We love a short king! Especially one that makes his own way and finds his own path. Saul shows us that although he might not be the typical pirate, he is a pirate nonetheless and is indispensable to his crew!

Small Saul is a humorous tale of a little but mighty pirate who makes such a big difference on his pirate ship that his contributions will never again be taken for granted. The illustrations are colorful and detailed. There are many humorous scenes that will delight the reader.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Small Saul is not just too small to be a pirate – he's too distinctive in what he likes doing, and how. This simple story about even the smallest of us having a place, and how we must not be afraid to let our true talents shine, is a wonderful variant of the type, with a pretty strong charm to it, as well as the subversive approach to pirates. Definitely commendable fun, and probably four and a half stars.

What a cute one! I really liked the illustrations and font choice as it fit well with the being-on-the-sea theme. I thought the storyline was a fun way to have some good pirate puns, good pirate fun, and to show kiddos that being you is okay - you don't have to fit in.

Ashley Spires brings her trademark quirky style of storytelling and illustration to this story about a sweet, determined little character who wants to fulfill his dream in his own way, even when others don't believe that he belongs. Saul is an adorable, fully-formed character, one who truly likes himself and isn't ashamed of his interests. Spires shows his strong love of the ocean from his childhood to his rejected attempts to join the navy (height discrimination!) to his entry into pirate school and eventual participation in a ship's crew. Saul's persistence in the face of his gruff, less-than-enthused (and quite rude) crew mates comes full circle in their acceptance of this special crew member. I liked the little illustration details in the background and the character design.

Saul's character is the driving force behind the overall story. He's naturally gentle, and I love how this isn't presented as a negative thing. He doesn't turn into a bully-boy pirate and start telling his crew mates off; not because he's scared of them, or as a type of learned deference, but because his simply doesn't have it in him. He may not be pushy but he is quietly assertive in his commitment to adding his own touch to the rough pirate ship, particularly when he realizes early on that his efforts to be just like the others simply are not going to work. It's notable that Saul DID pass his pirate school tests with high marks, His method of completing those pirate duties is just different, which is where the conflict comes about. I liked the insistence throughout the book that soft touches are often needed in rough situations, and that it takes all types to make a group run well, something that is increasingly important for children to understand in modern times.

I have mixed feelings about the path to the book's conclusion and moral lesson. The pirates do immediately rescue Saul once they realize how much the ship deteriorated without his presence; seeing them adopt and actually like some of Saul's habits and improvements to the overall ship's operations is satisfying. However, the fact is that we don't know how long he was actually left drifting at sea, which is extremely dangerous. What if they decided that they liked things back to how they were and didn't turn back around for him? And while I know that his aforementioned gentleness and refusal to hold grudges is just a natural part of his character, the pirates' are still bullies. The captain's apology with the explanation that they were "just being pirates" still doesn't sit too well with me, because it inadvertently absolves them of their behavior. And it seems that they only ask Saul back because they realize that they and the physical ship are suffering, not completely because they miss Saul himself. This is a good opportunity to stress to children that everyone has value just because they are, even if they don't do something directly for others.


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Kids Can Press, for this DRC in exchange for a fair and honest review. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

Basically, straight, tough men need either a girl or a gay in your life or else they will be stinky messes.

In all seriousness, though, I loved this story! Great way to talk about how being different isn't a bad thing and to accept people who for who they are.

We love 'Larf' by Ashley Squires in our house, so I had high hopes for this one too.

Small Saul isn't a traditional pirate and he annoys his pirate crew. But when he's gone, the crew realise what makes Saul so special. It's a lovely "you're perfect as you are" story for small children, especially ones who love pirates. The illustrations are great (probably much better in print!)

It's a bit old for my toddler at the moment but it'll go on her book list for next birthday/Christmas (about the same time that our saved copy of Larf will reappear).

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

You can not go wrong with Ashley Spires! She fills a gap here of pirate tales that are harder to come by in picture books than people realize. Small Saul is a great character - determined, kind, understanding, and intelligent. Nothing beats watching Saul use books to help him navigate the world of Pirates in order to live up to the role just to find that he doesn’t have to find the secret to being a great pirate-he just has to be himself. kids would love to see this as a series!

