Sometimes the chaos of parties can be overwhelming for young guests. I always try to include a few quiet areas where kids can retreat when they are facing sensory overload. At our recent pirate and mermaid party, I included two areas where the children could escape: a puzzle center and a book nook.
I tried to make the book nook inviting, with comfortable seating and a book display filled with Pirate and Under the Sea themed books from my former classroom. Children gathered in this area throughout the party – to adjust to the new setting, to find some quiet, and to wind down after the party.
Although most of you will not have a book nook at your child’s birthday party, I thought I’d share the list of books I used for the party so that you could visit your local library or bookstore to find pirate- or ocean-themed reading material for your children (or classroom). These books are perfect for summery reading or to prepare children for trips to places rich with pirate history (like the Outer Banks or the Florida Keys):
Pirate Picture Books
Captain Abdul’s Pirate School (Colin McNaughton)
How I Became a Pirate
Pirates Don’t Change Diapers
Do Pirates Take Baths?
Pirates Go to School
Pirate Girl
The Gingerbread Pirates
Captain Abdul’s Little Treasure
Pajama Pirates
The Night Pirates
The Pirate Cruncher
Shiver Me Letters: A Pirate ABC
Pirate Pete’s Talk Like a Pirate
Ocean and Under the Sea Books
I’m Mighty!
Ten Little Fish
I’m The Biggest Thing in the Ocean
In the Big Blue Sea
Commotion in the Ocean
Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef
A House for Hermit Crab (World of Eric Carle)
Rainbow Fish
Our Day at the Seashore
The Great White Man-Eating Shark: A Cautionary Tale (Picture Puffins)
Fidgety Fish and Friends
The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor
Shark vs. Train
Hello Ocean
Ladybug Girl at the Beach
Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet
The Tiniest Mermaid
National Geographic Readers: Dolphins
Great list of books. I will have to check them out for my daughter. She loves the ocean. If there’s a book with a princess and the ocean we’re in.
Estelle
Estelle recently posted…Stop “Rushing” to Label Women and Telling them to Stay Home
What a sweet idea! There are always kids at the party who need a little space – and this is a great place to offer a little calm during the “storm” of a party! 🙂
carrie recently posted…7 Baby Teething Remedies
What an adorable idea! My boys are big into pirates and the ocean, we’ll definitely have to check out some of those titles.
Nicole recently posted…Free Printable: Gingham Canning Labels
This is awesome, thanks! My son loves pirates!
Carrie recently posted…Favorite Spring & Easter Books for Kids
Oh how I wish this list were available when my oldest was in his pirate phase.
Jessica @FoundtheMarbles recently posted…Ugly in the Blogosphere
Great list of suggestions for this theme! Thanks for sharing!
Becky recently posted…Moms Clean Air Force Philadelphia 5K
My son loves pirates as well so this is GREAT!
Jeanine @MommyEntourage recently posted…Sesame Place Savings and Special Member Preview Day
Adorable set up. I remember the pirate days 🙂 My 11 yr old son still has some remnants in his room…aaaargh!
Colleen (Souffle Bombay) recently posted…Car Bomb Brownies (Not Just for St Patty’s Day)
Yes, and I probably would have been that kid as a child!
Have you tried Ladybug Girl? Not a princess, but girly – and the one book has her at the beach 🙂