Bad luck hits the ship, the 'Golden Duck' when, during a storm, the captain's wooden leg is broken, Polly Parrot is hit by lightning and loses all her feathers and Nell loses her only bandanna.

While they are anchored by a small island for repairs, Sam goes ashore to find supplies. He finds a bag of coins which he keeps secret from everyone else. When they set sail again, he is torn between wanting to buy things for himself or wanting to buy things for his friends. When they reach the mainland shops, what will Sam choose to do?

The books in the 'Pirates to the Rescue' series are designed to help children to recognise the virtues of generosity, honesty, politeness and kindness. Reading these books with children will help them to understand that their actions and behaviour have a real effect on people around them. The books will help young readers to recognise what is right and wrong and what to do when faced with difficult choices.

Notes for parents, guardians and teachers are included at the end of the story to help give starting points for discussion and follow-up activities to help encourage positive behaviour.