Marley's Treasure

by Gable Yerrid, Jennifer Fitzgerald (Illustrator)

Marley is a happy little monkey living in a tropical paradise.  But Marley s life is turned upside down when he discovers a wondrous treasure.  The more he hold on to this treasure, the more unhappy he becomes.  A special visit from a wise old pelican helps Marley realize the greatest treasure of all.

28 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2007

Reviews

[Cherise]

While Marley is enjoying a relaxing evening in his hammock, he spots a golden treasure… bananas. He immediately grabs the bunch and then proceeds to hoard and guard them from his friends. His love for his new treasure soon turns away his pals as he one by one alienates them in order to keep the bananas all to himself.

With the help of a wise old Pelican named, Pete, Marley begins to see the error of his ways. He then realizes his treasures mean nothing if he no longer has good friends to share them with.

This was a cute and quick story with an important lesson about greed, sharing and the gift of giving. I would have rated it a bit higher, but it felt a tad formulaic and while I like my children’s books to teach a lesson, I usually like it to be a little more subliminal.

The illustrations were gorgeous and while I read to my son he would be giggling at the pictures or pointing things out to me. I hope this isn’t the last we will see of Marley and his friends. I think between the story and the illustrations it is a character kids of all ages could enjoy; I know my son and I did.

Cherise Everhard, April 2009

[Sun-Hee Yoon]

This book teaches a young children, perhaps adults too, the importance of finding a true value in our lives: friendship and happiness. It was fun to read, easy to follow for a kindergartener. Marley's realization made my daughter happy as well.