5/5 stars - from Maggie
I really loved reading Hokey Pokey Pirates. I thought the story was a really cute take on a song I heard and sang often as a little girl. I think the length was perfect, and I definitely think that the children I babysit will really enjoy it!
I was surprised to find out that this was written by a young author! You go girl! Not only were the illustrations great and super colorful, but I really thought it was a nice touch from the publisher that they included bonus coloring pages. That being said, I really recommend getting the print version so kids can actually use this super adorable coloring book! If you have kids or babysit, I definitely recommend Hokey Pokey Pirates.
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4 out of 5 stars - from Laura
Hokey Pokey Pirates is a cute and fun children’s book, unique in the fact that it is written by a child. The plot is simple and short enough to maintain the attention span of young readers. Children will enjoy the colorful artwork and the familiarity of the hokey pokey song. I think that Charlie and Lexie’s interactions with the pirates could have been a bit longer or that the reader could have been introduced to the other pirates on the ship other than Captain Arnold. The coloring pages at the end of the book are a creative bonus that will keep children entertained long after they have finished reading.
*****
4 stars - from Rachel
Hokey Pokey Pirates is a sweet and wholesome little story of siblinghood and imagination. Charlie and Lexie make for a fun pair, as their adventurous spirits lead the reader on a fun afternoon of—like the title says—pirates and the hokey pokey. I love how this story encourages imaginative, unstructured outdoor play and highlights the importance of song and dance for children. At the end of the book, I found myself wishing that the siblings’ actual adventure lasted longer—I think there was a lot of room for expansion there. Overall, this is a short, charming story for children and parents alike.
*****
3 out of 5 stars - from Anna
Hokey Pokey Pirates is a cute and imaginative story that is even more unique because a child wrote it. I think that this would be the type of book that little kids would enjoy listening to and maybe even acting out or dancing along with. Everyone has heard of the hokey pokey and it is a charming idea that the tune could be more powerful than just a song.
My only critique is that I wish Charlie and Lexie’s adventure with the pirates had been a little longer since it was the climax of the story. I liked the light humor and I think that it will be a hit with the little ones reading or listening to the book. The illustrations are colorful and do a good job of catching the reader’s attention, which is a big part of children’s books. I think that the moral could have been developed a little better but overall it is a fun and cheerful picture book that young kids will enjoy.
*****
4 out of 5 stars - From Amy
Pirates and the Hokey Pokey: the perfect ingredients for a children’s story. I remember playing and singing the Hokey Pokey constantly when I was little, and any child is sure to love a book that ties in this popular song. The illustrations are colorful and captivating, and the personalities and imaginations of the characters successfully carry them through this humorous and gentle adventure.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Peyton King was given a classroom assignment at the age of nine to write a story. She wrote about the games she liked to play with her brothers on the trampoline in their backyard. At the age of 15 she rediscovered that old story. Peyton hopes to be an inspiration to other youth who want to pursue their dreams in the creative arts.
https://smile.amazon.com/Hokey-Pokey-Pirates-Charlie-Adventure-ebook/dp/B010XCXPB0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1466204089&sr=1-1&keywords=Hokey+Pokey+Pirates