Chore Pirates

Johan Klungel makes picture books, comics, and animation films. He draws digitally, but also with pencil, pen, chalk, or paint, always in his own characteristic drawing style. He makes films for museums and television and illustrates books for others as well as his own. He likes to tell stories from a clear idea and prefers to do so with a lot of humor. Recurring themes in his work are nature and the infinite imagination of children. In addition, Johan also gives drawing workshops and works as a live draftsman. Johan lives with his girlfriend and two children in Haarlem. He draws and makes films from his cozy studio, he prefers to write in the library. He likes bird watching, his vegetable garden, and playing a small guitar.

"While Mommy is at work, a boy and his father complete chores with an imaginative twist. Tom is eager to play, but Daddy is overwhelmed with household tasks. When Daddy appoints Tom his assistant, the little boy decides that the dish brush is a pirate sword, and away they go, cleaning, organizing, and having fun. The “chore pirates” land on a tropical island and reunite “sock bird” pairs, bulldoze a volcano made up of messy toys, and even concoct a pot of magic. Klungel’s story is irresistibly playful. The illustrations are detailed and true to life. A messy kitchen table covered in everything from children’s artwork to an apple core feels like something out of any family’s home. Each new adventure is complete with a fitting ensemble, like safari gear or hard hats, with Tom’s little sister tucked into a baby carrier strapped to Daddy’s chest or back. Not only does the story show that chores are a necessary part of this family’s life, but they also depict Daddy, not Mommy, taking the lead. Daddy and Tom’s exploits serve as wonderful ideas for caregivers wanting to include little ones in these jobs at home. Mommy has brown skin, Daddy and Tom’s sister are light-skinned, and Tom has light brown skin. A refreshing take on the division of household labor that will appeal to little ones and their grown-ups." - Kirkus Reviews