The Great Pirate Christmas Battle

A rough-and-tumble pirate and his ragtag crew face off against Santa and his elves. Though Cap’n McNasty’s rhymed narration is full of gusto, its pirate speak and syntax are strained: “Our ship wuz full o’ booty—/ no more need for gold./ Me crew wanted adventure/ ’cause things wuz gettin’ old.” On Christmas Eve, McNasty finds a solution for their ennui: he and his minions steal (and then play with) the toys Santa has left for children in a village, until Santa arrives in a ship pulled by flying reindeer. A “Christmas Battle” ensues, including a joust between the hook-handed captain and a candy cane–wielding Santa. McNasty loses, but gets the last laugh, which will have kids snickering as well. Jaskiel’s rowdy cartoons feature comical pirate caricatures and over-the-top action. Ages 5–8. (Sept.)