The Squirrel and the Lost Treasure
on Goodreads (201)
What’s inside...
In a lush forest filled with secrets, a clever squirrel named Hazel embarks on a daring quest to find the legendary treasure that once belonged to the ancient woodland creatures. Along the way, Hazel learns valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the true meaning of treasure. One autumn evening, Hazel spots an acorn glinting on the forest floor. Eager to protect her treasure, she buries it deep in the forest. However, when she returns after winter, her acorn is missing. As Hazel searches for her lost acorn, she experiences growth, new life, and finds hope in unexpected places. Coralie Bickford-Smith beautifully depicts nature at its most majestic through vivid and patterned illustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-17
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the squirrel learned about sharing and friendship?
Why is it important to help others, like the squirrel helped his friends in the story?
How did you feel when the squirrel found the lost treasure?
What would you have done if you were in the squirrel's place?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult decision like the squirrel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, which helps the child connect emotionally with the story.
Ask the child to predict what might happen next at various points in the book to stimulate critical thinking.
Relate the story’s themes to the child’s own experiences to make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Encourage the child to draw or act out their favorite part of the story, deepening their understanding and recall of the narrative.
Focus on the feelings of the characters and ask your child to share when they have felt the same way.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and sharing
Explanation: In the story, the Squirrel learns to share the lost treasure with other forest creatures, understanding that joy can be multiplied by sharing with others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to share their toys, treats, or attention with friends and siblings, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: The Squirrel and his friends work together to solve the mystery of the lost treasure, demonstrating that collaboration can lead to achieving great things which would be difficult to accomplish alone.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of cooperating in group activities at school, sports teams, or during group projects, enhancing their social and cooperative skills.
Example Lesson: Courage to explore and try new things
Explanation: The adventure in finding the lost treasure shows the Squirrel venturing into unknown areas of the forest, which teaches bravery and curiosity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore new subjects, participate in new activities, and ask questions about the world around them, promoting intellectual and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the Squirrel and his friends face various challenges and obstacles that require them to think critically and solve problems to move forward.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital for children to apply in their studies to overcome academic challenges and in daily life to navigate various difficulties effectively.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The story's setting in a lush forest filled with diverse creatures highlights the beauty and importance of preserving natural environments.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of environmental conservation and are encouraged to engage in activities that support the health and sustainability of the planet.