Peter Pan in Scarlet

McCaughrean, Geraldine. 2006. PETER PAN IN SCARLET. Ill. by Scott M. Fischer. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 1416918086 [Suggested Grade Levels 4-6]

REVIEW
Set in the 1920s, PETER PAN IN SCARLET begins with a series of nightmares. John Darling, Mrs. Wendy, and each of the Lost Boys—Nibs, Tootles, Slightly, the Twins—have all been experiencing vivid dreams about their adventures. And while some are pleasant, others are terrifying. These dreams are not just faint memories though, these dreams leave proof that Neverland is reaching out to them and calling them home. One thing they all agree on is that they must find a way to make the dreams stop. But only the ingenuity of Mrs. Wendy can lead the way. Now the Lost Boys must find a way to accomplish the impossible: “must not be grown up; must remember how to fly; must find fairy dust; must think of something to tell wife” for on the 5th of June they are setting out on another adventure and going back to Neverland.”

CONNECTIONS
The adventure begins when these grown-ups play “dress up” with their children’s clothes. Discuss with young readers what they might want to dress up as, if clothes really had magical properties. They can write and illustrate their own short adventures.

One of the funniest scenes in PETER PAN IN SCARLET is when the Lost Boys dream the crocodile into existence at the Gentlemen’s Club. Crafty readers may enjoy creating a paper mache crocodile—complete with grinning smile—of their own. Instructions can be found at: http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/malligator.html

RELATED BOOKS
Other books starring Peter Pan:
Barrie, J.M. PETER PAN. ISBN 0805072454
Barry, Dave and Ridley Pearson. PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS. ISBN 078684907X
Barry, Dave and Ridley Pearson. PETER AND THE SHADOW THIEVES. ISBN 078683787X


By Becky Laney