Atticus Van Tasticus: The treasure of treasures! by Andrew Daddo

Illus. by Stephen Michael King. Penguin Random House, 2020. ISBN: 9781760892869.
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Atticus Van Tasticus is back in the third book in the popular series. This fast-paced and action packed story continues the rollicking sea adventures of Atticus Van Tasticus and his trusty and quirky Crew on the ship, The Grandnan. Finally Atticus and the Crew have in their clutches the other half of the Map of Half Maps and the story begins with Atticus reading the Map of Half Maps put together by the lovable crew member, Buttface. While trying to interpret the map the Crew become distracted by trying to find a name for their new adventure. This is a hilarious and often confusing discussion which sets the tone for the latest crazy and exciting journey of The Grandnan and the Crew. Along the quest to find the treasure of all treasures the Captain and the Crew face a number of dangerous hurdles including skeletons, ghosts and monsters. And just when the reader feels all has been happily discovered, sorted and resolved another catastrophe occurs which will lead into the next book.
The text will appeal to young readers who love pirate talk, crazy humour and wild imaginative adventures. Talented illustrator Stephen Michael King creates clever drawings to complement the text and provide excellent visuals for the reader. This book would be an enjoyable read aloud for younger readers and an amusing, laugh out loud read for independent readers. Themes: Pirates, Adventure, Humour, Treasure.
Kathryn Beilby