Key to the Treasure

Liza, Bill & Jed Mysteries #1

by Peggy Parish

Each summer Liza, Bill, and Jed visit their grandparents, and they hear the story of the sketches hung above the mantel. The sketches are clues to a hidden treasure, and no one has been able to figure them out for a century. There is a missing first clue, but when the children stumble upon the second clue, they're on their way. Could it be that on this visit they will solve the secret that has eluded so many for more than a hundred years?.

Genres: Mystery, Childrens, Fiction, Middle Grade, School, Young Adult, Family

154 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

Peggy Parish was the author of the children's story series Amelia Bedelia. The series was continued, after her sudden death from an aneurysm, by her nephew Herman Parish. Peggy attended the University of South Carolina and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

Herman honored Peggy's life in his book, Good Driving, Amelia Bedelia, by writing in its dedication: "For Peggy Parish, the real Amelia Bedelia."

-Wikipedia

Reviews

[Luisa Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you know that Peggy Parish wrote books other than Amelia Bedelia? Well she did, and the Liza, Bill & Jed Mysteries are just great! In fact, these were some of my favorite and earliest reads from my childhood!

Something always exciting happens when Jed and the twins go to their grandparents for the summer. Grandpa tells them an old family story and, coincidentally, one of the kids finds a clue. Then it's all a mad race through the house, barn, fields and the like to put the clues together and solve the family riddle. They're always full of mystery, creaky attics, and fun explorations along the way. I definitely idolized their summer adventures and I know your young readers will too!

Ages: 5 - 10

Cleanliness: the kids squabble occasionally but always apologize and/or make up.

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[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 1966 puzzle mystery by the author of the Amelia Bedelia series. Three quintessentially WASPy children search for buried Indian treasure while spending summer vacation at their grandparents' farm. The book sounds kind of like an eight year-old wrote it, but in a way that's perfect for an eight year-old to read.

I disliked the underlying message that "Indians are people who used to live here and now don't--wonder how that happened?--but gee, it sure is cool that they left behind nifty artifacts for European Americans to enjoy!" . . . which is inaccurate and problematic in so many ways. On the other hand, I thought Parish's construction of the mystery and fun, solvable codes were wonderful. In sum, I would recommend this to a young kid, but only on the express condition that we have a long conversation about Indian stereotypes.

[Talia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book back in the mid-80s when I was in third grade. This is one of the few series I've kept from my childhood. Since it's a rainy day, I thought it might be fun to give it a go (considering I started this series on a rainy day as a child). I read this series countless times during my elementary school years, but I haven't touched these books in almost 20 years. Yes, they're dated. They're simple. But, they're still fun and they bring back fond memories.

What's interesting to me now, as an adult, is to realize that I read them 20 years after they were published and still found them interesting. They were resissued five years ago, so there still must be a reading base for them with today's children. That's fantastic! Also interesting is that they were written by Peggy Parrish who most people know as the Amelia Bedelia author.

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 2 out of 5]

Peggy Parish, better known for her Amelia Bedelia books, turned her hand to children’s mysteries, and Key to the Treasure is the first Liza, Bill & Jed Mystery. (It says so right on the front cover.)

Released in 1966, it’s the sort of book they don’t write anymore — and I don’t mean that in a good way. In the case of the Moomintrolls, The Railway Children, The 101 Dalmatians, the Penny Parker mysteries, The Children of Noisy Village, Emil and the Detectives, and Bunnicula, I feel the loss of the sort of clever writing and intuitive understanding of children those authors conveyed — something hard to find in this day of data-driven mass marketing. But Key to the Treasure belongs more to the category of books that no longer make it to bookstore shelves because they insult 8-year-olds’ intelligence. It’s hard to believe there was ever a market for such simpering dialogue and transparently obvious plots.

[Jacob Dinh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book because I liked the part where they found the key with a heart . The part I did not like was when
Timothy got the key. My favorite character was gran and grandpa. I learned how to be a better reader like my mom. Also I learned to never give up.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books as a kid. Indeed, if an original copy exists still at the Amesbury Library, I would bet my name is on that old checkout system more than anyone else’s!

[Amber Scaife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three siblings spending the summer with their grandparents decide to try to solve the family mystery that their grandpa has been telling them about every summer since they can remember: his great-grandfather hid treasures for his father and siblings, handed down from an old Native American woman who used to live in a cabin nearby: a scary old mask, a deerskin doll and a warrior's shield. The great-grandfather left to fight in the civil war, never returned, and the treasure remained undiscovered.
The only clue they have is a painting hanging over the mantle, which depicts a headdress, a clay pot, a key and a question mark.
This was one of my absolute favorite books when I was a kid; I read it over and over and over again. I was so excited to read it to Charlie, and found that I still love it as an adult.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book as a child, and read it many times. I just finished reading it with my 7-year-old, who enjoyed it as much as I did. The story is about three kids who solve a number of puzzles and clues in order to find a treasure of family legend. The puzzles were a bit of a challenge for my son, but he found it exciting to try and solve them himself. To a modern reader, parts of the book are rather quaint and old-fashioned: the dated language the characters use, the idyllic setting on the sweet and wonderful grandparents' farm, kids who are self-motivated to entertain themselves without electronic devices... I don't think my son noticed any of those kinds of things though, he was totally engrossed in the story and the mystery.

