Also illustrated by Stephen Gilpin: The Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary Boy, Book 1: The Hero Revealed   Pirate Mom (Step into Reading Step 3) by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Stephen Gilpin Grades PreK-2 48 pages Random House May 2006 Hardcover     Pirate Mom could be sub-titled “Be Careful What you Wish For.” Pete loves pirates and never gets tired of pretending to be one. His mom, however, has other ideas for Pete, like doing homework, eating dinner, and going to see a magician perform. In this last example, the magician hypnotizes Pete’s mom - at which point Pete wishes her to act like a pirate. It doesn’t take long for Pete to realize having a pirate for a mom is not as fun as it sounds. She says “arrgh” and “aye” and even accuses people of having scurvy. It takes a house call by ‘The Amazing Marco’ to set things straight again. Recommended: YES     web reviews   Mike O'Lenick/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)