Peter and the Starcatchers

The Starcatchers, Book 1

By: Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson

Narrated by: Jim Dale

Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Best-selling authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have turned back the clock and revealed a wonderful story that precedes J. M. Barrie's beloved Peter Pan.

In an evocative and fast-paced adventure on the high seas and on a faraway island, an orphan boy named Peter and his mysterious new friend, Molly, overcome bands of pirates and thieves in their quest to keep a fantastical secret safe and save the world from evil.

This riveting adventure takes listeners on a journey from a harsh orphanage in old England to a treacherous sea in a decrepit old tub. Aboard the Never Land is a trunk that holds a magical substance with the power to change the fate of the world - just a sprinkle and wounds heal; just a dusting and people can fly. Towering seas and a violent storm are the backdrop for battles at sea. Bone-crushing waves eventually land our characters on Mollusk Island - where the action really heats up.

Peter and the Starcatchers is brimming with richly developed characters, from the scary but somehow familiar Black Stache and the ferocious Mister Grin to the sweet but sophisticated Molly and the fearless Peter.

Listen to the rest of the Starcatchers series.

©2004 Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson (P)2004 Brilliance Audio

Critic reviews

"The real lure is the richly drawn characters, especially the villains, who exhibit just the right amount of swagger and smirk." (Booklist)

"Jim Dale gives a one-man performance that is truly astonishing. He creates distinct voices for all the characters - pirates, women, British soldiers, and native tribesmen. Adults and children alike will enjoy this rollicking tale." (AudioFile)

My Kids Loved The Starcatchers Series!

Hours of great listening! My kids (8 and 11) and I started listening to the adventures of Peter and the Starcatchers in the car. They became so hooked (no pun intended:o)they insisted we keep listening mornings at breakfast before school and when cleaning up after dinner. We really enjoyed each of these books and have moved on to the Never Land series. These books worked for me and now my kids love to use their imagination listening instead of watching movies in the car.

Our sincere appreciation to the very talented Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson for this gift, excellently narrated by my favorite Jim Dale.

Do your kids a favor, turn off the TV, turn off the video games and turn on their imagination by listening to a really good Audiobook.

Well written, beautifully read

I saw a production of Peter and the Starcatchers on Broadway, and decided to listen to the book. Dave Barry is a wonderful writer-full of humor and clever characterization. Jim Dale does a superb job breathing life into the various characters young and old, male and female, smart, and dark. I will probably continue to read the series, that's how enjoyable it was. You will recognize aspects of Peter Pan in this tale, this prequal, so to speak. This is an easy, enjoyable, totally entertaining listen.

Eyes Glued to Book - Ears Glued to Reading

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It's a great story. Everybody know the story of Peter Pan. This let you know how it all started

What was one of the most memorable moments of Peter and the Starcatchers?

Peter was thrown overboard and started to fly for the first time

Did Jim Dale do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Yes. He changed his voice. Some of the characters sounded alike but you could still tell who was talking by the scene.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Peter jumped without being pushed to Mister Grin

Any additional comments?

Several parts in the book was read wrong. Example: He said King instead of Queen. He read a few chapter titles wrong. I assume that the book is different in other countries or something. I like to read the book while listening to it. But when the reading is slightly different than the book, this can throw you off.

Wow this book is Awesome

Out of all the books I have listened to I have never heard one like this. If you like this book than check out the whole series. And if you like Adventure than this is the book for you! I love this series!

Jim dale

His narration truly brings this book to life. I'm 22 and still enjoyed it immensely!

Superb

Would you listen to Peter and the Starcatchers again? Why?

I would listen to Peter and the Starcatchers again and probably will when my husband listens to it! I love to listen to Jim Dale tell a story!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Peter and the Starcatchers?

I don't want to give away any plot but there a few laugh out loud moments!

What does Jim Dale bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Jim Dale could make any story come to life! His range of voices and his character creations are wonderful!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wish I could have!

love this book!

I read this book twice and listened to it twice and many more times to come I love the story of Peter pan any version I can find and this is by far my favorite version and Jim Dale is perhaps one of the best male British narrators ever.

Jim Dale brings this book to life

Jim Dale is the best narrator! Every book he touches is incredible. I wish he could do the lord of the rings.

a definite page turner!

awesome narration! even at age 50, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. great for middle school on up

wonderful book. with the time for sure

For anyone who has loved the Peter Pan story, must read this book. The back story is so well done.