Best Article Product Reviews

Asking most kids to pick up a book during July or August is like asking them to clean their room or eat their Brussels sprouts. Fortunately
there's a simple solution to the quandary of summer reading lists: Stock them with titles that are fun and challenging and encourage kids to look beyond a book's covers.

"A Treasure's Trove" (Treasure Trove
Inc.) by Michael Stadther is one such book to consider. A beautifully illustrated fairy tale suitable for children of all ages
it became a New York Times best-seller
captured the hearts and imaginations of children and families and
through clues hidden in its pages
inspired a nationwide treasure hunt. At the request of teachers and librarians
the author has read it to children at hundreds of schools throughout North America and at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

The story
which appeals to both boys and girls
takes place in the Great Forest and tells a sweet (and sometimes sad) tale of friendship and greed
good and dark fairies and how love can overcome fear. There is plenty of action and suspense
plus beautiful fairies and romance. The book is all about family values
love and cooperation
loyalty and friendship. It teaches children the importance of saving the forests
about working together to accomplish their goals and that they need not be afraid of the dark.

"This book's value is truly in the words and excitement on the kids' faces
said Katie Mullins, a 3rd grade teacher at Degan Elementary School in Lewisville, Texas.

Now Available:

Free Teachers' Guide & Books

Because children quickly and easily gravitate to the book's characters and themes, teachers asked the author if he could provide additional
Treasure Trove" material for classroom use. In response
A Treasure's Trove Teachers' Guide,
developed in conjunction with a panel of leading educational advisors in the U.S.
is now available for download at www.atreasurestrove.com/schools.

Intended as an enrichment tool
it is chock-full of puzzles and activities in such subject areas as reading comprehension
poetry
music composition
map reading and drawing
problem solving and critical thinking. The first 1
0
educators to register online for the new guide will receive a free copy of "A Treasure's Trove

A Puzzle Book Companion" and the "Official Solution Book to A Treasure's Trove."

In September 2006
the book's sequel
Secrets of the Alchemist Dar,
will be released-this time accompanied by a worldwide treasure hunt. Once again
Stadther will visit schools to read the book to students in grades 3 and up. Teachers and principals interested in having the author visit their schools should sign up early by visiting www.atreasurestrove.com/schools.

"A Treasure's Trove" is available in hard- and softcover at major bookstores and Amazon.com.