Asking most kids to pick up a book during July or August is like asking them to clean their room or eat their Brussels sprouts. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to the quandary of summer reading lists: Stock them with titles that are fun and challenging and encourage kids to look beyond a book’s covers.
“A Treasure’s Trove” (Treasure Trove, Inc.) by Michael Stadther is one such book to consider. A beautifully illustrated fairy tale suitable for children of all ages, it became a New York Times best-seller, captured the hearts and imaginations of children and families and, through clues hidden in its pages, inspired a nationwide treasure hunt. At the request of teachers and librarians, the author has read it to children at hundreds of schools throughout North America and at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.
The story, which appeals to both boys and girls, takes place in the Great Forest and tells a sweet (and sometimes sad) tale of friendship and greed, good and dark fairies and how love can overcome fear. There is plenty of action and suspense, plus beautiful fairies and romance. The book is all about family values, love...