[Jeff Koeppen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've got a few books that I really enjoyed as a kid and this is one of them. I remember this being read to me in 4th Grade by Ms. Gunderson. I have the 1966 hard cover.

In Key to the Treasure the three Roberts siblings discover a long since unsolved mystery while spending three months over the summer with their grandparents. It seems their grandfather's grandfather created a full-blown treasure hunt using real Native American artifacts that he acquired from a Native neighbor friend from way back; but, because their grandfather's mother accidently washed the first clue in some pants, the treasure hunt was never even started. There was no where to begin.

Well, the kids stumble on to the first clue and off they go.

I remember why I liked it so much as a kid: we have a neat mystery, its easy to read and follow along, fast-moving plot, bickering siblings, and neat rural setting. Reminds one of being a kid and just monkeying around outside all day without any electronics or contact with parents. Dated to be sure, but still a fun read.

[KerryT · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little mystery! The children were very normal. They loved their grandparents. They worked together to solve an old mystery. This is an easy read for young readers and one that will keep them reading until the end. I was surprised at how much I liked this little book. Maybe it’s because I’m a grandmother. This is a keeper!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a kid and loved it (this kind of chapter mystery + Happy Hollisters + Bobbsey Twins etc kindled a love of mysteries that is still holding strong at age 30), and reading this to my own kids was SO FUN because it's held up and they too loved it.

[Phil J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peggy Parish stretched herself on this dated mystery novel. I loved it in 2nd grade, and my kindergartner enjoys it today.

Three very waspy kids solve a series of word puzzle clues hidden by their great great grandfather. They decode each clue to find the next clue and encounter a number of minor obstacles, such as a mean goose that chases them.

The scenes of the kids dancing around in Indian headdresses do not age well. The prose is very bland. Still, I can't help enjoying the puzzley mystery plot. It's a good ride if you're not too picky.

[Hannah Holida · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great kids book. My grandmother gave me it when for a birthday a few years ago. The copy was made in 1966 and had my father's name and the year he read it written in it. Now I'm reading it to my nephew and he loves the "silly mask" AKA the ferocious looking mask used to scare away evil spirits. Anyway if you can get your hands on the older copy the illustrations are great! All together I will treasure this book for years to come!

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Granted, I probably haven't read this since I was 11 or so, but this was one of my favorite books when I was young. Imagine how very surprised I was today to discover that there were actually a whole bunch of children's mystery books featuring these kids! Anyway, if you've got a kid, get this for them to read.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was in the 4th grade this was my absolute favorite book. I longed for grandparents with puzzles hidden in their house!

[Kira Stahly · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was extremely outdated and used incorrect terminology and racist ideas towards Native Americans. Please skip reading this with children.

[Tisha (IG: Bluestocking629) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun mystery!

This book was released before I was born although I somehow never read it. I remember reading Yearling Books all the time as a child too!

This story revolves around three siblings at their grandparents house for summer vacation. The mystery is finding a hidden treasure that has been missing for ages.

While predictable I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about three kids who are visiting their grandparents and come upon a mystery. This book was written in the 60's and felt very wholesome to me. There is some squabbling between the siblings but at one point the kids ask if they can help clean up after dinner and I felt that helpfulness really refreshing. It felt different than the books that are more current. I really enjoyed the different puzzles in the book and I think children reading this would have fun trying to solve the puzzles themselves. I was very invested in solving the mystery and read this very quickly (it's a pretty short book).

[Bridgette Larson · Rating 3 out of 5]

My students really enjoyed the book and the clues. Me personally, it was ok.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Mom bought this book at a yardage around 1971ish. I was so excited when my third grade teacher read it to the class! Loved it then and still love it today.

[Alyssa Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book in my Grandmother’s house and I was so happy to see it again! It’s been 30 years and I still love it. Nostalgia overload.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book as a little girl. I remember reading it over and over, hungry to reimagine the clues Liza, Bill, and Jed were discovering. After having just read it with my 7-year-old son, I can say that the story passes the test of time. The characters (10- and 11-year-old children) are sweet and flawed--realistic--and the plot is mesmerizing, allowing the reader to piece together the mystery as the characters do. I'm so very thankful for this particular piece of Peggy Parish's legacy; it was a joy to read myself and then again with my son.

