(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Iain McIntosh. In this latest story about the School Ship Tobermory, students and teachers head to Australia, where they plan to take place in a sailing race. Adventures ensue, including running out of water three days from land, encountering deadly crocodiles, and rescuing a stranded boy. Smith's tone is engaging throughout, and the interplay among the characters feels authentic. McIntosh's expressive pen-and-ink illustrations heighten the drama.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Iain McIntosh. The sequel to School Ship Tobermory follows the diverse international boarding-school ship as it sails from Scotland to the Caribbean. The children befriend and help a local boy and all work together to thwart modern-day pirates. Bullies and bad guys exist at sea and on land in the rollicking sailing adventure reminiscent of Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons series.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Iain McIntosh. After being homeschooled on their parents' research submarine, twelve-year-old twins Fee and Ben MacTavish choose to attend a nautical boarding school aboard the ship Tobermory. Surrounded by diverse new friends and new ways of life, they quickly get swept up in a mystery at sea. Equal parts classic sea adventure and boarding school story, the lively series-opener includes crosshatched illustrations. Glos.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen