Ariana is a kind, clever and always optimistic
problem-solver. Her mum trusts her implicitly.
Alex Baker and his mum are new in town. Mrs Treasure meets them and asks them to pop in and have a look around the store.
Ariana has a favourite book inscribed by her late Grandpa, which they read together constantly.
When mum inadvertently sells the book, Ariana is desperate to get it back.
But there must be an exchange for it. What can Ariana give to get her book back?
Will the person who bought it be willing to return it?
This is the first in a six-book series with a problem to solve in each story. The themes here are fitting in, a new place, making friends, and families.
This series has accessible vocabulary in large,
easy-to-read print, perfect for early readers. The main characters become
familiar as they appear in each book.
Delightful fine-lined black and white illustrations by Karen Erasmus perfectly complement the prose.
In Ariana Treasure: The Secret Ingredient, Bk #2, brothers Hunter and Jake Garcia burst into the Treasure Chest. They are searching for inspiration to take part in the Food Truck competition.
Full of excitement, they rattle off all the things their truck provides, but they are not the cooks. There is no harmony between them when they try to cook, and everything goes wrong.
A talented chef will be the judge. The boys are determined to win the prize. But how?
On Wednesday donations are delivered to the shop. There are cooking items but no inspiration. Mr Garcia has a light bulb moment and heads for home.
In the donation box, Mum discovers a book with a no-bake
recipe that Ariana had made with her grandpa.
When Mr and Mrs Garcia suddenly get sick, the boys must step up.
But can they work together?
Will Grandpa’s special ingredient save the day?
Can Ariana help the boys understand the importance of teamwork?
Wonderful messages of kindness, friendship and family nestle between the lines of these excellent illustrated chapter books. Conversations around these themes between child and adult, will help cement the messages.
Title: Ariana Treasure: The Missing Book; The Secret Ingredient
Author: Jacqueline de Rose-Ahern
Illustrator: Karen Erasmus
Publisher: Rhiza Press, $10.99
Publication Date: 5 March 2025
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761111808; 9781761111822
For ages: 6+
Type: Junior Fiction Younger