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book so much when I was a kid that it's falling apart now. I used to spend a lot of time on my grandma's farm, and I would actually make up games based on the book so that my younger cousins could find their own treasure!

[Hokomoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading this to my son. As each time I've read it to a child (or had it read to me,) it holds up perfectly. The kids maintain dignity even while there are expectations of them in the surrounding (and very supportive) adult world. Highly recommended.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite childhood reads. :D

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars -- My biggest mistake in reading this was in reading it right after a Henry Huggins book. Peggy Parish of Amelia Bedelia fame is obviously a beloved author in her own right, but by reading one of her lesser known (at least for me) mysteries right after a Beverly Cleary story, I made perhaps unfair comparisons. Personally, I prefer Cleary's writing style. Many times I felt that Parish's words did not flow as readily from sentence to sentence or scene to scene. Also, while Cleary's Henry is not perfect, he attempts to correct his wrongs, which is character building. I do not feel that Parish wanted a similar result for her own characters. Disregarding these complaints, though, I still enjoyed this mystery.

Jed, Bill, & Liza are siblings who have returned to their grandparents' house for the summer. They obviously love their time there as much as their grandparents love having them. The focus of this story is a picture that has hung over the fireplace for five generations. In four panels, the picture contains hints to the locations of four clues that will lead to a treasure of American Indian artifacts. This treasure was hidden by the siblings' great-great grandfather before he rode off to fight in the Civil War. When he never returned, the treasure was lost. The story includes the background of the Indian artifacts and how the family got them, as well as the fact that the majority of them are now in a museum. The panels in the picture are drawings of an Indian bonnet, a small Indian clay pot, an old key with an unusual hook on the end, and a question mark. The siblings decide to try to solve the mystery when a lucky accident leads them to the first official clue.

I really enjoyed the puzzles that Parish includes as part of the mystery, and I liked that the siblings work together to solve it. I did not like the actions of one sibling in particular, Bill. He is disrespectful on more than one occasion to other characters and to history. While his siblings protest, there are no consequences nor adult intervention, which I was not a fan of. This is the first in a six-book mystery series involving the same characters. The second is in my library. I will be interested to see if these characters grow like Henry Huggins.

[Marshan Alma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book as a child. I actually think it was my first chapter book. I probably read it 10 times. I pulled it out to read it to my kids. They took one look at it and said it was going to be boring. I felt like the grandpa on the The Princess Bride movie persisting that they just give it a try. They gave it a chance, and they fell in love with it just as I did as a child. Every time I stopped at the end of the chapter to put the book away, they ended up begging for more. We finished it in three days. I was so thrilled that they loved it as much as I did when I was a kid.
PS. I didn’t really as a child that it was written by Peggy Parish, author of the Amelia Bedelia books. What’s funny is my favorite books before I read this were the Amelia Bedelia books! Peggy Parish was an excellent author!

[Elizabeth Castro · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am always on the hunt for easy reading books for my "reluctant reader." The "Key to the Treasure," is a book I will not be passing on to my child.
I picked up on the disrespect given to Native American artifacts, dancing, and making horrible faces, and wearing horrible scary "Indian masks," and thought, no thanks. I realize Peggy Parish wrote in a different time period and we now know this is wrong.
But on the other hand, The "Key to the Treasure," has too many needless words, droning on and on. The story could have been fun and should have been written in a shorter fashion such as her Amelia books. I can't imagine the Amelia Bedelia author writing this book. It doesn't seem up to her standards.

[librarian4Him02 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why I picked it up: I was looking through my bookshelves for short, quick reads in order to bring up my total. It was a book my husband read growing up and looked like a fun read.

Why I kept reading: it was a simple fast-paced plot, which is just about my speed at the moment.

In the end: I can definitely see how this wold appeal to children graduating into longer chapter books. It’s got puzzles the reader an solve along with the characters which makes it somewhat interactive. It would serve as a good stepping stone into more advanced puzzle solving mysteries and/or fantasies such as the Dark is Rising series. Definitely recommend to fans of books with puzzles to solve or those looking for something light and fun during these weird ties we’re all living through.

[Alva · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ My fourth grader read this earlier this year which came highly recommended by her Nonna. So I decided to read it too. This was a quick and easy mystery, perfect for young readers. Siblings Jed, Bill and Liza spend every summer vacation with their grandparents, and they love hearing the story of the picture that is above the mantle. A picture of 4 hand drawn sketches made by grandpa’s grandfather- that are actually clues to a treasure that he left for his three children before going off to fight in the Civil War. Unfortunately, the very first clue to where the treasure was hidden was accidentally ruined so his children were never able to find the treasure. That is until Jed, Bill and Liza fortuitously find the first clue!