> Skip to content
Play sample
  • Published: 3 September 2019
  • ISBN: 9781760147174
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 208

Atticus Van Tasticus




A ten-year-old pirate captain? Absurd? Not in the world of Atticus Van Tasticus, a fabulously funny new illustrated junior fiction series from the brilliant and whacky creative minds of Andrew Daddo and Stephen Michael King.

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).

  • Published: 3 September 2019
  • ISBN: 9781760147174
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 208

Other books in the series

About the authors

Andrew Daddo

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

Stephen Michael King has been described as an artist who 'draws from the inside out', and it is this gentle, intuitive truth that gives heart and playfulness to his work. Stephen Michael King is an internationally renowned, award-winning author and illustrator whose career has spanned over thirty years, producing more that one hundred titles. He has worked with a stable of Australia's best children's book authors including Glenda Millard, Margaret Wild, Nick Bland, Peter Carey and Tim Winton. Books that Stephen Michael King has written and illustrated include: Three; Rainbow Bear; Mutt Dog!; Leaf; and Milly, Jack and the Dancing Cat. His books have been translated into over twenty languages, and he is frequently honoured in children's book award categories – including winning the CBCA Book of the year, and the Prime Minister's Literary Award.

Discover more

Article
9 audiobooks for the whole family to enjoy

The perfect way to listen and learn! 

Video
Atticus Van Tasticus by Andrew Daddo and Stephen Michael King | Book series trailer

Buy now: https://www.penguin.com.au/brand/atticus-van-tasticus Hoist the Jolly Roger, sharpen yer cutlass, and load the cannons - 'tis time for ye to EMBRACE YER INNER PIRATE! Get on board The Grandnan, the fantastic ship owned by Atticus Van Tasticus, 10 year old rookie pirate. It's 1750, when times were tough and teeth were rotten, when kids could be pirates and clocks went tick-tock. 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 of 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). #AtticusVanTasticus #AndrewDaddo #StephenMichaelKing

Article
Easy activities for kids at home

Keep the kids entertained with these fun book-related ideas. There's an activity book for every age: one for littlies, one for kids and one for grown-ups too!

Article
Puffinalia for educators

Celebrating 80 years of Puffin!

Article
Win a mural by Stephen Michael King

Plus a visit from Andrew Daddo!

Article
Jolabokaflod - Your new favourite Christmas tradition

Jolabokaflod is the beautiful Icelandic tradition of gifting books on Christmas Eve.

Video
Atticus Van Tasticus by Andrew Daddo & Stephen Michael King

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. A fabulously funny new illustrated junior fiction series from the brilliant and whacky creative minds of Andrew Daddo and Stephen Michael King. https://www.penguin.com.au/books/atticus-van-tasticus-9780143796541

penguin pop image
penguin pop image