When you open up the pages of this delightful story, many will be looking into their own reality. Do you have little ones at home who are “treasure” collectors? Were you a “treasure” collector when you were a child? One of the ultimate joys of childhood is finding the treasure in ordinary objects, objects some may consider to be trash but you can see the delight and usefulness of the little shiny objects.

In Jon-Erik Lappano and Kellen Hatanaka’s new picture book Maggie’s Treasure, Maggie is a treasure hunter. Like many other children she collects all the bits and bobs she finds in her neighbourhood. Unlike other children, Maggie takes her collecting to the extreme, collecting so much treasure it over runs her house and leaves nothing for the sanitation workers to collect. Like any ingenious child she figures out a way to solve her overcollecting problem and make the world a little more sparkly. This book is about creativity and ingenuity. It also has lovely undertones of environmentalism, inspiring young readers to collect treasures of their own and turn them into something even more wonderful to share.

Jon-Erik Lappano is a master of words. This story’s rhythm, flow and language is such a treat to the ears. Phrases like “Haunted by regret” fill the pages. I truly love when an author chooses descriptions and words that are not oversimplified and treat the reader as an equal. There are times when simplified language is justified but this story deserved the beautiful words from Jon-Erik Lappano.

Kellen Hatanaka’s illustrations are unusual and brilliantly strange. When you look at them closely there are so many hilarious moments within each page. Check out the Mayor and his assistant at the end of the story, priceless!! Such a wonderfully different illustrative style to add to your shelves.