| Asking most kids to pick up a book during July or | | | | "This book's value is truly in the words and excitement |
| August is like asking them to clean their room or eat | | | | on the kids' faces," said Katie Mullins, a 3rd grade |
| their Brussels sprouts. Fortunately, there's a simple | | | | teacher at Degan Elementary School in Lewisville, |
| solution to the quandary of summer reading lists: Stock | | | | Texas. |
| them with titles that are fun and challenging and | | | | Now Available: |
| encourage kids to look beyond a book's covers. | | | | Free Teachers' Guide & Books |
| "A Treasure's Trove" (Treasure Trove, Inc.) by Michael | | | | Because children quickly and easily gravitate to the |
| Stadther is one such book to consider. A beautifully | | | | book's characters and themes, teachers asked the |
| illustrated fairy tale suitable for children of all ages, it | | | | author if he could provide additional "Treasure Trove" |
| became a New York Times best-seller, captured the | | | | material for classroom use. In response, "A Treasure's |
| hearts and imaginations of children and families and, | | | | Trove Teachers' Guide," developed in conjunction with |
| through clues hidden in its pages, inspired a nationwide | | | | a panel of leading educational advisors in the U.S., is |
| treasure hunt. At the request of teachers and librarians, | | | | now available for download at |
| the author has read it to children at hundreds of | | | | Intended as an enrichment tool, it is chock-full of |
| schools throughout North America and at the annual | | | | puzzles and activities in such subject areas as reading |
| White House Easter Egg Roll. | | | | comprehension, poetry, music composition, map reading |
| The story, which appeals to both boys and girls, takes | | | | and drawing, problem solving and critical thinking. The |
| place in the Great Forest and tells a sweet (and | | | | first 1,000 educators to register online for the new |
| sometimes sad) tale of friendship and greed, good and | | | | guide will receive a free copy of "A Treasure's Trove," |
| dark fairies and how love can overcome fear. There is | | | | "A Puzzle Book Companion" and the "Official Solution |
| plenty of action and suspense, plus beautiful fairies and | | | | Book to A Treasure's Trove." |
| romance. The book is all about family values, love and | | | | In September 2006, the book's sequel, "Secrets of the |
| cooperation, loyalty and friendship. It teaches children | | | | Alchemist Dar," will be released-this time accompanied |
| the importance of saving the forests, about working | | | | by a worldwide treasure hunt. Once again, Stadther will |
| together to accomplish their goals and that they need | | | | visit schools to read the book to students in grades 3 |
| not be afraid of the dark. | | | | and up. |