This laugh-out-loud comic romp marks Michael Cox's debut on the A&C Black children's list.

Captain Codswallop's pirate ship has been stolen by the ruthless highwayman, Dick Turnip.

But it seems that Dick is even more incompetent than the captain and his hapless crew.

However, the pirates get more than they bargained for when they find themselves head-to-head with the Spanish Armada.