Art J Blegen's children's book, Kris and the Pirates, begins with Kris upset about going to a costume party with her father. She tries on her knight costume, but it's too small. Her father offers to throw together a pirate costume for her, but she's not a fan of pirates. To take her mind off her woes, Kris dives into a book, becoming part of the story. Once in a tale aboard a ship, she befriends the captain's son, James, and James and Kris beg the captain to stop at an island so they can swim. Once they pull their rowboats onto the shore, though, marooned pirates capture the crew, and James and Kris must try to rescue them.

In this chapter book, Art J Blegen weaves rich and colorful imagery that will place children in the center of the action. Much like Kris, young readers will be swept into the pages as Kris befriends animals she hopes will help her. As a child, I always wanted to dive into the world of my favorite characters, and Blegen has created a story that fulfills that dream for Kris. The author adds interesting information, like the location of the stern and bow on a ship and certain animal facts that will enhance readers' knowledge. A theme in the book was about overcoming fear. The characters faced their fears when one crewmember publicly acknowledged his fear of water and tried treading water and Kris had to decide if she was going to close the book on her adventure when it seemed hopeless to succeed or persevere for the sake of her new friends. Children who enjoy adventure and wholesome stories will love Kris & the Pirates!

Kris & The Pirates is a children's action-adventure story by Art J. Blegen. While her father implores her to dress up for the costume party, Kris immerses herself in her favorite book. Soon, she finds herself aboard a ship in the middle of the ocean with sailors. When Kris and the rest of the crew see an emerging island on the horizon, it makes her want to swim. However, the unexpected appearance of pirates from the bushes turns everything upside down. Now, with the captain and the crew held captive by the pirates, Kris has no choice but to seek refuge in the jungle. Determined to rescue the crew and take back the ship, Kris seeks help from the animals she meets in the jungle. Will she be able to save the crew and return home?

Imaginative and adventurous, Kris & The Pirates is an absolute joy to read. Art J. Blegen fills the pages with just the right combination of action, adventure, and mystery in a fast-paced story that will entertain readers from the first page to the last. Featuring talking animals, treasure-hunting pirates, and a brave little girl with a vivid imagination, this one is tailor-made for preteen adventure/fantasy lovers. Blegen's characters exhibit well-defined and distinguished traits that set them apart and make an impression on the reader. Kris' interactions with each animal in the jungle have a different dynamic and make for some entertaining scenes that keep you absorbed and glued to the pages. I think kids and even some adults will love this book. I know I did!