Stuck In The Doldrums

Stuck In The Doldrums: A Lesson In Sharing by Carole P. Roman

This is the third Captain No Beard Story in the highly imaginative series by Carole P. Roman. The first story was Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life. The second one was Pepper Parrot's Problem With Patience.

Each book revolves around a difficult and well learned lesson by the pirate crew. In Stuck In The Doldrums, Captain No Beard has a problem with sharing. He forgets that his crew member's feelings and resorts to selfish behavior. First Mate Hallie, Mongo the Monkey, Linus the Lion, Polly the Parrot and Fribbet the Frog, decide to go off and play without him.

As the story progresses, Captain No Beard is placed in a very scary predicament and is forced to rely on the help of the very individuals that he alienated.

It is an entirely engrossing tale of friendship, loyalty and forgiveness. My son, who is my greatest point of reference with children's books, was spellbound. He loved talking about each character and going over the confrontation and what resulted from selfish behavior and bullying.

Carole P. Roman has an incredible grasp of a child's perception. She is able to create an entertaining story, full of swashbuckling adventure, while still teaching a life lesson.