the neighborhood boys tell her that she can't, she wonders where to begin. Luckily, she suspects her grandpa must know something about being a pirate--why else would he have all those tattoos?
As he shares each tattoo, Grandpa and CeCe are transported from adventure to adventure, and CeCe discovers that there are all kinds of ways to be a pirate--Be BRAVE! Be QUICK! Be INDEPENDENT! And FUN!--and most of all, whether you're a pirate or not, the most important thing you can do is to BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.
This heartwarming and imaginative story from Isaac Fitzgerald and bestselling illustrator Brigette Barrager is a vibrant, joyful expression of what it means to be all kinds of wonderful things . . . including a pirate.
“How to Be a Pirate is fabulous! Surprising, funny, and just lovely.” —Jacqueline Woodson, bestselling and award-winning author of THE DAY YOU BEGIN and BROWN GIRL DREAMING
“A beautiful, generous, fun collaboration of story and illustration and pirate tattoos. Seriously wise pirate advice for everyone!” —Jon Scieszka, National Ambassador for Young People's Literature
“This is a bighearted book about stories and storytellers, told with wit, flair, and abundant tenderness.” —Mac Barnett, New York Times bestselling author
“[This book] exemplifies what children's literature should be, sweet, emotionally generous, and elegant in what it can teach a child. . . . This book is charming as #$@%.” —Roxane Gay, New York Times bestselling author
“Isaac Fitzgerald could've easily named this, HOW TO REMEMBER HOW AWESOME YOU ARE, because that's what this book is. A reminder that every child-pirate is, in fact, a treasure.” —Jason Reynolds, New York Times bestselling author of ALL AMERICAN BOYS and LONG WAY DOWN
“In Isaac Fitzgerald's wonderfully empowering story, Cece finds the road map to becoming a pirate in her grandfather's tattoos, while Brigette Barrager's illustrations vibrate with energy and joy. How to Be a Pirate is the perfect primer for swashbuckling, and a happy, self-reliant childhood.” —Ann Patchett, bestselling author of COMMONWEALTH and LAMBSLIDE
“Have you ever read a story that made you remember how beautiful the world can be? . . . This is the story our children deserve. This is the story our young selves would've loved to read. Thank goodness for Isaac Fitzgerald, who writes for both the brave adults and the brilliant little ones!” —Mahogany L. Browne, author of BLACK GIRL MAGIC and WOKE BABY
"What a lovely book!" - LeVar Burton
“Filled with bright colors, soaring spirits, and a timely feminist message.” —Publishers Weekly
“Happily, Fitzgerald's tale is accompanied by the rollicking vibrancy of Barrager's art.… its feminist themes are strong.” —Kirkus Reviews
"A charismatic story that will delight . . . this is a book readers will want to share with each other." - School Library Connection
