“Max Strong is a natural writer and teller of stories. When Max tells stories of Salty Pete, he has great presence and it is not too difficult to believe in pirates. He has a warm rapport with the audience that delights children and adults alike. As a children’s performer it is very important to be able to connect with adults (parents), as adults won’t stay if ultimately they don’t enjoy the experience. The Children’s Festival in 2006 attracted an aggregate attendance of more than 10,000 children.” Becky Wandell, Children’s Festival Co-ordinator, Woodford Folk Festival. The stories appeal to pirate lovers of all ages. Pirate songs, riddles, maps and games are associated with most of the stories. Each tale is humorous and has a moral, without being moralistic. The stories have been designed to lift the vocabulary and language skills of children (boys especially) who are not yet reading confidently. They are also geographically and historically educational in a subtle way.