** (goodreads review): Bryan rated it-it was amazing Shelves: humor, ya -- One of my all-time cherished books when I was about 8 or 9 years old. But... just read it to my own daughter, and here's a couple of questions:

Why is Brutus named Muscles in this story? If it looks like a Brutus, talks like a Brutus, and acts like a Brutus, it sure shouldn't be a "Muscles"! It's not that the author didn't know. He was a prominent cartoonist, and certainly knew the Popeye universe. He even included Alice the Goon in this book in a very small bit part.
Why is Popeye speaking with perfect diction? Throughout this book, Popeye, Pappy, and even Swee'Pea enunciate well and use correct pronunciation. Why not have them speaking "sailor" and talking about "sea monskers" like other books? I'm sure that I noticed these when I was young, as I was a bit of a Popeye enthusiast. I only remembered during the recent reread, but it's not something that only an adult will catch. Still... a great kids book - wish there were more kids books like these published currently. ** (WorldCat Excerpt): Peering out the window on a dark and foggy night, Pappy swears his old ship, the "Sea Driver" is cruising on the water past the house. No one else can see it. Pappy explains it is a ghost ship--sunk many years ago but now it's back. then he tells a strange tale of pirate maps, buried treasure, and a map that went down with the Sea Driver. Then Sweet Pea spots it too! Popeye declares it time for everyone to go to bed. The next morning, Wimpy announces the news that the ship has, indeed, come back. Pappy declares her sea worthy and then, to his relief, discovers the map that marks where he buried the treasure trove. The friends polish up the boat, Pappy finds his old crew, and they're off! But soon they start hearing strange noises in the hold. Then a can of spinach disappeared. Then a hammer. Then, the worst: they spot the Sea Hag overhead, and she's angry!