Captain Firebeard's School for Pirates; Chae Strathie, illustrated by Anna Chernyshova

The first in a series of books aboard Captain Fireboard’s ship that doubles-up as a boarding school for wanna-be pirates.

Tommy loves pirates and is thrilled for his first day aboard the Rusty Barnacle at Captain Firebeard’s School for Pirates. He is desperate to prove that he has what it takes for a life of sailing the Seven Seas. So when he and his friends, Milton and Jo, discover an unbreakable secret code and a map identifying the location of some hidden treasure they decide to take what they have learnt in class and have an actual pirate adventure. But have they got what it takes to be real pirates…

Ahoy there…this is a thrilling adventure on the Seven Seas that pirate-loving children will absolutely love. Captain Firebeard runs a lively and funny school for landlubbers who want to find their sea-legs and become seafaring buccaneers. English, Maths and spelling tests are replaced by lessons in cutlass swinging, mast climbing, Jolly Roger flag raising and speaking pirate. Those up to the task will earn their certificate of ‘Buccaneer Brilliance’ and a life of pirating and sailing the Seven Seas awaits but fail and they’ll be forced to walk the gangplank, aaaarrrrrrrrrr…

Excitable Tommy, nervous Milton and gung-ho Jo are an entertaining trio who each bring their own talents to the story and it is through their teamwork that they are able to successfully prove their pirating skills. Their actions provide nice lessons on using initiative, problem-solving and risk-taking.

This has all the ingredients for skulduggery and adventure on the Seven Seas - a treasure map, a hidden island, buried treasure, wooden legs, eye patches, cutlasses and of course…grog! So what are you waiting for, jump on board me hearties.

Recommended for 6+.