MURRAY THE PIRATE

Sail the seven seas with a hero who would really rather just nap.

Our perpetually reluctant feline adventurer returns—after 2025’s Murray the Viking and Murray the Knight—for another tale of derring-do. This time a slip through his magical cat door plunges Murray and his perky companion Bun (a cheery dessert-bun-turned-rabbit, complete with a cherry tail) into a seaside town. Now dressed in full pirate gear, Murray is at first delighted when the citizens start to give him things without prompting. Unfortunately, his polite acceptance draws the attention of Captain Patch and his dastardly crew. Pirates don’t say thank you—such behavior goes against the pirate code! The pirates kidnap Murray and Bun, but soon it’s clear that this crew would much rather fish or open flower shops than terrorize the seven seas. While attempting to find hidden gold to finance a floral business, Patch and company run into a terrifying monster; now it’s up to Murray to (eventually) save the day! Though Murray’s ever the gentleman, his natural disinclination to engage in adventure inevitably allows him to indulge in some mundane delights. Stower milks maximum humor out of the book’s page turns and lengthy sequences yet keeps the mood lighthearted. Human characters range in skin tone.

Avast, ye scurvy dogs (and cats!), set sail for a rollicking adventure from the politest pirate around!