Play along during Pirate Month

THE BOOKWORM

CONSTANCE KEREMES

CHILDREN’S LIBRARIAN

If you like puzzles, games, story starters and more, you will love this page created just for kids.

Happy reading! “Ahoy, Matey!” Set sail for National Pirate Month.

ARGGust is National Pirate Month, a time to celebrate the world of pirates. Pirates were daring criminals who sailed the seas in search of treasure. They were villains, violent men and women who fought their way onto other ships to attack and steal.

Pirates are popular for grown-ups and children. We do not like violence or villains, but we do like books and movies about adventure. If you are a fan of these swash-buckling bad guys, come aboard!

Avast, me buckos, eat hearty: Hardtack biscuits that won’t break your teeth. Real hardtack was a dry, hard cracker made to last through long sea journeys. The crackers were so hard, they might break a sailor’s teeth. Try this recipe for a much softer, sweeter version. Hearty Hardtack Ingredients 1 cup butter, softened. ½ cup sifted powdered sugar. 2 cups all- purpose flour. Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the soft butter and sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for about 2 minutes. The dough should look light and fluffy.

Add in the flour and mix it all up well. Turn the dough out onto a counter dusted with powdered sugar and gently roll the dough into a long 2- by- 2- inch log.

Wrap the log of cookie dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes.

Once the dough is firm, slice the cookies into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place each round on the baking tray and bake for 18 - 20 minutes or until just golden.

Cool the cookies slightly and place on a cooling rack. Store the cookies in an air- tight container.

Speak like a pirate Match the pirate word or phrase with what it means. Aye, aye! Friends

Booty Gold Coins Doubloon A Strong Drink Grog Yes, Sir!

Hearties Treasure Captain’s log Use the word bank to finish this page from the Captain’s Log. Aug. 10, 1767: I fear we have rough seas ahead of us. But my ______________ will plot a safe course. He will ensure we withstand the storm. The Jolly Roger will surely fly atop the _______________. My _______________ all work very hard. They have loaded the _______________ below the deck. Those who disobey will walk the _______________. mast / crew / navigator / plank / cargo