Jolly Roger was a lousy pirate. Whenever there was any real pirating to be done, the other pirates scowled and sent him away. Jolly Roger often wished he could think of something — anything — that would make the other pirates like him. Then one day, in the middle of a great battle, Jolly Roger had a wonderful idea...and pirate ships would never be the same again!

"The illustrator of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events, Helquist escapes the confines of those small-format titles to produce exceptionally dynamic spreads for his first book as both author and artist. Unfortunately, the story may well leave readers at sea. Because Roger the pirate is always in a bubbly good mood, 'his shipmates called him Jolly Roger. They didn't mean it nicely.' Despite being surrounded by sneering buccaneers who pick their teeth with scimitars and glare from under bushy eyebrows, Roger happily plays his squeezebox on the deck, accompanied by a crowing white rooster (not a parrot) on his shoulder. His earnest smile and elfin features contrast with the foxy smirks of his beaky-nosed compatriots, who exclude him from their villainy: 'If they planned to board an enemy vessel, make a prisoner walk the plank, or bury stolen treasure, they always sent Jolly Roger down to the ship's hold.' One day, the pirates are attacked by the British navy, commanded by an upstanding admiral. Roger, sent belowdecks as usual, decides to win over his shipmates by baking a cake. When Roger lights a match, the resulting explosion leaves him covered in flour and looking like a skeleton, which frightens the good guys into abandoning ship — and inspires the skull-and-crossbones flag now known as the 'Jolly Roger.' Roger, who wants only to be liked, ends up finding a place among these sinister pirates; it's as if Peter Pan has enlisted with Captain Hook. Ages 4-7. (Apr.) " Publishers Weekly (Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"Pirate lovers and children who enjoy a good adventure will relish the climactic battle scene. A rousing and humorous tale." School Library Journal

"The pictures emphasize the rugged life at sea, the confusion of battle, even the ornate elegance of the Admiral's uniform, all with exaggerated comedy. The depiction of Roger after his explosive entrance is particularly funny." Children's Literature

< P> Roger is a lousy pirate. In fact, whenever there is any real pirating to do, the other pirates scowl and send him away. < /P> < P> Roger wishes he could think of something & ndash; anything & ndash; that would prove he is a good pirate. So when, in the middle of a great battle, Roger has a jolly idea, no& ndash; one & ndash; not even Roger himself & ndash; has a clue that he will soon change the face of pirating forever < /P> < P> This is the first picture book both written and illustrated by Brett Helquist, who is best known for his drawings in Lemony Snicket's bestselling < i> A Series of Unfortunate Events< /i> . Here, his full& ndash; colour spreads capture fierce battles, magnificent ships, and the warmth and humour of one very unusual pirate. < /P> < P> Ages 4& ndash; 7< /P>

The first picture book written and illustrated by the illustrator best known for his drawings in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events books tells the hilarious story of a lousy pirate who tries to prove he's a good pirate. Full color.

Brett Helquist has created scores of alarming pictures, including those within A Series of Unfortunate Events and Roger, The Jolly Pirate.