Minus a couple of references to drinking and fighting, the Beach Boys' rendition of this traditional folk song makes for a jaunty seafaring story buoyed by Pickering's (Somethin' Pumpkin) stylish, textured illustrations. A boy and his grandfather set sail on the titular vessel only to encounter a fog-and a pirate ship. After some quick-thinking derring-do, the boy rescues his grandfather from the wild-eyed pirate who would have him walk the plank, and a constable comes aboard to help further save the day. Though kids may need assistance with a few terms here and there, they will likely want to ride along at this story's good clip as penned by Beach Boy co-founder Jardine (who also provides music and vocals on an accompanying sing-along CD). But it's Pickering's often-dazzling mixed-media compositions that bring the watery setting to life. The compositions resemble cut-paper collage, and his characters seem to take on grand dimension upon close examination, popping out from dramatic backgrounds of sea and sky. Several inventive and humorous elements keep the fear factor at bay: the skull-and-crossbones on the pirate's hat changes expression on each page, and the villain's chartreuse parrot pal adds some animated distraction as well. Yo ho ho! Ages 4-8. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

PreS-Gr 1-Jardine has reworked the lyrics of the folk song "Wreck of the John B" to incorporate a story line that will appeal to children. A boy and his grandfather set off on the sloop John B for an ocean adventure. When a group of pirates boards their craft, the two sailors hide, but in the end the youngster must save his grandpa from walking the plank. The vibrant illustrations add humor to the story with many amusing details and characterizations. In fact, the artwork tends to overshadow the sometimes stilted verses when the narrative is read aloud. However, a CD of the author singing the song accompanies the book, and although the text varies slightly from the lyrics on the recording, the rollicking beat of the music brings the tale to life. Children will enjoy singing along as they turn the pages and admire the delightful illustrations. Readers looking for a meatier depiction of buccaneers will prefer Melinda Long's How I Became a Pirate (Harcourt, 2003).-Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

There have been a number of quite nifty picture books made of pop or folk songs, but this is not one of them. Founding member of the Beach Boys, and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Jardine takes the folk song "Sloop John B," which the Beach Boys recorded as a glorious exercise in shivery folk harmony, and turns it into a bloodless and sappy children's tale. The lyrics are cleaned up and toned down, as a boy and his grandfather sale "around Nassau town." Pirates attack, the boy saves his grandfather from walking the plank, and a constable appears (from where?) and takes the pirates away. The illustrations are cartoon-bright and that peculiar mix of geometric form and chunky texture that reflects his animation background. Figures have button eyes, comma noses and inexpressive mouths. A CD of Jardine singing this version is included, but it's as boring as the rest of this package. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.