Arrrgh........watch out for the Jolly Robin (yes, I do mean Robin)

I had gotten the book The High Skies Adventures of Blue Jay the Pirate by Scott Nash on a whim....I was a bit skeptical about a pirate story to begin with, let alone one in which the pirates are birds.  I must say, however, it was captivating, funny, and full of all the swashbuckling a pirate book requires.

Captain Blue Jay of the dread pirate ship Grosbeak is "generally the most bloodthirsty and fearsome pirate to sail the high skies."  Because of this reputation, most ships surrender their booty without even a fight.   This suits Jay just fine, as he is really quite caring and concerned about his crew.  His one obsession, besides treasure, is his collection of unusual eggs.  A battle with raccoons leads to a rare egg, like none Jay has ever seen.  Imagine his surprise when one of the crew, Junco, is inspired to SIT on the egg.  Her vigil is ultimately supported by the crew, and out hatches.....a goose.  Geese are considered "sky gods" and Jay can just imagine the value one would be on the crew.  The Captain and the crew begin to raise the homeless gosling, teaching him to be a pirate.  As the ship crashes and is stolen from them by the evil crow, Teach and his mob of thugs, Jay must inspire the lost goose, a mole, and the peasant sparrows to plan a daring rescue and escape.

There is so much that is appealing a out this story:  amazing illustrations, non-stereotypical roles, great plays on words.   Great fun for all to read!