Searching for Treasure

Searching for Treasure (Allen & Unwin) Johanna Bell & Emma Long PB RRP $24.99 9781761180682

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

From award-winning creators Johanna Bell and Emma Long, this gorgeous read-aloud celebrates the joy of discovery. A walk along the beach becomes a wondrous, creative adventure.

Johanna Bell lives in Tasmania, writes fiction and runs a community art business called Story Projects. She is the author of Colour Catchers, and Hope is the Thing. She is also the co-author of the award-winning bestsellers Too Many Cheeky Dogs, Go Home Cheeky Animals! and Cheeky Dogs: To Lake Nash and Back. Emma Long regularly exhibits her work in group and solo exhibitions across the Northern Territory. Her illustrations are inspired by the fresh, raw beauty of nature and she feels most at home in the bush with a brush in hand. She lives in Darwin with her husband and children.

Searching for Treasure invites young readers to explore beachcombing's wonders and discover natural treasures along the high tide line.

Johanna Bell has written Searching for Treasure in a way that appeals to very young and older children. The large, sparse text invites children to explore the illustrations visually and through the hidden smaller text, which includes fascinating facts about the natural treasures found along the high tide line. Searching for treasure on the high tide line. One step, two steps, what can you find? I can almost hear a parent saying this to a child as they explore the beach together, which is exactly the book's intention. I love the repeat refrain what can you find? —it works well.

Bell has given plenty of space for the illustrations to convey a wealth of information, making it feel as though you truly are on the beach. Cleverly, the very small factual text hidden within the illustrations allows readers to feel like they too are making discoveries. The ending is perfect: "Quick! Catch up! Don’t get left behind!" Time flies by when you're searching for treasure, and this sense of urgency is captured beautifully.

Emma Long's detailed illustrations add a magical layer of wonder and exploration. She brings the beach and its treasures to life with rich illustrations in life-like colours, gorgeous coastal landscapes and intricate depictions of the natural world. This makes the reader feel like they are searching for high-tide treasure on the beach. The illustrations cleverly integrate hidden elements, with smaller text tucked into the visuals that offer fascinating facts about the objects found along the tide line. This allows children to engage with the story on multiple levels through images and informative titbits.

The use of space is thoughtful, and the addition of smaller page inserts creates an immersive beachcombing experience while still guiding the reader's eye to the hidden discoveries. The book ends with a surprising and glorious gatefold finale that is visually breathtaking. Long's illustrations make this an engaging and interactive picture book experience for young readers.

Searching For Treasure is a picture book that brings to life the joy of fossicking for beach treasure. It informs and creates beach wonder. This magical book is suitable for children 3 years and older. It will appeal to children, teachers and librarians and anyone who loves the beach.