Our kids love books. We read to them each night before bed and usually multiple times throughout the day as well. I’m always on the look out for a new book to add to our collection and broaden what they learn.
Carole P. Roman was kind enough to send me four of her books along with some pirate goodies for all four of our children. They instantly decided to all play pirates as soon as they laid eyes on the open contents of the box. So they all donned their new Captain No Beard “Being a captain is hard work…” t-shirts and pirate hats. Then, armed with their telescope and pirate rubber ducks, they became pirates. They flew around the living room in their pirate adventure but did stop long enough for me to get a couple pictures of their fun. After they tired of their adventuring, they decided to settle in to listen to stories about Captain No Beard and his crew.
The first book is called “Captain No Beard – An Imaginary Tale of a Pirates Life “. This book introduces the characters, Mongo the mast-climbing monkey, Linus the loud-mouthed lion, Fribbit the floppy frog, adn Hallie the first mate, to us. My kids loved that this book introduced some pirate terms to them such as shiver me timbers. As soon as I read that line, my kids had to stop and ask me what it meant. I really didn’t know for sure so we decided to keep reading. Sure enough, on the very next page, there was an definition. It meant, “oh my goodness” in pirate talk. There was lots of “argh argh” talk and “aye, me hearties” which our kids loved. Although, my daughters favorite part was at the end when a “mermaid” aka Alexander’s mom brought treasure. This was an exciting adventure aboard The Flying Dragon Ship that pleased my little pirates.
The next two books, “http://caroleproman.com/pages/Pepper_Parrots_Problem_With_Patience” and “Stuck in the Doldrums
A Lesson in Sharing” were equally entertaining and set us up for more pirate adventure fun. Not only were they good reads, but the pictures held my children’s attention as well. These books are filled with color and imagination. This was the first time we’ve read pirate themed books with our kids and they were a hit. So if you already have a budding pirate, these may be a good addition to the pirate loot you have. She also sent me a copy of “I want to do yoga, too” which our daughter really liked and was able to easily read herself.
Here is what I’ve learned from my mini interview with Carole.
Miranda: “Can you tell me about your family?”
Carole: “My pleasure, Miranda. I have been married 38 years to my high school sweetheart. We have two sons, one is 35, the other is 30. Both are married to wonderful girls and my older son now has two children Alexander is four and Cayla is 4 months. My younger son has a daughter Hallie, who is two year old.”
Miranda: “What made you decide to start writing books?”
Carole: “I work in a family business that includes my husband, sons and my brother. We love working together. One morning, my older son dared me to write a book. I said I couldn’t it, and he persisted, so I sat down and wrote “Captain No Beard-An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate’s Life”, based on a game I play with my grandson. It didn’t take long, I felt the character jump to life. My sons found an illustrator and we self published. Imagine my surprise when it started getting great reviews and was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best of 2012.”
Miranda: How do you come up with your stories and does it take long to write them?
Carole: “It doesn’t take me long to write a story. They usually come to me, just before I wake or when I am driving to work. I sit down and it just sort of flows from my fingers. I love the characters in the Captain No Beard book. They have become my dear friends! The non fiction books take a little longer, because I research them for accuracy.
I wrote “Pepper Parrot’s Problem with Patience”. It’s a story dear to my heart, because I have trouble telling my right from my left.
“Stuck in the Doldrums-A Lesson in Sharing” followed and deals with sharing toys. “Strangers on the HIgh Seas”is almost done and touches upon talking to strangers, as well as underestimating someone’s ability to help, because they are small. It also introduces my newest grandchild, Cayla.
“I Want To Do Yoga Too” is an introduction to yoga for kids and my brand new series, “If You Were Me and Lived in …Mexico- A Child’s Introduction to Cultures Around the World” came from my teaching background. I was a social studies teacher 35 years ago. France, South Korea, Norway, Turkey and Kenya are in production.
Miranda: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Carole: ” I am having the best time. I have been to schools and get to watch the children sit on the edge of their seats with Captain No Beard and his crew. They love the adventure. I will admit, that I have a soft spot for swashbucklers, myself. “Arrrgh!”
You can connect with Carole on Facebook and Twitter. You can also become a fan of Carole on GoodReads and add her books to your shelf! I have a feeling that our pirate play has just begun. Carole is also offering to send some pirate fun to 5 lucky winners homes as well. Enter to win a signed copy of “Stuck In The Doldrums” and a child size pirate shirt in winners choice of xs, s, m, or l and a pirate hat. Open to the US. You can enter the giveaway tools form below for your chance to win!
I’m a city girl turned country by my awesome husband and we have three busy boys and two darling daughters. I love spending time with my family, reading Karen Kingsbury novels, and catching up with friends while our kiddos have play dates. I’m blessed beyond measure and can’t wait to see what God has in store.
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