Clump, Buckle and Glenys are three newly hatched beetles who want to play pirates- like the children in whose garden they live. Watching the children's games, bossy Glenys decides they will build a pirate ship, and outwit enemies like Blind Black Bart and Wild Jake Tin-Leg. Buckle, too timid to be a good pirate, is put in charge of provisions and sets out in search of food. He is attacked by marauding ants, but fights them off to save the day and find his courage. Clump grumbles all the time, but finally the ship is ready. They set sail in search of pirate gold-but tropical storms threaten the ship, and danger awaits them. Can Red Legs Toby and Captain Fearsome rescue their fellow pirates?