The Jolley-Rogers and the Monster's Gold by Jonny Duddle (Templar Publishing)

A-HARR! OHO! It's time for a book we've been waiting for since...oooh since AGES! The welcome return of a most heinous beastie in the latest book from Jonny Duddle, "The Jolley-Rogers and the Monster's Gold"
Way back in the mists of time, when we were taking our first faltering steps into book-bloggerdom, we fell completely in love with Jonny Duddle's pirate books.

"The Pirates Next Door" was one of the first of Jonny's books we read, and then later on we happened across its predecessor "The Pirate Cruncher" in the  library, and couldn't wait to read it and pick up our own copy.

So in the latest of Jonny's hugely successful chapter book versions of his nautical tales, we see the Jolley-Rogers and Matilda on their latest adventure, seeking out the treasure depicted on a mysterious map salvaged from a floating bottle.

Jim Lad and his Dad can't wait to dash off in search of the treasure, and with a mysterious (and very strange looking) stranger egging them on (with strings firmly attached!) it's only a matter of time before Jonny's first two picture book universes collide in spectactular fashion as The Pirates Next Door Meet the fearsome PIRATE CRUNCHER!

As the story unfolds, gasp in horror as Grandad loses his leg to the beast (his wooden leg, but still!) and before long it's up to Matilda and Grandad to mount a rescue attempt as The Pirate Cruncher makes a meal of Dad and Jim-Lad! AIIEEEEE!

We've been hoping, praying for the reappearance of ol' PC himself since his first brilliant picture book appearance, and this latest chapter book story from Jonny doesn't disappoint! It's lovely that these books have evolved along with Charlotte's reading habits, as she gobbled up this chapter book version, reading it to herself as eagerly as she used to love hearing the picture book versions read out loud (and still does enjoy them regularly too!)

Brilliant illustrations also help to jolly things along (there's an epic sequence as the Jolley-Rogers' fabulous amphibious jeep ends up flying into the Pirate Cruncher's gaping maw!)

Full of excitement, adventure and brilliant moments of piratical pursuits, it's our favourite of the chapter book Jolley-Rogers books, and we're gnashing at the bit for more!

Charlotte's favourite bit: Even Nugget helps mount the rescue attempt (Nugget, Matilda and Mum make a formidable girl-power team!)

Daddy's favourite bit: I love the way Jonny deconstructs his original book as the girls (and grandad) realise just how lame the Pirate Cruncher's daft old pirate puppet is, and how daft the boys are for gadding off in search of buried booty without thinking things out. Nicely sharp, that!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Templar Publishing)

"The Jolley-Rogers and the Monster's Gold"

Written and Illustrated by Jonny Duddle

Published by Templar Publishing

Publication Date (Paperback): 5th November 2015