The Man Whose Mother Was a Pirate (Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize)

The Man Whose Mother Was a Pirate, volume 1, presents a whimsical reimagining of Margaret Mahy's bestselling classic. This edition features vibrant illustrations by Emma Collicott, the recipient of the 2025 Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize. The story follows Sam, a man living a predictable life in a large city. He wears a standard brown suit and works a routine job in an office far from the coast. However, his mother is anything but ordinary, as she is a pirate longing to return to the ocean.

This juvenile fiction title explores themes of adventure and pursuing personal dreams through a swashbuckling lens. The Man Whose Mother Was a Pirate offers a charming narrative that balances the mundane with the extraordinary. As a standout entry in the Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize collection, this book provides a visually engaging experience for young readers. It remains a timeless tale of family and unexpected maritime excitement.