Book Review: Peter and the Starcatchers
Posted by Michelle on February 2, 2007
This book by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson is a worthy specimen of good literature. If you or your kids like Peter Pan, then you might enjoy this exciting prequel. The main characters are Peter (Pan) and a girl named Molly Aster. The conflict of the story is to capture a large supply of a powerful substance known as starstuff that is on the loose. Starstuff is a luminous substance that sometimes falls as a shooting star. It gives one the ability to fly and heal himself among other uses. It affects certain animals, changing a horse into a Centaur, a fish into a mermaid, and a bird into a fairy. Peter and Molly must act fast or else the starstuff might fall into the wrong hands.
This is a fun-filled adventure full of pirates, indians, a giant crocodile, mermaids, and adventure.
Potentially objectionable is the pirates’ use of a giant sail called “The Ladies” shaped like a giant corset. There is also some bloodshed. There is mention of the Greek gods as actually existing, but not as actual gods. Other than that, I think that most people would enjoy this book full of answers, andventure and fun.
Aunt Anne said
I’d like to read this book. The magical quality of the book appeals to me. Is the author, Dave Barry, the same Dave Barry that used to write a humorous weekly column for the newspaper?
Michelle said
Dear Aunt Anne,
Thanks for writing. To answer your question, yes it is the same Dave Barry and I’m glad you want to read the book. There’s also a sequel (which I haven’t written a review for yet) called Peter and the Shadowthieves if you are interested.
Love,
Nathan
Alexandra said
I LOVE this series. Every Single chapter I read takes me to Neverland! I was first introduced to this mystical series in 3rd grade. (Thanks, Mr. M!) My teacher did this thing daily he called: “Read Aloud”. He read us fantastic books, such as Frindle, Holes, The Tale of Desperaux, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Night of the Twisters, Ship Wrecked, The Kid Who Inventeed the Popsicle, and (of course) peter and the Starcatchers.
When he started to read the 1st chapter, I admit, I wasn’t interested. Though, as he continued reading, I immediately fell in love with this book.
Right after he moved on to another book, I got book no. 2, Peter and the Shadow Thieves. I felt as if I could fly, myself!
Later, I moved on to book no. 3, Peter and the Secret of Rundoon. All I can put in words about this book is that I think the last chapterwas beautiful. (I can’t tell you specifically what happened, but if you read the book, you’ll know. Hint: 2nd to last page, 1 single, short paragraph.)
When I was done, I felt very well educated on these books, but at the same time, I was a little bit sad. It meant the end of the series.
So, here I am, sitting at my computer. I decide to go to http://www.peterandthestarcatchers.com.
As soon as I get to the website, a new book cover photo appears. A 4TH BOOK, PEOPLE. Just as I see this I jump up & down with excitement, I do an air guitar solo, I sing James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful”.
I now own a copy. It takes place 21 years after the time period where Peter and the Secret of Rundoon takes place.
I soon found out that the authors of the books will be at my local bookstore!!
In case you haven’t noticed, I’m obsessedwith this book series.
Alexandra ( The Same One As Before) said
I went over to my local bookstore the day the authors would be there, I walk in, the lady behind the counter says: “The authors left exactly 15 seconds ago, sorry.” Shoot.
Alexandra ( The Same One As Before AGAIN) said
OMG!!! I just found out that a 3-D MOVIE of this series is gonna come out this August!! I’m freakin’ excited!!
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