The Hidden Treasure Nearby - by Masoud Gharehbaghi (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A cozy reminder that wealth found in nature goes far beyond gold. - Kirkus Reviews

In the largest, oldest tree of the forest lives a growing squirrel family. While cleaning their house for a new sibling's arrival, two young kits discover a treasure map. But getting the adults to believe the map is harder than they imagine. Will they ever find the treasure?

The Hidden Treasure Nearby is the silver medal winner of the Key Colors US 2024 competition. With a wink to nature, this story invites children to look around and be amazed by things around them, because there are treasures all around us!

A delightful picture book about a community's quest for treasure. For treasure hunters ages 4 years and up.

Review Quotes

A squirrel family finds a map; will it bring treasure or mayhem to the
forest?

As the family members are readying their den for a new baby, the squirrel kits find a map tucked away in Grandma's old room. It must be a treasure map; after all, it has multiple spots marked with an X. The exciting news spreads throughout the forest to the rest of the animals. Everyone gathers for a peek, but there's no sense of competition or rivalry; as one animal explains, "With gold in all of these spots, there'll be plenty for us all!" They grab shovels and pickaxes and head out to claim their treasure. Unfortunately, all they find is "Nothing!" (The word echoes across the page as everyone shouts it.) What a
waste of time. The two original squirrel kits scamper up a tree in dejection. But wait. As they look out over the treetops, they realize that perhaps the forest has treasure after all. Gharehbaghi's gentle, scribbly art is the tale's true standout. The pointy-snouted squirrels live in a lush, fuzzy forest where everything feels quaint and snug, even during moments of frustration. The ending has somewhat slapdash pacing, but warmth and community nevertheless radiate from the leafy branches.

A cozy reminder that wealth found in nature goes far beyond gold. (Picture book. 4-7) - Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Masoud Gharehbaghi was born in Zanjan, Iran. Even though he majored in surveying engineering, he knew deep down that art was his true passion. So, he decided to study graphic design and illustration at Tehran University. After graduating in 2016, Masoud started working as a graphic designer and illustrator. His journey as a picture book creator began by accident, when a project he was working on got canceled by a publisher. Masoud wrote a story based on one of the pictures he made and created a picture book in the process. He's been writing and illustrating stories ever since, sharing his colorful dreams with kids around the world.