BLUE SPRUCE nominee – 2012
Small Saul
by Ashley Spires
Toronto: Kidscan Press, 2011
32 pp.
Age: 5+
Interests: pirates, adventure, travel, ships, ocean, being unique, trying to fit in
Also by this author: Binky the Space Cat
Small Saul has always dreamed of going to sea, but unfortunately the navy has height restrictions. Pirates are less picky, so Saul enrolls in Pirate College. From the start it is obvious he is not like the others – he doesn’t have a mean, rough, tough, or crude bone in his body. He prefers singing and decorating and making cupcakes to fighting and pillaging. On his first pirate crew he is tossed overboard by his fed-up Captain, but the crew find they really miss Saul and return to pick him up. Everyone realizes that Saul is doing his best and contributing in his own unique way.
A very funny book about someone doing his best to fit in, all the while never denying his true nature. ie. He gets a tattoo to look toughter… a temporary tattoo… of a bunny. In the end it’s Saul’s sincerity, good intentions, hard work and baking skills that finally win over his surly shipmates. Saul fits in just fine – being totally unique.
And besides this worthy lesson, it’s also a delight to see Saul so chipper at all times, even when he’s been tossed overboard and left to drown. When the crew returns to pick him up they find him cheerfuly singing with a new seagull friend.
Amusing illustrations with lots of fun details on every page.
Rarest Kind of Best 