1750, when times were tough and teeth were rotten...

As part of an ancient family tradition, young Atticus Van Tasticus narrowly escapes a life down the coal mines - or worse, going to school - when he gets to choose the gift of a pirate ship from his Grandnan's treasure pile.

It's a choice that will change the course of history - well, OK, his story, at least. Atticus pulls together a rag-tag bunch misfits - AHEM - a tough, brilliant crew, and sets out to wreak havoc - I mean - live a piratin' life.

With little else to his name, Atticus has a taste for adventure, beauty and danger - where any minute might be your last, and your next minute could be your best (...if only they could get off the dock).

 

Andrew Daddo has managed to have a crack at just about every aspect of the entertainment industry. He's appeared on TV and stage, presented radio programs and podcasts, and even made movies.
Best of all, Andrew is an accomplished author. He has written 25 books including picture books, chapter books, short story collections, novels and a vague biography - he's hard to pin down. He also talks up literacy in schools.

Stephen Michael King is renowned worldwide for picture books like The Pocket Dogs and Where Does Thursday Go?. Books he has both written and illustrated include The Man Who Loved Boxes, Henry and Amy, Emily Loves to Bounce, and most recently Mutt Dog. Several of his books have been shortlisted by the CBCA, and they frequently appear on children's own voting lists like YABBA. Stephen has previously illustrated The Magic Violin, Follow That Lion!, Duck Sounds and The Gorilla Suit for the Aussie Nibbles range, and more recently illustrated the classic Robin Klein story- The Princess Who Hated It, for the Aussie Nibbles series.