Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies by Carolyn Crimi, illustrated by John Manders Grades PreK-2 40 pages Candlewick August 2009 Paperback     "Suffering sea dogs!" Barnacle Black Ear, the baddest bunny brute of all time, is in big trouble. The captain of the pirate ship the Salty Carrot has sailed into a terrible storm, and his vessel has gone to the bottom. Thanks to Black Ear's son, Henry, the crew’s sojourn on a deserted island won't be too onerous. An avid reader, Henry has a trunk full of books that will help the his father's men build a shelter, make their meals, and even fashion clothing. Who would have thought Henry's books would have been so useful? It's a good thing Black Ear didn't toss them overboard the way he wanted to at the start of their voyage. Due to his son's library, life on the island isn't so bad. This comical story with John Manders' colorful illustrations sends a clear message: books and reading are important. Henry might always have his nose in a book, but it pays huge dividends in this adventure yarn.     web reviews   Bob Walch/2009 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)