The journey begins on the endpapers, with an invitation to two children from their Great-Aunt Martha.
Jill and Ralph set out for a weekend visit to her house full of curious things from around the world.
When they arrive, Jill and Ralph are told their aunt has been unexpectedly called away, but she's left them a treasure hunt which will let them explore the house room by room.
There are clues on each double page spread which tell the children to find a specific item.
While doing so, there is lots of culture and history in the house to uncover -- and information about Great-Aunt Martha, too!
Readers can join the treasure hunt and lift flaps in the book which hide information about items like an old telephone, a grandfather clock, artwork, and different items of furniture. There are more than 50 flaps in all, and be careful as they are well hidden, and could be a little difficult to lift -- they are not suitable for young children.
Great-Aunt Martha's bedroom is a treasure trove of clothes and personal items, while the library has books galore, including some extra special ones.
Other rooms to explore include the kitchen, bathroom, living room, dining room, music room, toy room, and conservatory. There's also a cabinet of curiosities, an art gallery, and hall of inventions. Great-Aunt Martha's house is like a museum!
There are many historical facts hidden behind the flaps (I learnt a lot!), and at the end of the book there's a surprise twist for Jill and Ralph, and readers, too.
The illustrations in Treasure Hunt House are intricate and engrossing. There is plenty to see, and re-reading will probably uncover things you missed the first time around. The book's design as a whole is special, with a lovely embossed hardcover.
Treasure Hunt House will inform and entertain, and should be an enjoyable experience for readers in middle to upper primary school, especially those who enjoy history or trivia.
Title: Treasure Hunt House
Author: Kate Davies
Illustrator: Becca Stadtlander
Publisher: Quarto Group UK, $27.99
Publication Date: August 2018
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781847809582
For ages: 7-11
Type: Junior fiction
