Winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Award 2012 - Shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2012 - Shortlisted for the National Book Tokens Children’s Book of the Year 2012
When the Jolley Rogers arrive at Dull-on-sea, a quiet seaside town, the pirate family ruffle the feathers of their neighbours who instantly assume the worst of them.
A message to parents from Jonny Duddle: I have been informed by my grown-up readers that the gatefold page in each of my picture books can be a bit cumbersome during bedtime reading. But kids say they love them, so you parents will just have to suffer for the children and remember it's still a lot easier than folding an ordnance survey map in high winds.
Meet the Jolley-Rogers - a pirate family who're moving to Dull-on-Sea, a quiet seaside town. Stopping to fix up their ship, this unusual family get the whole neighbourhood spreading rumours. Defying the grown-ups, Matilda from next door decides to become friends with the youngest pirate son. When the Jolley-Rogers leave, the town discovers they were wrong to assume the worst - the pirate clan have buried treasure in everyone's gardens (shown in a stunning double-gatefold). Matilda feels sad until she discovers her own treasure - an incredibly exciting new pen friend.
Jonny Duddle lives in North Wales with his wife and young family. He is the concept artist for Aardman Animation's forthcoming film The Pirates! (UK release March 2012). He has also written and illustrated the hugely successful picture book The Pirate-Cruncher, (Templar Publishing) longlisted for the Greenaway Medal, and illustrated the cover for Nation by Terry Pratchett, shortlisted for Best Children's Illustrated Book at the English Association Book Awards.