"Kids will love the contrast between the antics of the imaginary pirates and the regular school-day routine." --Scripps Howard News Service
"This rambunctious first day tale is fit for any young buccaneer... Preller's buoyant pirate-inflected storytelling and Ruth's illustrations, which have a decidedly vintage flair, form an exuberant tribute to imagination and a spirit of adventure." --Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Young would-be buccaneers facing their own first-day jitters will enjoy this droll title, which ends with a cheer or libraries. A great choice for sharing on September 19, International Talk Like a Pirate Day." --Booklist
"The illustrations have a vintage feel, complete with boisterous grog-drinking, scabbard-waving, and bubble-pipe-smoking pirates...a tremendous read-aloud, especially on Talk Like a Pirate Day." --School Library Journal, starred review
"Pirate-addled readers will dance a jig; press-ganged kids will be happy for the glossary. Good fun, me hearties." --Kirkus Reviews