This was heartwarming but it also gave me the giggles. Small Saul wants to be a pirate so bad -- he even goes to pirate school and gets a certificate saying "you arrrr a pirate." But once he finally gets a spot on the ship, the other pirates don't appreciate his differences at first. I love how Small Saul didn't change and the pirates learned how differences could be good.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this adorable picture book

Saul is a little guy and he wants to be a pirate, but his skill set is a bit different from a typical pirate. He prefers to cook and keep things tidy on the ship rather than loot, growl, and search for treasure. The other pirates don’t think he fits in, so they toss him overboard. They quickly realize they miss Saul’s cooking and appreciate his cleanliness more than expected. They begin to understand that being different isn’t so bad and that really want Saul back! So, they rush retrieve Saul, who was clinging to a log in the water, and everyone is happy.

The message is loud and clear in this cute story – Saul didn’t need to be exactly like the other pirates to belong. His skills filled a crucial gap, and the pirates learned to appreciate Saul and his contributions. And Saul was thrilled because he finally became the pirate he always wanted to be.

The illustrations are amazing and the story will definitely resonate with kids.

This book has been previously published but is being rereleased in paperback.

Thank you @netgalley and Kids Can Press for a copy of this book, which I have read and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I love a children's book with a good story AND a message. Illustrations were great in this book, the story is engaging and funny AND kids get the message that it's ok to be exactly who you are. The premise of the book is that Saul desperately wants to be a pirate but might be a little ''soft'' for the typical job. However, as Saul contributes to the pirate's lives, they come to see the value he provides and welcome him to be part of the gang. Saul didn't have to change to be a pirate...there can be lots of different kinds of pirates.

A fun story about a pirate who doesn’t quite fit in but sure tries to. Small Saul is. Lovable character and the message is fantastic. Great read.