PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS
by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Hyperion
ISBN: 0786854456
Ages 9-12
464 pages

You probably know the story of Peter Pan, right? But did you ever wonder how Peter learned to fly? Or where mermaids come from? Or what Captain Hook was called back when he had both of his hands? Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson asked themselves those questions, and the result is a wildly imaginative story about Peter before he was known as Peter Pan.

Peter is one of five orphans sent out on a ramshackle ship called the Never Land, on their way to be servants in evil King Zarboff's court. Soon Peter discovers that their ship also carries a secret cargo, the most precious and powerful treasure in the history of the world. Word soon gets out, though, and the nefarious pirate Black Stache is hot on the trail of the Never Land and its hidden treasure.

Although this book is long, its short chapters make for quick reading, and its pages are full of enough piracy, shipwrecks, flying rats, talking dolphins and bloodthirsty crocodiles to keep young adventure fans hungry for more. Since Dave Barry is one of the co-authors, there's also plenty of humor, particularly in the portrayal of the pirates. Fans of J. M. Barrie's original novel will enjoy Barry and Pearson having fun with some of the less politically correct aspects of the story, such as the island's savages.

Packed full of imaginative details and swashbuckling suspense, PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS is a rich adventure story that adds depth to a well-known tale.

   --- Reviewed by Norah Piehl

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