Scalliwag on the Salish Sea
Early novel, 6-10 year olds
Early novel, 6-10 year olds
The Greasy Lobster, a pirate ship run by the notorious Captain Gallows, is no place for a kid. But when a young orphan arrives on board, the boy has no choice but to take the captain's orders and get to work gutting fish in the galley. Without family, freedom or even a name to call his own, the boy thinks his fate is sealed — until fortune appears in the least likely of places. |
Reviews
"The punny pirate names, the offbeat banter, the delightfully disgusting chores the boy must undertake, and, of course, the splash of pirate speak throughout the yarn will have young readers cracking up." - Quill and Quire
"The perfect stocking stuffer for the pirate fan. Lively dialogue and action-packed illustrations make this sweet and salty story a page-turner for adults and kids alike." - Hakai Magazine
"A gem from out of the deep, this book is required reading for anyone in danger of being gambled away to pirates. Funny and tender and keen as a cutlass.” —John Gould, author of Kilter: 55 Fictions
"A tale packed to the briny brim with salty humour, delightfully loathsome characters and a warm-hearted hero." - Aidan Cassie, author of Sterling, Best Dog Ever
“Young pirate fans will relish every vivid and revolting detail as they root for the hero of this hilarious romp. The concise language is as keen as a scallywag’s cutlass, and the words are perfectly matched by the comical illustrations.” —Kit Pearson, author of Be My Love
“A pirate ship is no place for a young orphan boy, unless your boss gambles you away. With his heart set on finding out who he is and where he comes from, Kitch shows the reader how words and wit are mightier than pirates who sail the Salish Sea. This humorous story is packed with puns, pirate action, a supportive seagull, and some treasure, and is a fun tale to read aloud.” - Sarah Harrison, Librarian, Greater Victoria Public Library
“A fun, absurd, and satisfying story. Kids will laugh out loud at the goofy humour and will enjoy getting to know this resourceful young hero and motley crew of tough-but-sweet pirates." - Robin Stevenson, author of Kid Activists
"The punny pirate names, the offbeat banter, the delightfully disgusting chores the boy must undertake, and, of course, the splash of pirate speak throughout the yarn will have young readers cracking up." - Quill and Quire
"The perfect stocking stuffer for the pirate fan. Lively dialogue and action-packed illustrations make this sweet and salty story a page-turner for adults and kids alike." - Hakai Magazine
"A gem from out of the deep, this book is required reading for anyone in danger of being gambled away to pirates. Funny and tender and keen as a cutlass.” —John Gould, author of Kilter: 55 Fictions
"A tale packed to the briny brim with salty humour, delightfully loathsome characters and a warm-hearted hero." - Aidan Cassie, author of Sterling, Best Dog Ever
“Young pirate fans will relish every vivid and revolting detail as they root for the hero of this hilarious romp. The concise language is as keen as a scallywag’s cutlass, and the words are perfectly matched by the comical illustrations.” —Kit Pearson, author of Be My Love
“A pirate ship is no place for a young orphan boy, unless your boss gambles you away. With his heart set on finding out who he is and where he comes from, Kitch shows the reader how words and wit are mightier than pirates who sail the Salish Sea. This humorous story is packed with puns, pirate action, a supportive seagull, and some treasure, and is a fun tale to read aloud.” - Sarah Harrison, Librarian, Greater Victoria Public Library
“A fun, absurd, and satisfying story. Kids will laugh out loud at the goofy humour and will enjoy getting to know this resourceful young hero and motley crew of tough-but-sweet pirates." - Robin Stevenson, author of Kid Activists
"Among all the zippy dialogue and zany antics are a few gentle takeaways, such as never giving up on the thing you want most no matter how dire your situation, and using your skills and talent to your advantage. (Note: pirates have a lot of respect for someone who can jazz up porridge with cinnamon, sugar, raisins, and a dash of nutmeg.)" - Heather Camlot, Quill and Quire. Full review
"This chapter book tells the tale of a nameless orphan boy who ends up on a pirate ship where he’s put to work gutting fish in the galley. The boy dreams of freedom, family, and a name to call his own, but he appears stuck with the quirky crew of pirates—until he discovers gems in an unexpected place. In exchange for his freedom, the boy leads the captain (and, inadvertently, a competing pirate posse) to the treasure, picking up some clues about his existence in the process. Lively dialogue and action-packed illustrations make this sweet and salty story a page-turner for adults and kids alike." - Hakai Magazine. Full review
“A rollicking, high-seas adventure full of humour and heart! With a hero who’s easy to root for going up against a fearsome—and charmingly illustrated—crew of pirates, you’ll be turning pages quicker than you can say ‘scallywag.’” - Garenth Wronski, author of Holly Farb and the Princess of the Galaxy
"This chapter book tells the tale of a nameless orphan boy who ends up on a pirate ship where he’s put to work gutting fish in the galley. The boy dreams of freedom, family, and a name to call his own, but he appears stuck with the quirky crew of pirates—until he discovers gems in an unexpected place. In exchange for his freedom, the boy leads the captain (and, inadvertently, a competing pirate posse) to the treasure, picking up some clues about his existence in the process. Lively dialogue and action-packed illustrations make this sweet and salty story a page-turner for adults and kids alike." - Hakai Magazine. Full review
“A rollicking, high-seas adventure full of humour and heart! With a hero who’s easy to root for going up against a fearsome—and charmingly illustrated—crew of pirates, you’ll be turning pages quicker than you can say ‘scallywag.’” - Garenth Wronski, author of Holly Farb and the Princess of the Galaxy