The Mellops Go Diving for Treasure

by Tomi Ungerer

When Mr Mellops discovers a family treasure map he takes his sons on a maritime adventure. Before they know it, the Mellops are dodging a giant octopus, exploring an undersea wreck and digging for treasure. But will the Mellops find treasure of another kind? Reissued in English to inspire and delight a new generation of children.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Maps, International

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1957

About the author

Jean-Thomas "Tomi" Ungerer was a French illustrator best known for his erotic and political illustrations as well as children's books.

Reviews

[Maureen Milton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, as I often do older titles that demand some sustained attention from the reader. First published (in French?) in 1978, "The Mellops Go Diving for Treasure" has the excellent complexity of plot often lacking in modern picture books. Alas, it also lacks any role for female characters beyond dutiful mother and merpig. Perhaps the adult reader/English major/librarian could ask the child about how the characters (all pigs) might be different if they were written today.

Nonetheless, the story contains Mr. Mellops's long-lost ancestor's note & map, prompting Mr. Mellops & his four sons to take to the sea in search of lost treasure "at that place where to water is not too deep." Adventure ensues, including "a very dangerous octopus," a merpig, storms at sea, shipwreck, treasure-seeking, rescue and taxes, all met with resourcefulness and aplomb by the intrepid Mellops.

"'But one does such things for the adventure rather than the money....'"

[Debby · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Mellop family, pigs, find a treasure map, go looking for it, find it, but don't retain much after taxes and paying for the boat they had rented that sunk.

Kind of a different story, but trite ending. Illustrations so-so.

[Freddie D · Rating 2 out of 5]

This cute little story was first published over 60 years ago in German. It's quite a layered story, with a long and detailed plot. But I often struggle with international children's books as I feel like some of the magic is often lost in translation.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great funny story about pigs going off to find treasure - it has a moral to the tale, that fortune isn't as important as being safe and sound at home. Good to read aloud to year 1 - year 6

[Denise Kruse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing art and story.

[Tyrone Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Mellops go Diving for Treasure,” by Tomi Ungerer is a fiction story about a family of adventurous pigs. The adventourous family includes: a dad, four brothers, and his sweet wife who stays behind. The father and his boys go on a treasure hunt down in the Carribean. After finding the treasures, the expenses of getting the treasure burns up all the money from the adventure. Oh well, the dad says some things are meant to be done only in fun. The book shows how an amount of money can be reduced from a large amount several times all the way down to nothing. This is great for Kindergartners and 1st graders, and can be used in life science introduction as there are octupuss and different shell fish in the story as well.

[Rodopa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice story which has adventure, danger, more adventure and real world understanding of actions (you have a treasure, but nothing to spend it on, for example). This book can grow with a child since it has many many intertwined themes (exploration, naval history, real world problem of taxes and paying back for something you have broken, issues of safety from wild animals, storms, etc).

[Elizabeth Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tomi Ungerer brilliance!!

[KayeC Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Mellops book. It's a great book and adorable. I love Ungerer's take on the pig in his Mellops series. And the story is a safe one to share with any child.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mellops are the coolest family by far!