In this latest installment in the Mustache Baby series, Mustache Baby and his bearded buddy are at the public pool. They imagine themselves in all kinds of nautical scenes: as explorers, sailors, and scientists. But trouble was brewing at sea as they say, and Mustache Baby and Beard Baby encounter no other than the dread pirates Captain Kid and Short John Silver! A battle ensues and treasure changes hands, but the two find themselves turned into pirates! More havoc is wreaked at the pool, and their fantasy bubble is popped when their families step in. Unfortunately, while some would find the story charming, the illustrations are a bit problematic. Captain Kid and Short John Silver (the “bad” characters) both present as nonwhite (it’s worth noting the identities of Mustache Baby and Beard Baby are less clear because of the facial hair). Then Captain Kid and Short John Silver pick a fight with Mustache Baby and Beard Baby, and in fact, have a duel with pool noodles. The children are acting terribly at the pool, knocking things over, running around, and taking things from other visitors. If you can get past the bad behavior, this book would be appropriate for children Grades 2-4.

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, SAD 17 Elementary Librarian, Oxford Hills.