Sample
  • Peter and the Starcatchers

  • The Starcatchers, Book 1
  • By: Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson
  • Narrated by: Jim Dale
  • Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (4,464 ratings)

Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Peter and the Starcatchers

By: Dave Barry, Ridley Pearson
Narrated by: Jim Dale
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $20.00

Buy for $20.00

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

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)

Featured Article: The top 100 kids books of all time


Listening to a story is the first way that we’re introduced to books as kids. And while our parents and grandparents (and babysitters and siblings!) are no doubt wonderful narrators who left indelible marks on our bookish hearts, the performances featured on this list elevate these stories to new heights. Representing listens for kids ages 0-12, and featuring animals, magical creatures, awkward middle schoolers, and more, our kids essentials will help you rediscover the magic of childhood.

What listeners say about Peter and the Starcatchers

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    3,092
  • 4 Stars
    964
  • 3 Stars
    304
  • 2 Stars
    61
  • 1 Stars
    43
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    3,098
  • 4 Stars
    413
  • 3 Stars
    107
  • 2 Stars
    26
  • 1 Stars
    17
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    2,518
  • 4 Stars
    808
  • 3 Stars
    252
  • 2 Stars
    56
  • 1 Stars
    22

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

My son really enjoyed this story.

When my son was sick we bought this for him to listen to while he recovered. It was so helpful. He looked forward to it. The story was fun and imaginative and the orator gave the characters life. I enjoyed listening with my son and wanted to know what would happen to the characters. Peter and the Starcatchers has a special place with us. My son is much better now and we have a wonderful memory shared. Thanks for traveling with us on our journey.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Clever, Fun, Entertaining

Any additional comments?

I was hesitant to buy this audio book, because it seemed too "young" for me. (I am 31). I am very glad I took a chance on it, because it has been one of my favorite audible books, yet. The story is clever and fun and entertaining and magical...but the narration really earns the 5 stars from me. I cannot imagine a better narrator, and I missed his voice once I finished the book.

My girls are young (less than 4), but I can't wait to re-listen to this together once they get older.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

One of my favorite books

It's hard to believe it's been four years since I first read this book, and it's a book series that's stayed with me. The narration is wonderful, and the book is a brilliant original interpretation of the origins of Peter Pan.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

engaging.

Good listening. story was exciting with acts honesty .bravery and great imagination. narrator was excellent.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Best unofficial prequel!

I loved the story. It is the best unofficial prequel to any beloved character I can think of.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

How Peter became

Loved the narration. I started talking pirate by the end of the book. Very fun story for all ages.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

I love this series

I grew up reading this series, and I’ve always loved the fun twists on the story it brings. I’m older now and I thought maybe it wouldn’t be as fun or as magical as when I first read it as a child, but I was wrong. Much like the story perhaps some of us are never meant to grow up. It is well worth your time.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Story that kept me on my toes

Amazing and flawless performance. Fast paced story with cliffhangers in each chapter on a different take of Peter Pan's origin story.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Good listen

Absolutely love listening to Jim Dale. He does a wonderful job narrating. The book was written as a prelude to Peter Pan and fits right in.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

My boys loved this story!

We all loved this exviting story! Suspense, humor and adventure! Great voices! My sons are 13 and 9. Cant wait to listen to 2nd one!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!