Published by Knesebeck
Written and illustrated by Thilo Krapp, 18 €, HC
64 p.
ISBN: 978-3-98962-021-6

When Knesebeck asked me what I „think about pirates“, I unhesitatedly shouted: „Arrrr! That’s right up my alley!”

So, we set about creating an entertaining non-fiction book for children aged eight and up. As the author, I was driven by several questions: I wanted to depict everything we typically imagine when we think of pirates – sea battles, life on board (unpleasant conditions; I can tell you), and a rowdy bands of misfits. Yet, as a non fiction author, I also had a duty to verify the accuracy of this image. Plus, was there anything about pirates we didn’t already know?

Through in-depth research, I uncovered exactly those kinds of details – such as how many animals (and of what kind) typically were on board, or what pirates felt in their private moments (did they have anything resembling a “private life“?). And, even more importantly: who was the most successful pirate of all? I can reveal that the answer might not be the one you expect!

This exciting non-fiction book takes curious explorers on a thrilling journey through the history of piracy – it explains the differences between pirates, privateers, and buccaneers, showing why some hijacked ships on behalf of kings while others terrorized the seas as outlaws. Children will meet important historical characters like Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, and the powerful fleet commander Zheng Yisao, and discover just how diverse pirate crews and how varied their lives truly were.

Especially when the ship’s medic sprang into action ;).