“The Little Pirate on the Stars” is the second picture book from the collaboration between French novelist Michel Poussey and children’s book illustrator Peggy Neal. Like the first book, “Treasure,” it is based on Michel’s thriller novel “She Is Not My Mother,” the setting of which is detailed in the introduction to “Treasure.” Simply put, it is one of the bedtime stories that the three-and-a-half-year-old Marrone hears repeatedly in the novel. It helps advance the plot and also contains strong metaphorical elements.
But what is particularly rare is that, when taken out of isolation as a children’s story, it is also quite attractive: a family on a star island, the protagonist is the youngest boy “Pirate Baby”, he is eager to grow up quickly because his mother said that there are many things that can only be done after he grows up, including marrying his beloved girl Lily. One day, the pirate baby, who can’t wait, flies a spaceship alone to travel through space. When he returns home after playing enough, he finds that his family and Lily have grown up.20years old, and he himself has barely grown at all! How is this possible?!
Young readers will likely be struck by wonder at this. I remember first reading a similar story in fifth grade during summer vacation, when I read Zheng Wenguang’s science fiction novel “Flight to Sagittarius.” The story follows three teenagers on a spaceship adventure, nearly nine years before returning to Earth. They meticulously track time during their flight, but upon their return, they discover that time on Earth has sped up by half a year. Einstein’s theory of relativity states that time slows down for objects traveling at speeds approaching the speed of light! The pirate boy in this picture book travels through space at the speed of light for twenty years, a mere day for him, while twenty years seem to have passed for his family and loved ones. I still vividly remember the profound intellectual impact of “Flight to Sagittarius.” “Little Pirates on the Stars,” while seemingly a charming fairy tale, also offers a similarly hardcore dose of popular science. I believe its sense of wonder will resonate with today’s young readers.
This French creative duo imbues the story with a romantic sensibility, capturing the challenges of growing up, family bonds, and even romantic love. Illustrator Peggy Neal’s contribution is particularly noteworthy. Although she chose a cool blue as the primary color scheme, her love for tropical environments is vividly showcased. Although not explicitly mentioned in the story, Peggy transforms the island into a tropical island, showcasing classic tropical features from the flora and fauna to the architecture, imbuing the story with warmth. However, the color blue is also crucial to the story, serving as the backdrop for the universe and imbuing the romance with a certain mystique. Meanwhile, the story inevitably descends into a slightly melancholic mood midway through. Imagine: when one person alone slows down time, while those around them, those they care about most, continue to age in the passage of time, is that truly a blessing? The pirate boy ponders the deep blue, lost in boundless loneliness…
Reading such a captivating picture book is perfect for engaging young readers in extended discussions. Author Michel is not only a detective novelist but also a university professor of geography, an expert on French political geography. His stories are richly layered, making them both playful and heartwarming bedtime stories and thought-provoking case studies. The illustrators bring the stories to life visually, creating an elegant, romantic, and heartwarming experience. Children should easily be drawn into the story’s context, willing to empathize with it: What if I were the pirate baby? What if I were the pirate baby’s family? The story itself offers an answer; could young readers come up with a better one?
For adult readers, I recommend rereading the original novel. Firstly, the plot is incredibly captivating and easy to follow. Secondly, placing it within the context of the novel itself allows for a deeper understanding of the story of the pirate baby. The novel involves some violence and adult romance, making it less suitable for children. However, because the story revolves around a three-and-a-half-year-old boy, the exploration of child development and psychology within it is well-suited for parents to understand and reflect on. Michel Pusey has a special interest in children’s development, which is evident in his renowned novel, Until That Day. While She Wasn’t My Mother involves a dramatic robbery, protecting a child, particularly their psychological well-being, becomes a crucial focus.
If I were to give a slight (but not too much) spoiler, I’d say the final words the father says to the pirate baby in the picture book are the key to the reveal. The father said, “When we love someone, deeply, sometimes we have to bravely let them go far away. Or we can learn to wait for them for a long time. This is the true proof of love, and perhaps the only proof.” This isn’t just some general truism; it’s the author’s deep understanding, based on his rich life experience. In the novel, he lets a three-and-a-half-year-old experience this kind of waiting, convincingly demonstrating such amazing endurance. It’s precisely because of repeatedly listening to the pirate baby’s waiting that the child finally learns to endure.20The author is also trying to prove that such a small thing as listening to stories can be used to shape children and help them have amazing power.
This amazing power must come from love. For children, it comes from family affection, such as the selfless love of their parents; for adults, it can also come from love. It’s important to understand that Michelle’s story isn’t just for children.
Ajia …
Written on2020Year2moon10Beijing
