If you need books for your new chapter book readers, this series is great! The Wind Rider is an old boat that transports Max and his friend, Sophia, to Scotland. There is a book in the lower level of the boat that flips to the map and information about the area as in the other titles. There is a chest that magically has exactly what they will need to help, though they don't know at first what that will be this time. They meet Maisie who has lost her late grandma's fishing boat in this big storm. After the storm when the 3 kids go to get the boat, they find there is an oil leak that will endanger local wildlife. I love the way the kids use STEAM-like thinking to solve the problem and save the animals!
Jen Marlin's story is strong in plot, but light in characterization. The chapters are short with great white space to support new chapter book readers and Marta Kissi's illustrations on nearly every page support the readers, as well. With the bonus of geographical and environmental connections, this series is a first purchase for my schools!