________________ CM . . . . Volume VIII Number 10 . . . . January 18, 2002

cover Elliot Digs for Treasure. (An Elliot Moose Story).

Andrea Beck.
Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 2001.
32 pp., pbk., $12.95.
ISBN 1-55074-806-8.

Subject Headings:
Elliot Moose (Fictitious character)-Juvenile fiction.
Treasure-trove-Juvenile fiction.

Preschool-grade 1 / Ages 3-6.

Review by Gail Hamilton.

*** /4

excerpt:

Angel peered in from above.

"Did you find the treasure?" she called eagerly.

In her excitement, she leaned too far and fell tip over tail into the hole!

"This hole is very deep," she said as she dusted herself off.

"Are you sure there's really treasure here?"

"Of course!" said Elliot proudly. "I found this map. See the big X? An X always means treasure."

Young fans of the delightful Elliot Moose will enjoy this book, the fifth in a series. When Elliot finds a map with an "X" on it, he mistakenly believes that the symbol must stand for treasure. So, he finds the spot and starts to dig a hole. Soon some of his friends come along to help. As the hole gets deeper, the group finds a variety of objects, but, alas, no treasure. Later, Elliot and his friends realize that the map actually shows the spot where their other pal, Lionel, intends to plant a tree. They also realize that they are stuck in the deep hole they've dug. Putting their problem-solving skills to good use, they soon find a way out and visit Lionel, showing him the "treasures" they have unearthed - a sparkly rock, an ancient coin, a rare tin whistle and a toy truck - one for each of the treasure-hunters.

     Several themes - friendship, cooperation, sharing and problem-solving - are subtly woven through the book. The text is simple and infused with touches of humour. Beck's bright and colourful trademark illustrations of Elliot and his buddies are absolutely adorable and are sure to appeal to youngsters.

Highly Recommended.

Gail Hamilton is a teacher-librarian at Bird's Hill School in East St. Paul, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364

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