2008 Woodie Awards
In My Book:
A Treasure's Trove
Kerry Sullivan
Issue date: 3/1/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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What are you doing over spring break? Could I interest anyone in a treasure hunt? Michael Stadther's A Treasure's Trove provides the clues and the means to such an opportunity.
"Concealed in the pages of this story are the clues to twelve very real and very valuable treasures that I have hidden around the continental United States for you to find and keep," Stadther writes in the forward to his readers.
Yes, you read correctly. Stadther has hidden twelve very beautiful and very expensive jeweled creatures in the lower 48 states of the U.S. It is now up to his readers to find his treasures and to reap the monetary benefits.
"I have not hidden them in remote locations, but rather I have hidden them in places accessible to everyone," Stadther continues. "Nothing needs to be lifted or moved for you to find them. But I have hidden them well."
The prospect of discovering real treasure may be just the motivation a college student needs to purchase Stadther's twenty dollar picture book. But A Treasure's Trove is more than just a treasure map concealed in a bound paperback. It is also a simple fairy tale set in a magical forest that glosses important themes such a friendship, generosity, and love. Stadther's gorgeously colorful illustrations, which are somewhat reminiscent of Mary Engelbreit's artwork, enhance the mystical nature of the tale and extend the book's appeal to children and adults alike. But avoid getting too caught up in their beauty - these illustrations, along with the text, may hold important clues that point to the whereabouts of the hidden fortune.
Stadther outlines the official rules and guidelines to his treasure hunt at the end of A Treasure's Trove. Among the hidden jewels are a one-carat diamond ladybug with natural Burmese rubies, a butterfly composed of 32 blue sapphires weighing 15.66 carat, and 10 other equally exquisite singular figures.
But be forewarned: Stadther's clues will not lead you to the jeweled treasures themselves.
"Concealed in the pages of this story are the clues to twelve very real and very valuable treasures that I have hidden around the continental United States for you to find and keep," Stadther writes in the forward to his readers.
Yes, you read correctly. Stadther has hidden twelve very beautiful and very expensive jeweled creatures in the lower 48 states of the U.S. It is now up to his readers to find his treasures and to reap the monetary benefits.
"I have not hidden them in remote locations, but rather I have hidden them in places accessible to everyone," Stadther continues. "Nothing needs to be lifted or moved for you to find them. But I have hidden them well."
The prospect of discovering real treasure may be just the motivation a college student needs to purchase Stadther's twenty dollar picture book. But A Treasure's Trove is more than just a treasure map concealed in a bound paperback. It is also a simple fairy tale set in a magical forest that glosses important themes such a friendship, generosity, and love. Stadther's gorgeously colorful illustrations, which are somewhat reminiscent of Mary Engelbreit's artwork, enhance the mystical nature of the tale and extend the book's appeal to children and adults alike. But avoid getting too caught up in their beauty - these illustrations, along with the text, may hold important clues that point to the whereabouts of the hidden fortune.
Stadther outlines the official rules and guidelines to his treasure hunt at the end of A Treasure's Trove. Among the hidden jewels are a one-carat diamond ladybug with natural Burmese rubies, a butterfly composed of 32 blue sapphires weighing 15.66 carat, and 10 other equally exquisite singular figures.
But be forewarned: Stadther's clues will not lead you to the jeweled treasures themselves.