Kernel's Library: What Happened Before Peter Pan

Book 00011: Peter and the Starcatchers
by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson

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Title:
- Peter and the Starcatchers

First Publication:
- 31 August 2004 by Hyperion Books (Disney)

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Trivia:
- In 2005, Disney hired Jay Wolpert to adapt the book to film, reportedly to use 3D animation.
- A stage play version of the book is currently in the works for a winter 2009 debut at La Jolla Playhouse, as part of an arrangement with Disney Theatrical.

Awards:
- Audie Award 2005 "Best Children's Audio Book 2005"
- A New York Times Bestseller
- Nominated for the 2006-07 WAW Award
- Nominated for the Sunshine State Young Readers Award
- Nominated for the Rebecca Caudill Award

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Have you ever wondered how Peter Pan gained his flying capabilities, how Neverland got its name, how the band of boys came together and called themselves the Lost Boys, or how Tinkerbell came to existence? If you answered "Yes!" then maybe Peter and the Starcatcher is good for you.

This loosely-based first-of-the-trilogy prequel of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan revolves around a young orphan boy, Peter, along with his four friends, Prentiss, James, Thomas, and Tubby Ted, and how they have been sent from St. Norbert's Home for Wayward Boys to board the ship, called Never Land, that would bring them to a place called Rundoon.



Soon thereafter, strange things began to stir the Never Land. While foraging for food, Peter has discovered an old, battered chest on board, (and above it a flying rat). Due to his inquisitiveness Peter discovers that the chest contains a mysterious substance that could mean great devastation when it would go to the wrong hands.

This discovery lead him to confront Molly, a girl he has developed quite an affection, to tell him about the chest. What Molly told him turned his life into a Ferry's Wheel of adventure. Because someone else knows about this mysterious substance the Never Land was attacked, wrecking the ship. The few survivors were scattered and they took refuge on a nearby island where what they thought as a concluded misfortune would still be resumed.

Although there are quite a few discrepancies with the original work, the story is still enjoyable and can somehow be connected to the original one and will make you think you are reading a long lost companion for Peter Pan. The team up of the authors really made a humorous and mysterious novel that could not be easily disregarded. I really love this book.

Grade: A