Small Saul is the right kind of book for young children. It teaches them to love who they are even if they are different from others.
Small Saul loved the ocean and he wanted to spend every minute on it. He thought he could sign up to be a sailor, but he was just too short. So, he decided to go to pirate school. He graduated from pirate school, but not with the traits of normal pirates. He couldn’t steal or carry a sword, but he could make the ship a home and bake wonderful upside down pineapple cake. Because he couldn’t be a normal pirate. The captain pushed him off the boat. But it didn’t last long until the other pirates realized what Small Saul gave to them, which was a boat that was homey.
Small Saul is perfect for teaching that everyone is an individual and it’s ok to break the mold. I loved the illustrations and the natural flow of the story. The author also used more advanced vocabulary which offers chances to talk about what words mean. This is a book I will gladly pick up and read to my speech students

What a great story about a small, but mighty boy! Saul did everything right, even if it was hard. He wasn't appreciated, but by the end, his crew realized they needed his quirky ways. I love how Saul did not give up. He continued to be himself and in the end showed his pirate crew, his skills were important and should be appreciated. This book has such an amazing message, that if you keep trying others will notice your hard work. The illustrations are amazing, detailed, and fun! Overall, I think this is a wonderful addition to any children's library. I know I'll be adding it to my classroom library!

Thank you Ashley Spires and Kids Can Press for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book via NetGalley! This review was written voluntarily and all opinions are my own.

This book was adorable. Small Saul wants nothing more than to be a pirate. But even after finishing pirate school, he doesn’t have an easy life at sea. He’s eventually kicked off his boat when the rest of the pirates realized how good they had it they go back and rescue Saul. While I like this book, I also do not like this book. I love that Saul chases his dream and makes the way he does things work into getting his dream. However, this book shows Saul being constantly bullied by others for being different. And he takes it. He never stands up for himself. So, he is kicked off the boat and when the bullies come back going, oh, we shouldn’t have done that he goes right back to being their best friends. I think the message in this book does not come out the way the author intended. I think there are two dueling messages one that was meant one that wasn’t. And while I normally absolutely love this author’s books, I think this one’s a mess. This sounds more like a bully story where the bullies win then a story about being yourself.

Thank you to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

I thought Small Saul is a great way to demonstrate that people have different strengths, and the value in those strengths. Small Saul is wanted to join the Navy but they said no, so he instead decided to go to Pirate school, where eventually he found himself as an actual pirate on a boat. He took a look at the pirate values and followed them in his own way. Eventually he gets told he's not a real pirate but then the crew misses him and invites him back to do all the extra things he does. I think this is the only thing I didn't love, I'm not sure if this is a message I would want kids receiving - mainly because there was no real apology given (hence why I knocked a star off). But otherwise I thought it was a cute and engaging story.

"Small Saul" is a heartwarming tale that sails against the tide of stereotypical pirate narratives, offering a refreshing perspective on belonging and the true meaning of worth. Ashley Spires crafts a compelling story about Saul, a diminutive but determined individual whose passion for the sea outweighs his physical stature. I loved reading the author's previous books, The Magnificent Thing and The Thong Lou Couldn't Do. And I loved reading Small Saul just as much.

Saul's journey is a poignant exploration of perseverance and determination in the face of rejection. Dreaming of naval glory, he finds himself adrift, literally and metaphorically, when his size disqualifies him. Undeterred, he sets his sights on a pirate's life, only to encounter further obstacles. The humor in his repeated rejections by gruff pirate crews is balanced by the underlying sadness of his outsider status.

The heart of the story lies in Saul's unwavering dedication to proving his value. He pours his energy into transforming the ship, attempting to infuse it with a sense of home, and diligently tackles kitchen duties. Yet, his efforts are consistently overlooked, highlighting the pirates' narrow definition of a worthy crew member. He even tries getting a tattoo but it only amuses his fellow sailors rather than gaining him acceptance and respect.

The pivotal moment when Saul is cast adrift is both shocking and deeply moving. It forces the pirates, and the reader, to reconsider preconceived notions. Saul's resilience, showcased during his time alone on the raft, ultimately leads to his triumphant return. The pirates' belated realization of Saul's unique contributions, his kindness, and his inherent likability, offers a powerful message about acceptance and celebrating differences.

"Small Saul" is a charming and thought-provoking read that reminds us that true strength lies not in physical prowess, but in character and heart. It's a story that will resonate with readers of all ages, leaving them with a warm sense of hope and the understanding that everyone, regardless of size or background, has something valuable to offer.

