• Age: 3 to 7
• Grade: p to 2
• Reading age: 3 to 7

When Maggie’s treasure collection grows too big to manage, she finds a creative solution.

Maggie finds treasure wherever she goes. Whether it’s a button, a feather or a shiny stone, she picks it up and takes it home. At first the neighbors and city workers are grateful to Maggie for cleaning up; the mayor even gives her an award. But over time Maggie’s collection grows bigger and bigger, until it spills out of her house and garden in an unsightly mess. Her parents tell her “Enough treasure!” and eventually even Maggie realizes that something must be done. Finally, inspired by a bird outside her window, she finds a way to share her treasure that enchants and transforms the entire neighborhood.

Jon-Erik Lappano and Kellen Hatanaka, winners of the Governor General’s Literary Award for Tokyo Digs a Garden, have created a stunning picture book about a child who turns her passion for collecting into a pleasure for her community.

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

Jon-Erik Lappano’s debut picture book, Tokyo Digs a Garden, illustrated by Kellen Hatanaka, won the Governor General’s Literary Award and was a finalist for the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award and Japan’s Sakura Medal. Maggie’s Treasure, also illustrated by Kellen Hatanaka, was inspired by Jon-Erik’s young daughters and has received wide acclaim. Jon-Erik lives in Stratford, Ontario, with his family.

Jon-Erik Lappano's profile page

KELLEN HATANAKA is a designer and illustrator who lives in Stratford, Ontario, with his family. He has written and illustrated Work: An Occupational ABC (an ALA Notable Children’s Book) and Drive: A Look at Roadside Opposites. He also illustrated Tokyo Digs a Garden, winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award.

Kellen Hatanaka's profile page

• Commended, White Raven

Maggie’s Treasure is equal parts whimsical and empowering, as the heroine learns to not only value her favourite finds but helps the entire neighbourhood see the sparkle in ordinary objects.

Quill & Quire

A wise and satisfying read.

Kirkus Reviews

The vibrant illustrations with their angular, distorted shapes and matte planes of colour are brimming with details and quirky side stories. This is an enchanting, tongue-in-cheek book about "upcycling" and the power of creativity.

International Youth Library Foundation

The energetic, brightly colored, stylized art gives a kinetic and appealing look to what otherwise is junk. There is movement in the art throughout. All of that comes together to create a beautiful book.

School Library Journal