Hidden Treasure

by Pamela Allen

After claiming the treasure that he and his brother haul out of the ocean, Herbert spends the rest of his life fearfully guarding it from possible thieves.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Pamela Kay Allen MNZM AM, born in 1934 in Devonport, New Zealand, is a celebrated children's author and illustrator.
Since the release of her first book, Mr. Archimedes' Bath, in 1980, she has written and illustrated over 50 picture books, selling over five million copies. Renowned for works like Who Sank the Boat?.
Allen has received numerous accolades, including the Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award and the Margaret Mahy Medal. Her books have been adapted for the stage and are beloved worldwide. Now residing in Auckland, she remains an icon in children's literature.

Reviews

[معصومه توکلی · Rating 5 out of 5]

عنوان ترجمه فارسی: هربرت و هری

[Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a creative story, if I could give it ten stars I would. It tells us a good lesson about what really makes us happy, and we get to see the story of the two brothers, through the story and very very good pictures. The pictures told the story mostly.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with my grade ones. What a great book for springboarding discussion about all sorts of things! What we value, what treasure can be, wjat does a wasted life look like. Also, exploring author's intentions and the purposes of narratives.

[Sue Winson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The message of this book is powerful and so relevant to our present life. This is a book that can be enjoyed by both adults and children, and leaves us so much to think about. 22-month old Little-AJ doesn't mind looking at the illustrations and listening to the story, but this book is definitely not his favourite. This book is serious and has some solemn lessons to convey. I would probably love this book more if it is written in a more light-hearted and funnier way (although this might defeat the purpose of teaching a serous lesson to the readers).

(Spoiler ahead) Two brothers fished together one day, when they found great treasure. Herbert pushed Harry into the sea and rowed the treasure to a lonely stretch of coast. So began the solitary life of Herbert, carrying with him a very heavy load of treasure, and an even heavier fear that the treasure might get stolen away. He built a tunnel, equipped himself with ammunitions, and spent his entire life guarding the treasure. In comparison, Harry, who had no treasure, lived a happy life with kids and grandchildren.

I like the comparison of two lives that turn out differently due to a conscious decision and deliberate action of one self and another. The circumstances are true and relevant. It's rare to see a children literature dealing with such a complicated matter, yet the story is so simple it can be easily understood by children of very young age.

Blog review here: https://storypleasemummy.wordpress.co...

[UKii · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, it’s more like a fable. After reading this book, my children can tell Harry lives more happily than Herbert. They might still be too young to understand the relationship between wealth and life. This story is educational and inspiring with classic style of illustration.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cautionary tale about letting "treasure" rule your life to such an extent that you don't have a life anymore. Two brothers find a treasure chest while out fishing. One brother shoves the other into the water and makes off with the chest. He spends the rest of his life guarding the treasure and himself, while the brother who was shoved into the water lives a happy life filled with love, laughter, children, etc.

Okay illustrations. Nothing fancy.

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful piece of children's literature that sparks philosophical discussions about what we value, what we owe to each other, and what could be the consequences of our actions. I was lucky enough to discuss this book with a group of five-year-olds last month, and was blown away by their insights.

[Thomas Hobbs-Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pamela Allen is known for writing children’s books and this is a book made for children however this book has a deep message which can benefit adults as well

[Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has short words.