Grandpa's Tall Tales - Tale 2: The Pirate Dog

"Grandpa's Tall Tales" is a series of stories featuring an inquisitive young boy [Jack] and the relationship he enjoys with his family, particularly his grandpa, which is the book's main premise, as they are the two lead characters. Each story is written to be best suited for parent/child reading time, i.e., to be read out loud together. They include common phrases children can learn and join in with. For example, the final words are always the same: "Jack would have to wait for another of Grandpa's tall tales ... but only until next week." The sequential series introduces new characters and develops the principal ones in each story, building on their recognisable traits, which are drawn from everyday life and family members we have all encountered. The Pirate Dog follows on from The Winter Robin. As the opening story, The Winter Robin introduced the principal characters and how they interact; this second tale in the series progresses straight into the action. It provides a riotous, fun ride for readers, culminating in one of Grandpa's very tall tales! Each story: is fully illustrated, with pictures that complement the tale, can be read as a standalone story as well as part of the series, starts with an introduction to the family and main characters, which changes slightly with each book to reinforce the independence of each tale, is based on common sayings or characteristics, all relating to animals, an endless source of fascination for children, provides a combination of comedy, observation, and sometimes emotion. … and leads to Grandpa telling a very tall tale indeed.