Hidden Treasure

May 1, 2021
A confident kid invites readers to join in a hunt for treasure. The protagonist, a kid with long, straight, dark hair and tan skin, heads to the bay with Papa and their dog. The beach there, the protagonist promises readers, is full of hidden bounty ripe for discovery. On the way, they pass a shop that sells souvenirs that some might consider treasure. The protagonist assures readers, though, that treasure is always best when we find it for ourselves. The child first searches the sand, uncovering some beach stones, and then in the water, discovering what might be a whale's tooth. Diving into the cold water, the kid finds everything from a rusty key to a bubble wand. Some of the treasures espied, like cocoons, must be left behind, the mere observation a joy in and of itself. When it is time to go, the narrator must decide what treasure is worth taking with her--and what's best left to the beach. The book's soft, warm pastel palette and MacKay's trademark diorama technique together create the feeling of a hazy, lazy day on the beach. The lyrical text is enjoyable at the line level, employing rich vocabulary and a flowing and natural rhyme scheme. The meditative narrative clearly communicates the importance of valuing and respecting nature without ever being pedantic or preachy. Beautifully captures the thrill of finding natural treasures. (Picture book. 3-6)

COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

June 1, 2021
Preschool-Grade 2 In this sweet tale of hunting--and appreciating--treasure, a girl, her father, and their dog set out for the beach. The girl is not looking for pirate gold, however; her riches are shells, stones, feathers, and other intriguing items the sea has swallowed. MacKay's multilayered illustrations combine elements so that some parts appear painted and some collaged, while some incorporate textures, such as plastic wrap, to create the sea. The girl appreciates each discovery, then sorts through them to decide what she can borrow. A subtle environmental message is conveyed that everything belongs to nature and that the girl will keep special pieces only for a short time. A slight twist comes at the conclusion, with the day ending and the girl and her father walking home hand in hand, as she makes a different discovery. "When I'm here, I feel like a queen. So I think I know what treasure means. I love my rocks and feathers, too. But what I treasure most . . . is you."

COPYRIGHT(2021) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.