The Curse of Snake Island

My five year old son and I discovered this series one week ago and have already read the first and second book Ahoy, Ghost Ship Ahead! #2 (Pirate School). We take turns reading one page each and that had really helped with the enjoyment of the story as well as developing his reading at the same time. Onto the third book now:Attack on the High Seas! #3 (Pirate School).

My first grader picked out this book at his annual school book fair...and didn't put it down for a week! He's above grade level in reading, and was getting discouraged with some of the easy readers. Yet, when we looked at chapter books, they were over his head vocabulary wise. Pirate School is an excellent bridge between the two...not only is it a fun bedtime read, he's also learning to read the book on his own. Great character development, and lively illustrations. Keep it up Mr. James--my son can't wait for book number #5!!

My six year old just read this cover to cover, and is proud as can be at having read his first "real" book. The sentence structure and vocabulary are right at the level of someone ready to start reading something more challenging than a picture book. There are just enough illustrations to help a young reader really picture the plot as it develops, and the chapters are set out in easily manageable bites. It's a great confidence booster for someone who is ready to go to the next level. And with a plot that involves little boys and pirates, complete with a treasure map and a monster, how could you go wrong?

DS aged 8 has just finshed reading this and not all books bring on such excitement when finished. He even told me the storyline without any prompting, he thought it was such a cool tale. We are going to look for the other Pirate School books, thank you Mr James

I bought this book for everyone I knew with young children. It is an adorable story and the illustrations are thought provoking and expertly created. I'd recommend this read for any child with a vivid imagination.