The Fierce Little Woman and the Wicked Pirate by Joy Cowley

This is a beautiful re-issue of a classic Joy Cowley story, with new quirky and playful illustrations by Japanese artist Miho Satake. In soothing blues and greens, Satake captures the initially solitary life of the fierce and multi-talented little woman who eventually settles down with an unexpected (and also rather fierce-looking) visitor. One, then two, then three children join the unlikely couple, and the family leads a blissful life swimming, fishing, and having play-fights on the jetty attached to their tiny home.

                At night, they listen to the sea breathing in and out under the floor.

And once in a while, the little woman plays them a lullaby on her bagpipes, so they won’t be scared of the dark.

Satake’s illustrations are influenced by Japanese culture – look out for the netted glass fishing float, and the traditional Japanese headscarf worn by the pirate (and sometimes by his wife). The woman and her children appear to be of Asian descent.

Publisher Gecko Press has an interesting Q&A with illustrator Satake. She describes her creative process and her sources of inspiration for the characters, and shares several draft sketches created during the book’s development. Her own adventures in the ocean influenced her drawings of the huge waves and active sea that appear throughout the book.

The Fierce Little Woman and the Wicked Pirate is great fun to read aloud and a perfect story for a cold night – you can almost feel the wild wind swirling and the heaving waves. Luckily, the little woman and her family are kept cosy and warm by their glowing pot-belly stove and constant cups of tea. And in summer, they swim in the sea, sliding into the water through their very own trapdoor.

Cowley’s engaging story, together with Satake’s detailed illustrations, will appeal to both children and adults. There’s plenty to look at and talk about on every page.

Reviewer: Anne Kerslake Hendricks

Gecko Press