Pirates Depicted Honorably in Xlibris Children’s Book

Al Katar, in his children’s book “Captain Scratch: The Island of Sirmarj”, presents a different kind of pirate story with a different kind of pirate.

Everybody enjoys a good pirate story every now and then. There is something mysterious about these seafaring legends that make them interesting characters in books. Their reputation as looters and raiders of other sea vessels also lend to the popularity – and notoriety – of pirates, even in films.

Literature and media have mostly depicted pirates as ruthless and often two-dimensional characters, but in the Xlibris book “Captain Scratch: The Island of Sirmarj”, author Al Katar seeks to portray pirates in a different light.

Written as a book for children, Captain Scratch: The Island of Sirmarj tells the story of an 18th Century pirate who, unlike most of his contemporaries, is armed with a willingness to help people – children in particular – with their daily needs. Captain Scratch is an adventurer of the seas and his crew of four, which include an orangutan named Joe, aids him in his travels. The titular character is also a well-respected sailor and trade merchant who moves goods from one island to another.

This self-published children’s book presents an adventure story and a pirate with a twist, as Captain Scratch demonstrates trustworthiness, intelligence, reliability and helpfulness – character traits that are not usually identified with pirates.

Captain Scratch: The Island of Sirmarj is available on Xlibris.com. A portion of the sales of this book will go to classroom material funding.