Hidden Treasure

Running Press

Written and Illustrated by Elly MacKay

2021

Find it in a bookstore or library! Indibound Chapters Indigo

KIRKUS - 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)

*Indigo Staff Pick!

"Beautifully captures the thrill of finding natural treasures."—Kirkus Reviews

“The medium perfectly fits the message in this one-of-a-kind book about a girl’s search for wave-washed treasures.”—The New York Times

“[A] sweet tale of hunting—and appreciating—treasure.”—Booklist

Activity: Pop-Up Waves

Materials:

3 sheets of paper (one to fold and cut, one as a backing paper, one for waves)
scissors
ruler
markers,
gluestick

Instructions:

Fold an 8.5x11 inch paper in half.
Measure 1 inch in from each side and 2.5 inches up from the fold.
Cut along each line and fold the middle up.
Push the middle through the centre and close.
Measure 1 inch in from each side along the folded middle crease and one inch up.
Cut through the 2 layers, then fold the new flaps up.
Push the new flaps through the middle. Image 7 shows the back.
Image 8 shows the tiered front.
Cut 2 strips of paper, 2 inches wide x 8.5 inches. Then, cut a wavy edge.
Colour the water strips. Glue the water to the pop up layers.
You could add a person, boat or ball to the scene or maybe your dog! Make sure it doesn’t stick out when you fold the card.
Decorate the sand and sky. Fold another sheet of paper in half and use it as a backing for the card. You could add a note. Here are a few ideas: See you this summer! Meet you at the beach! See you next summer!

*** To see a VIDEO of how to make it, visit my Instagram. ***

I love pop ups! My mom, Joan Irvine wrote books on making pop ups when I was a kid. Check out her books, How to Make Pop-Ups, Super Pop-Ups.