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)

We are hooked....

Let me start by saying this is the first review I have given in my 3 plus years of being an Audible customer. My son (9) and I (I won't say my age) loved this book. The narration was amazing and brought the book to life! My suggestion is get this book. Escape the grind of life and soak in a little magic! We can't wait to start the next book in this series!

Dave Barry at his best - Highly entertaining!

It has been over a year since I listened to the entire Starcatchers series and think it is time to write a review on it. First, it is appropriate for all ages. It does get suspenseful and there are some pretty nasty characters, but good triumphs over evil (as it should be in kid fantasy stories). If you were ever curious about how Peter Pan came to be, this is absolutely the story for you. It is a grand adventure, from start to finish. I loved the characters, how the story was developed, the wonderfully done narration by Jim Dale, and how each book is resolved but yet is tied to the following book. If you do get this first book in the series, you will be "hooked".

The plot is pretty simple and straight forward, but it is wonderfully done. Dave Barry does a masterful job creating a world that is fascinating and highly entertaining. As an aside, I absolutely loved that Jim Dale narrated the whole series.

If you've not listened to this series yet, take the plunge. You will not be disappointed. I highly recommend the whole series.

Fantastic!

Our family listened on a road trip and everyone loved it! Our boys are (6, 8, 9, 11). Jim Dale is fabulous and the story was very engaging!

AWsome!

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

its adventerus

Who was your favorite character and why?

peter he is awesome he sneak to steal stuff

Which character – as performed by Jim Dale – was your favorite?

peter cause he`s adventerus

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

both

Any additional comments?

not realy

From Reality to Pixie Dust!

I loved this book! My little boys finished it long before I did and they kept asking me, "Mom! Where are you in the story?! Are you finished yet?" It was a lovely fairytale turned novel that we all enjoyed. We loved Dave Barry when he was writing columns for the paper and this book proves that it was okay that he quit. We didn't like the idea at all initially. This book has just left me with a broad grin that I can't seem to shake. I really enjoyed it, everything from the Croc to Cap'n Hook to mermaids to pirates are all explained and the answer is closer to home than you'd think. How Peter got to be Peter Pan is a great story for kids of any age. My kids like to turn off the sound on the computer games and turn on the audio books. I have to shoo them out of the house sometimes, because they just want to keep listening. The next book in the series I'm going to get in paper form so that my youngest will read. He needs something motivating, and exciting. I think this is just the ticket.... but I may get the next one on audible for me. If you love the Peter Pan story, you can't go wrong with this one. This would make a great audio book to take on a family trip. I hope you'll spend the credit or buy it outright and enjoy!

Chose because of narrator, loved the story!

My kids has recently finished listening to the Harry Potter books, and we LOVE Jim Dale as a narrator. We looked up more books read by him- and found this one. It’s the pre-story to Peter Pan and we all enjoyed listening to it, even myself :)

By far the best Peter Pan series ever written!

I first found this book some 15 years ago on tape, and have since listened to it countless times!!! Such a wonderful story!

Amazing

I love this audio book. I've listened to it about 6 times. It brings me to my inner child again when I listen to it before bed. Such a great adaptation. I highly recommend!

great Peter Pan series

Jim Dale brings this story and characters to life perfectly from the gruff voice of blackstash to the whiney voice of Tubby Ted he makes the story one I listened to from start to finish with out a break.

An amazing look at the origin of a childhood hero

This book takes us back to the begining of this childhood FAIRY tale. Where did Peter Pan come from? How can he fly? Why doesn't he grow up? The answer to these and many more Pan questions have finaly been revealed!