BooksforTopics Reading for Pleasure Recommendations
Today we feature Captain Cat and the Treasure Map, a laugh-out-loud piratical adventure aimed at readers in the 5-7 age bracket. Review Panel member Leanne tells us more…
Book Title: Captain Cat and the Treasure Map (available here)
Author: Sue Mongredien
Illustrator: Kate Pankhurst
Publisher: Macmillan
Publication Date: February 2019
Reviewed By: Leanne Woolcock – Year 6 Teacher and English Coordinator
This is a little corker of a book that is funny (my daughter – aged 5 – laughed aloud on numerous occasions) and has a delightful plot that newly-confident readers could really get into independently. It would also make a perfect KS1 class read or an independent reading for pleasure choice.
The story is a typical pirate adventure when a map is found promising buried treasure; however, Captain Cat finds an additional note stating the treasure is cursed and begins her mission to stop the rest of the crew from reaching it.
Perhaps the best thing about it was the use of language – perfect for introducing new vocabulary and stretching readers, without being so ambitious that a child would become lost if they read it themselves. I also liked the use of onomatopoeia to give clues to the audience as to the meaning of the words.
I really enjoyed this book and can easily see it becoming a firm favourite in any primary school library, with the illustrations also giving the book a ‘you’ll be missing out if you don’t read me’ finish.
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You can order Captain Cat and the Treasure Map online or from your local bookshop or library.
Many thanks to the publisher for sending us a review copy of this book and to Leanne for reviewing it.