What a Treasure! [Paperback]

Jane Hillenbrand (Author), Will Hillenbrand (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Mole has a new shovel and he is digging for buried treasure. But what he finds are treasures for everyone else! He finds a stick and gives it to Bird for his nest. He finds a shell and gives it to Snail for a home. An acorn he gives to Squirrel for his dinner. Finally, he finds a treasure for himself, a friend

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K-Almost everyone loves to dig for treasure, and when Mole gets his new shovel, he starts immediately. He finds a twig, a shell, and an acorn, and it turns out that these things are indeed treasures for Bird, Snail, and Squirrel. But the best one from Mole's point of view appears when he meets up with the tunnel of another mole and makes a new friend. Told with minimal text, this book celebrates friendship while quietly calling attention to the fact that treasure is relative. The simple, rounded cartoon illustrations painted in ice-cream colors with thick, black outlines give the story a very sugary but gentle feel. A supplemental purchase for libraries needing more read-alouds for the youngest audiences.-Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"Shines with a feel-good, spare text that goes right to the heart of childhood emotions." (Publishers Weekly (starred review) )

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House (April 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823420779
• ISBN-13: 978-0823420773
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 9.7 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #622,742 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #97 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Ages 4-8 > Picture Books

More About the Author

Will Hillenbrand has illustrated many beloved picture books, including "Kiss the Cow by Phyllis Root"; "Smash! Mash! Crash! There Goes the Trash!" by Barbara Odanka; and "What a Treasure!" by Jane Hillenbrand. He also wrote and illustrated another Christmas story, "Asleep in the Stable". Will enjoys visiting classrooms to talk about the creative process involved in making a picture book. He lives with his wife, Jane, and their son, Ian, in Terrace Park, Ohio.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars What a Treasure indeed!, September 10, 2006

By 

working toward justice - See all my reviews

This review is from: What a Treasure! (Hardcover)

This book is destined to be a classic with inviting rhythm, magnetic repetition, and a giving spirit. Determined to find a treasure, Mole unearths objects and graciously offers each to a nearby friend who is in need. Happy to continue digging for something he may or may not keep himself, Mole discovers a companion with whom he has much in common. Themes of friendship and generosity abound with subtle reminders of what our world might be like if we shared our resources with one another. Whimsical illustrations delicately complement the sweet, simple structures of language throughout the story that Jane and Will Hillenbrand have kindly offered as a treasure to their readers.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, Delightful Story about the Joy of Friendship!, April 8, 2006

By 

Sandra Richardson "Reading Specialist" (Suttons Bay, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What a Treasure! (Hardcover)

Jane Hillenbrand's story about a mole looking for treasure is certain to delight children of every age. This book is designed for young readers and will appeal to them because of the rhythmic language and beautiful illustrations by children's artist, Will Hillenbrand. For children of all ages, it is an excellent writing prompt with a theme of great importance to every child, the search for friendship. The "treasures" that Mole finds while digging include a twig that is exactly what a bird needs for its nest, a shell that a snail can use for its house, and an acorn that squirrel can eat for dinner. Finally, Mole finds a special treasure for himself, another mole to be his new friend.