Love the way that Saul is shown to be unique through his actions and how in the end those actions that are dismissed originally are eventually recognised and appreciated. In the end, Saul is a true pirate and valued member of the team - Justin his own way. Lots of chance for discussion about the meaning within the text and to explore the vibrant images.

This is a children's story of Small Saul who doesn't quite cut it as a typical pirate. While he doesn't have usual pirate characteristics, he is able to provide some unique characteristics to the pirate community. This is a book about celebrating differences in humans.

An oldie, but a goodie! This is a fun one for a pirate-themed storytime. Small Saul just wants to be a pirate, but he doesn't quite fit in.

3.5 - I loved the illustrations and the moral of the story, but my (almost) 5 year old wasn’t super interested in this one. I think it might have been a little too wordy. But if your kiddo likes pirates it might be a win! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This is a super cute children's book about a boy who loved the sea, Saul. When Saul is rejected by the Navy because he is too small he decides to become a pirate. Saul doesn't make the best pirate... Saul tries to keep up and carve out his own place on the crew by being unique but it gets him thrown off the plank. Eventually his crew realizes just how valuable his unique talents were and they go back for him and ask his forgiveness. Saul is happy to be back with his crew and they are happy to have him!
I love the illustrations in this book, they depict the words so well. I love the extra thought bubbles and noises that the illustrations bring with them and the little mouse that you can search for on each page. My 7 year old daughter loved this book and I loved reading it aloud to her. It would be a perfect short read aloud book for a prek, kindergarten or 1st grade class to teach kids how we all belong and that everyone is valuable even if they beat to their own drum.
The *only* thing I wish was different, and why I'm deducting a half a star is the second to last page that says "is just something they do"... This reminded me someone saying "boys will be boys", which I am not a fan of, because everyone is accountable for their choices and actions, even pirates. Overall I do recommend this book!
Thank you to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

I love Ashley Spires' books. Small Saul wants to live at sea, but he's too short for the Navy, so despite his lack of ferocity, he decides to become a pirate. And even if he's not a conventional pirate, his fellow crewmates learn to appreciate him. A good message about being true to yourself, and accepting others as they are, with adorable details in the illustrations (I especially love the battle scene where Saul takes the time to put a Band-Aid on a pirate's cut arm and hand him a sucker!)

In Small Saul, Ashley Spires delivers a delightful, whimsical tale about embracing one’s unique qualities and finding your own place in the world—especially when you're not quite what others expect. Small Saul, a sweet, gentle pirate, isn’t your typical swashbuckler. While his fellow pirates on The Rusty Squid are all about treasure, toughness, and sword fights, Saul has a heart full of song, a love for baking pineapple upside-down cakes, and an eye for redecorating. He’s a pirate who doesn’t fit the mold, and that’s exactly what makes him so endearing.

The book is a celebration of individuality and the courage to be yourself, even when it seems like you don’t belong. Small Saul's journey to prove his worth in a world of brawny pirates is charming and full of warmth. His determination and kindness shine through as he navigates the seas of self-acceptance, showing that there's more than one way to contribute to a crew—even if it’s not with a sword.

One of the book's highlights is the illustrations. Spires’ artwork is vibrant and full of personality, capturing both the humor and heart of the story. Each page is packed with colorful, expressive scenes, from the hilarious pirate antics to Saul’s tender moments of self-reflection. The contrast between the rowdy, traditional pirates and the gentle, thoughtful Saul is beautifully conveyed through the illustrations, with Saul often depicted in soft tones and round, friendly shapes, while the rest of the crew are drawn with sharp, angular features and bold colors. This visual distinction cleverly underscores the theme of Saul’s uniqueness.

The playful illustrations are a perfect match for the story's tone—light-hearted, fun, and full of quirky surprises. They bring the characters to life in a way that complements the text’s humor and emotional depth. And, of course, the visual emphasis on Saul's little acts of kindness and creativity, like redecorating the ship or baking cakes, adds a layer of sweetness to the narrative.

Small Saul is not only a wonderful read for young readers but also a great conversation starter about the importance of being true to oneself, no matter how unconventional that might seem. It’s a heartwarming story of perseverance, friendship, and finding value in qualities that might not always be recognized by the world around you.

Whether you're drawn to its hilarious pirates, its gentle hero, or its beautifully vibrant artwork, Small Saul is an unforgettable story with a powerful message that will resonate with readers of all ages.