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To Find Treasure in the Mountains
"Soon you’ll be aching for outdoor adventures, too!" -- Foreword Reviews , Starred Review
With sturdy shoes and a sense of adventure, three young children hike through the sparkling woods to find treasure in the mountains. No pirate’s map or magic wand required! Outside, there is always something wonderful just around the bend.
Is that treasure hidden in a hollow old tree trunk? Does treasure gleam near the lizard with the bright blue belly? Can the feathery flight of a great gray owl hint at treasure? Yes, yes, and yes! Because all steps into the wild lead to nature’s treasures. This lovely picture book highlights discoveries and connections that come from sharing time outdoors together.
With sturdy shoes and a sense of adventure, three young children hike through the sparkling woods to find treasure in the mountains. No pirate’s map or magic wand required! Outside, there is always something wonderful just around the bend.
Is that treasure hidden in a hollow old tree trunk? Does treasure gleam near the lizard with the bright blue belly? Can the feathery flight of a great gray owl hint at treasure? Yes, yes, and yes! Because all steps into the wild lead to nature’s treasures. This lovely picture book highlights discoveries and connections that come from sharing time outdoors together.
- GenresNaturePicture Books
32 pages, Hardcover
Published August 16, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 15, 2022
In a world that is progressively pushing us toward technology and screen time, Francine Rockey’s “To Find Treasure in the Mountains” expertly reminds children, and adults alike, of the marvels in nature. This picture book takes readers on a treasure hunt through nature with lush illustrations I could stare at for hours and lyrics that will remind you of the world’s beauty. My favorite is “The lizard’s blue belly soaks / up sunlight like sapphires. / Soak up sunshine with the lizard.” I can imagine this book being a great escape on a rainy day or a great bedtime read in preparation for a hike the next day.
October 5, 2022
As I was reading the gorgeous words and enjoying the delightful art, I kept thinking of the poet Mary Oliver. I was so pleased to see in the author's note at the end that a line from one of Oliver's poems was an inspiration!
June 28, 2022
I love being outdoors but don't spend as much time in nature as I would like. This stunning new picture book reminded me that adventure and treasure lay waiting for me just outside my door. It is a beautiful celebration of nature and each page shows how much there is just laying waiting to be examined, explored, and discovered. I couldn't help thinking of how much beauty there is right here in LA that I often drive by and forget about in my busyness and found myself itching to grab my kids and my shoes and head into the hills near our home. Filled with moving language and stunning illustrations this is the perfect book to inspire littles to get outdoors and experience nature's magic.
May 31, 2022
This special, magical story evokes memories of a time forgotten. A time when joy was discovered and treasured through the innocence and wonderment of a child.
As we follow these children on their journey, the reader is introduced to many varied topics that should lead to discussion with a younger elementary/preschool student. Ideas found in science, natural earth, ecology, preservation, math, relationships, perseverance and more are all touched upon.
We should celebrate all that is around us, as we are blessed to be a minute part of this amazing universe! These children experience this with a “hands-on” approach; a perfect opportunity for children to learn and succeed.
The illustrations in this story are calming, masterful and elegant. The use of color and the imaging of the animals as “clouds” truly stimulate the imagination. Magic just seems to “dance” from page to page!
As the story concludes, the reader feels he has been “gifted” with his very own treasure; a story that will forever remain in his heart!
As we follow these children on their journey, the reader is introduced to many varied topics that should lead to discussion with a younger elementary/preschool student. Ideas found in science, natural earth, ecology, preservation, math, relationships, perseverance and more are all touched upon.
We should celebrate all that is around us, as we are blessed to be a minute part of this amazing universe! These children experience this with a “hands-on” approach; a perfect opportunity for children to learn and succeed.
The illustrations in this story are calming, masterful and elegant. The use of color and the imaging of the animals as “clouds” truly stimulate the imagination. Magic just seems to “dance” from page to page!
As the story concludes, the reader feels he has been “gifted” with his very own treasure; a story that will forever remain in his heart!
April 20, 2022
This lyrical and lovely story teaches children that the treasure to be found in nature is not something that can be dug up or spotted or sifted for. The treasure to be found in nature is the journey in and through it; the magic appears when we enter nature, sit in it, steady our minds, calm our bodies, and connect with the beautiful things around us.
The illustrations in the book perfectly complement the words on each page, and just like when in nature, when sitting with this book, new little treasures pop up on the page the longer you look at it. A brave black bear and steady mountain lion appear in the clouds as children work together to climb a boulder; two baby squirrels curl up in a tree knot on the bottom right of a page as the children look up into a hollowed out tree in the center.
The words on each page of this book guide the reader along a hike through nature. Animals and plants appear next to obstacles the children must climb, traverse and explore. The words and illustrations on the page are sure to transport adult readers back to their first experiences in nature and will most certainly compel us to head back into nature with our children in tow. May our journeys into nature remind us to protect this treasure that is the natural world while compelling our children to do the same.
I can see my children and myself enjoying this book for years to come. Each read will inspire new conversations. Each page turn will offer new delights. This book would make a wonderful gift for anyone who loves beautiful things. A lovely book by a wonderful author and exquisite illustrator.
The illustrations in the book perfectly complement the words on each page, and just like when in nature, when sitting with this book, new little treasures pop up on the page the longer you look at it. A brave black bear and steady mountain lion appear in the clouds as children work together to climb a boulder; two baby squirrels curl up in a tree knot on the bottom right of a page as the children look up into a hollowed out tree in the center.
The words on each page of this book guide the reader along a hike through nature. Animals and plants appear next to obstacles the children must climb, traverse and explore. The words and illustrations on the page are sure to transport adult readers back to their first experiences in nature and will most certainly compel us to head back into nature with our children in tow. May our journeys into nature remind us to protect this treasure that is the natural world while compelling our children to do the same.
I can see my children and myself enjoying this book for years to come. Each read will inspire new conversations. Each page turn will offer new delights. This book would make a wonderful gift for anyone who loves beautiful things. A lovely book by a wonderful author and exquisite illustrator.
February 16, 2025
A sweet and simple message about the true treasures of the natural world. Darling illustrations depict the joy and wonder of youth. The message is completely in line with that of the National Park Services, “take only photos and leave only footprints.” A gentle way to remind young ones to leave the sticks and stones they find in nature.
July 24, 2022
Rockey and Binney capture the treasure--magic--of the outdoors, all while reminding me of my own childhood visiting Yosemite. This book is engaging, beautiful, and resonant. 100% recommend getting this for your little ones! You will not be disappointed.
August 22, 2022
This is a beautifully illustrated picture book to get children interested in nature.
March 19, 2025
Amazing book to read before going on an outdoor treasure hunt or nature walk.
July 10, 2026
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April 4, 2023
Such a gorgeous book that is full of adventure and joy, and inspires the awe and curiosity about nature in all of us!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews