What a Treasure!
ISBN: 0823418960
Format: Hardcover, 24pp
Pub. Date: January 2006
Publisher: Holiday House, Inc.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly
Have shovel, will dig. Such is the simplicity of young Mole's experiences in this warm look at appreciating the small, often unexpected, joys in one's life. Armed with his new shovel and a miner's lighted hardhat, Mole sets to digging for treasure. A twig, a shell and an acorn don't seem to be what he's looking for, but Bird, Snail and Squirrel, respectively, find the items, given to them by Mole, mighty useful. At last, Mole comes upon a treasure of no comparison: a friendly mole digging in the opposite direction. Jane Hillenbrand's debut picture book shines with a feel-good, spare text that goes right to the heart of universal childhood emotions. Will Hillenbrand's (Don't Kiss the Cow) mixed-media artwork exudes a lighthearted tone via boldly outlined shapes and sweetly anthropomorphized characters. The varying textures and hues in his palette add depth and suffuse the proceedings with a happy glow. Ages 3-6. (Mar.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature - Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
Young Mole is just like any young kid. When he gets a new shovel, it is time to dig for treasure. His parents are encouraging and his big brother scornful as he digs on. The twig he unearths is a treasure for a bird building a nest. To a snail, a shell is a treasure for a house. Squirrel is delighted with an acorn for a "delicious dinner." And digging away, Mole is happy to say, "Keep it" to those who exclaim the refrain, "Oh, what a treasure!" Finally Mole is able to shout it himself, as he uncovers another young mole in the hole. For that is something he needs and wants, a friend to keep and join his digging. The text is brief, simple, with repetitions dear to young listeners, and rich descriptive language. Color dominates the simple double-page scenes, with subtle choices used to shape the clothes, birds, foliage, etc. with egg tempera, oil pastel, and ink. Thick black lines outline the anthropomorphic characters, helping contain the smoothly painted details. The low-key visuals allow the young reader/listener to enter and expand the adventure. Do not rush past the endpapers. 2006, Holiday House, Ages 3 to 6.