• Age: 4 to 8
• Grade: p to 3
• Reading age: 3 to 5

Alone In his cabin, Pirate Glitterbeard sprinkled pink glitter onto his beard and put on his finest pink skirt!

All aboard The Heart's Desire! Pirate Glitterbeard loves everything pink and glittery. Will his crew rebel when they find out? In this rollicking sea tale, the captain and his quirky crew journey to find their treasure - the Wikkie-Tikkie's legendary meat pies. But, argh, evil Pirate Squidlips and her ship, The Rotten Turnip draw near...

teacher resources available https://www.rebelmountainpress.com/pirate-glitterbeard-teacher-resources.html

Larissa and Oksanna are a mother and daughter team. Larissa is a teacher who is passionate about using children’s literature to teach empathy, and encourage creative and critical thinking in her classroom. She holds a specialist degree in Theatre and Drama Studies from the University of Toronto and Sheridan College. Oksanna is a retired teacher who loves writing for children and making them laugh. She is also the author of the Super Hammy series—over 30 books for beginning readers. She studied Linguistics at the University of Toronto, and Art at Sheridan College. The duo live in Brampton, Ontario.

Oksanna Crawley's profile page

Larissa and Oksanna are a mother and daughter team. Larissa is a teacher who is passionate about using children’s literature to teach empathy, and encourage creative and critical thinking in her classroom. She holds a specialist degree in Theatre and Drama Studies from the University of Toronto and Sheridan College. Oksanna is a retired teacher who loves writing for children and making them laugh. She is also the author of the Super Hammy series—over 30 books for beginning readers. She studied Linguistics at the University of Toronto, and Art at Sheridan College. The duo live in Brampton, Ontario.

Larissa Crawley's profile page

My class giggled with delight as I read this book to them. They loved the whimsical characters and the vibrant pictures. Pirate Glitterbeard breaks down all the stereotypes of how a pirate should act and look. This book should definitely be on the shelves of EVERY classroom. Highly recommended.~Karen Williams teacher/librarian

"Pirate Glitterbeard by mother-daughter duo Oksanna and Larissa Crawley blasts into the canon (pun intended) of beloved children's story pirates in a glitter bomb of self-acceptance and expression. The characters unite through mutual respect and support (and a little bit of sparkle), encouraging one another to be their most authentic selves while living their best lives. As a fan of glitter, baked goods, and being free to be yourself, Pirate Glitterbeard is a glitzy new title that is certain to add some pizzazz to readers' shelves and leaves me tempted to grow my own spectacular pink glitter beard." ~ Paul Coccia, award-winning author of Cub; (Orca)

"A truly sweet story that celebrates the courage and freedom of being yourself." ~Larissa Marantz, Co-creator and Illustrator of CLYDE THE HIPPO Picture book series and the graphic novel BLAKE LASER

"Pirate Glitterbeard is an inspiring children's book that is sure to empower young readers to be their true authentic self. The story follows a pirate who has an unusual love for glitter, which initially causes some disapproval from his crew. However, Captain Glitterbeard encourages his crew to embrace their true selves, and as a result, they all find unique and authentic ways to shine. The illustrations are bright and colourful, bringing the characters to life and making the story even more enjoyable. Overall, Pirate Glitterbeard is a charming tale with an uplifting message about being true to oneself." ~Rosa Murphy, Teacher-Ontario SD

"This story tells young readers to embrace and celebrate individuality and diversity.
The illustrations are bright and vibrant that catch the reader's attention instantly. Pirate Glitterbeard can be used as an educational resource when teaching students that colours are not gender specific. I highly recommend that this book be read in all elementary schools." ~Rose McCabe, Kindergarten Teacher, Ontario SD

PIRATE GLITTERBEARD made the July 1 2023 CanLIt for LIttle Canadians list of Upcoming Releases for Summer and Fall 2023: https://canlitforlittlecanadians.blogspot.com/2023/07/upcoming-releases-for-summer-and-fall.html?fbclid=IwAR1Xw0wENjWyHbYX7HEjeURFhU5Zkyj9DJfFU1MP_0bBxZhJUL1Yo4q_f7Q&m=1

Reveiw in the MOMBIAN , Oct 10, 2023: https://mombian.com/database/pirate-glitterbeard/ "A fun and fantastical tale of pirates and being oneself. Pirate Gruffybeard loves pink and glitter, but isn't sure how his crew would react if they find out. When the ship of the dreaded Pirate Squidlips suddenly approaches, however, Gruffybeard rushes out of his cabin, revealing his glitter-filled beard and flowing pink skirt. His crew is unfazed; Nearly Dead Ned likes to wear lipstick; Bad Bones Betty likes purple glitter and leather pants. Gruffybeard is renamed Glitterbeard. The crew then feels free to employ their true talents to help save the ship by distracting Squidlips with a party. Betty uses her carpentry skills; Ned applies his lipstick; another crewman uses his newly revealed love of baking. Squidlips' ship is lured in.
One (bloodless) cannon blast later, and Squidlips and her crew are in the water (safely buoyed by flamingo- and duck-shaped pool floats). Glitterbeard and his crew celebrate their victory and their joy in being themselves. Yes, there's a message here, but there's also a ton of silliness, pirate songs, and bright, whimsical illustrations. The book feels like a natural fit for children of parents/guardians who are fans of queer pirate show Our Flag Means Death, but its rollicking appeal should go far beyond.
Glitterbeard reads as White; the crews of both ships have a variety of skin tones."

The authors of PIRATE GLITTERBEARDhave been invited by CANSCAIP to make a presentation of their book at the OLA SuperConference at the Toronto Convention Centre Jan 25-26, 2023

Great review by the Editor of PIRATES AND PRIVATEERS, The History of Maritime Piracy: http://www.cindyvallar.com/childrens1.html#glitter --- "Freedom. This is an important word to pirates. But Pirate Gruffybeard of The Heart's Desire isn't free. He has a secret and if the crew finds out, they may not listen to him anymore. Written for young pirates, this story is about having the courage to be who you really are.The authors, a mother-daughter team, have created a unique story that demonstrates through narrative and colorful illustrations that it's okay to be quirky and that just because you are does not mean you can't be courageous too. This is a tale about acceptance and following a different path. While these pirates may not be what readers expect, they are true to pirate lore and come up with an ingenuous way to escape the danger they face."

The authors of Pirate Glitterbeard will be doing a presentation and book signing with give aways of their book at the OLA Super Conference on January 26, 2024.

See a fun article about Pirate Glitterbeard on All Lip Up "Press PIcks for the Holidays": https://alllitup.ca/all-lit-up-press-picks-for-the-holidays-rebel-mountain-press/?fbclid=IwAR2CVILS6wNy_HIQ1YdoLgW-x4m3kQlJUTv6rzEqPNcvlIYwIrBrfSEc5c8

Pirate Glitterbeard highlighted in: KIDLIT 411-The Weekly (3/1/24) with book give-away: https://www.kidlit411.com/2024/02/the-weekly-411-3124.html