I’ve read quite a few children’s adventure books lately, and while Captain Sunshine is a fun little story, I didn’t think it was quite as good as some of the others.

But there is something about this book that I really liked, and it’s something I wish more publishers would pay attention to. The size and style of the print!

When children are learning to read independently, being able to see and follow the words easily is pretty important, yet I wonder how often this is considered when children’s books are being designed.

This book has got this just right. The font is a good size, the lettering is clear, and the chapters are short enough not to feel overwhelming. Add in plenty of illustrations, and you’ve got a book that looks inviting rather than daunting to a young reader.

The story itself follows Bella Day, who has just taken command of the Sunshine, a rather unusual cruise ship filled with animal passengers. Penguins, giraffes, rhinos, and all sorts of characters are on board, and Bella soon discovers that being captain isn’t quite as straightforward as she’d hoped.

Plenty of humour and a little mischief follow as Bella and her crew try to keep everything running smoothly.

It’s an entertaining enough adventure, although for me it didn’t quite have that extra something that makes a book really memorable.

Would I buy it? Yes, particularly for a child aged five to eight who’s just beginning to enjoy chapter books. I think the layout and illustrations would make it a good choice for building reading confidence.

And I really do wish more attention was paid to font size and readability in children’s books. A wonderful story is one thing, but if a child struggles to read the words comfortably, they’re hardly going to enjoy it.

So, while this wasn’t my favourite adventure as the storyline is very familiar, it certainly gets a big tick from me for making reading easier for young children.