Ariana Treasure: The Missing Book

Ariana Treasure: The Missing Book by Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern and Karen Erasmus (Wombat Books) PB RRP $10.99 ISBN: 9781761111808

Ariana Treasure: The Secret Ingredient by Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern and Karen Erasmus (Wombat Books) PB RRP $10.99 ISBN: 9781761111822

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Ariana Treasure helps her mum in their shop, the Treasure Chest – a thrift shop started by Ariana’s grandfather and specialising in reusable and recyclable goods. Ariana loves their little shop and delights in finding items to help her friends and the community.

In Book 1 of the series, The Missing Book, Ariana’s mother mistakenly sells Ariana’s favourite book. It belonged to her grandfather and was not for sale. Unfortunately, the boy who bought it is in no mood to return it – having just moved house and feeling very upset about having to leave behind his own ‘treasures’.

Book 2, The Secret Ingredient, sees Ariana and her friends, Hunter and Jake, excited for the upcoming food truck competition. The boys’ parents own the Taco Garcia food truck and think they have a good chance of winning – until they come down with a mystery bug.

In writing the Ariana Treasure series – six books in total – author Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern has focused on creating short chapters with a simple plot and one problem to solve, which is perfect for beginning readers. Themes including kindness, sustainability, friendship and teamwork will resonate with this younger audience, and send positive messages in a gentle way.

Karen Erasmus’ black and white illustrations bring the characters to life and focus on transmitting the emotions felt as the story unfolds.

Readers aged 5 to 7 will enjoy solving the relatable problems faced by Ariana and her friends, and the stories are sure to inspire personal connections and deeper conversations about sustainable practices and kindness.  

Ariana Treasure: The Secret Ingredient

Ariana Treasure: The Missing Book by Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern, illustrated by Karen Erasmus (Wombat Books) PB RRP $10.99 ISBN 9781761111808

Ariana Treasure: The Secret Ingredient by Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern, illustrated by Karen Erasmus (Wombat Books) PB RRP $10.99
ISBN 9781761111822

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Ariana Treasure is a new six-book junior fiction series written for newly independent readers. Ariana Treasure is a young girl who helps at her family’s thrift shop called The Treasure Chest. The heartwarming stories set around this thrift shop radiate a great sense of community and kindness while offering a sustainability message that highlights the reuse of pre-loved items.

In book one, The Missing Book, Ariana meets a new family that has just moved to her town. Additionally, Ariana is left saddened when her most prized possession, a precious book that once belonged to her beloved grandpa, goes missing.

In book two, The Secret Ingredient, Ariana’s friends enter a food truck competition and go to The Treasure Chest thrift shop in search of inspiration for a special dish that could help them win.

The Ariana Treasure stories are highly recommended for an audience aged 5 years and older. The books would appeal to young readers who are beginning their chapter book journey as they include a large font size, short chapters, plenty of white space, and monochrome pictures throughout.

The remaining books in the Ariana Treasure series include: The Lucky Shoes, The Lost Frog, The Perfect Day, and The Fundraiser.

Charlie’s Adventures in Hawaii

Charlie’s Adventures in Hawaii by Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern, illustrated by Sophie Norsa (Little Steps Publishing) PB RRP $24.95

ISBN: 9781925117721

Reviewed by Anne Hamilton

There’s just one thing wrong with this picture book. There wasn’t another in the series to go out and buy as soon as I got to the end. Seriously, I was bowled over by the heart-warming charm of this touching story and its lively illustrations—which include a map in a pocket on the inside back cover. Being ‘wowed’ by a travel adventure is not something I expected to happen when I first dipped inside its covers. Maybe it was the word game that was the drawcard. I’m always a sucker for a story that involves wordplay and this one involves a bit of detective work as well!

There’s an aspect of a treasure hunt to the story. As Charlie goes to different parts of the island, he’s taught about significant Hawaiian words. Words like ‘unity’, ‘humility’, ‘kindness’. Once put together, their first letters spell out ‘Aloha’ and his adventure becomes one of learning what makes up the Aloha spirit.

Although the target audience is suggested to be 3–6 years, I suspect the concepts might be better directed to an age group just a tad older, maybe 4–7 years.