Top 10 Fun Picture Books About Pirates
Ahoy, matey! There’s something about pirates that sparks a child’s imagination—treasure maps, high seas adventures, talking parrots, and a little bit of silliness along the way. Whether your kids are fascinated by ships, dress-up play, or just love a good laugh, pirate picture books are a fantastic way to set sail into reading.
Here are 10 fun picture books about pirates that kids are sure to love!
1. How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long, illustrated by David Shannon
This hilarious classic follows young Jeremy Jacob, who joins a band of pirates for a day. With Shannon’s lively illustrations, kids will laugh at the pirate crew’s antics while learning that home (and bedtime stories) are treasures too.
2. Pirates Don’t Change Diapers by Melinda Long, illustrated by David Shannon
The sequel to How I Became a Pirate is just as funny! The rowdy pirates return, but this time they’re trying to babysit a toddler. Spoiler: chaos ensues.
3. Pirates Love Underpants by Claire Freedman, illustrated by Ben Cort
Part of the silly Underpants series, this one is all about pirates hunting for the fabled “pants treasure.” Full of rhymes, fun, and giggles—it’s a guaranteed kid favorite.
4. Ten Little Pirates by Mike Brownlow, illustrated by Simon Rickerty
This counting book is filled with adventure as ten pirates face all sorts of sea perils. It’s fun, bright, and sneaks in some math learning too.
5. Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs by Giles Andreae, illustrated by Russell Ayto
Pirates are fun. Dinosaurs are fun. Put them together and you get an epic, silly, swashbuckling tale kids will beg to hear again.
6. The Night Pirates by Peter Harris, illustrated by Deborah Allwright
A young boy joins a crew of girl pirates on a daring nighttime adventure. The rhyming text and bold illustrations make this one perfect for bedtime storytelling.
7. Do Pirates Take Baths? by Kathy Tucker, illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott
A lighthearted, question-and-answer style book that explores silly pirate habits. Perfect for preschoolers who love asking “why” and “how.”
8. Peg Leg Peke by Brie Spangler
Not your typical pirate book—this one features a little pug with a cast who imagines himself as a fearsome pirate. A sweet mix of humor, imagination, and perseverance.
9. Pirate Pete’s Talk Like a Pirate by Kim Kennedy, illustrated by Doug Kennedy
With its funny phrases and bold illustrations, this book invites kids to join Pirate Pete in learning the art of talking like a pirate. Great for reading aloud in your best pirate voice!
10. Port Side Pirates! by Debbie Harter
Set to music, this book lets kids sing along while following a lively pirate crew. The repetitive, rhyming text makes it especially fun for younger readers.
How to Use Pirate Picture Books in Your Homeschool or Family Time
- Storytime Theme: Plan a pirate-themed story day, complete with eye patches and treasure maps.
- Creative Writing: Encourage kids to make up their own pirate names and adventures after reading.
- STEAM Fun: Build cardboard pirate ships, design flags, or make a treasure hunt with math clues.
Reading about pirates is more than just fun—it’s a chance for kids to practice literacy, imagination, and even a little problem-solving while they giggle. So grab one (or a few) of these swashbuckling reads and let your family set sail on a bookish adventure!
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