Russell and the Lost Treasure

April 3, 2006
The fleecy, fleet-footed insomniac introduced in Russell the Sheep
returns in all his striped stocking-capped glory for another picture-book romp, this time on the trail of treasure. When Russell spies a tattered map that hints at treasure buried in his own Frogsbottom backyard, he springs into action. With his new invention, the Super-Duper Treasure Seeker, in hand, the hunt is on. Scotton's smattering of spot illustrations charts the initially exasperating results. "What's a sheep to do?" Russell cries in frustration. But the gadget doesn't let him down and the woolly hero recovers a locked treasure chest from deep underground. Now he wonders how to make the most of the only real bit of "treasure" in the trunk—a flash camera he deems "older than my dad!" Readers will likely delight in the funny results as much as Russell does. Scotton's sweetly comic cast of ping-pong ball–eyed sheep is still a gas to behold in these boisterous watercolors. Ever-changing perspectives make readers feel a part of the activity, and the visual antics of Russell's frog sidekick, Frankie, make for an additional source of silly amusement. The ample borders around many of the full-page illustrations make a smooth transition to photo frames, as Russell makes humorous use of his buried bounty. Ages 3-7.

May 1, 2006
PreS-Gr 1 -Russell, the fluffed-out sheep with the impossibly long, striped wool hat attempts to discover the Lost Treasure of Frogsbottom. After inventing a -Super-Duper Treasure Seeker, - he searches high and low until he stumbles upon the buried chest down a long and winding hole. Once the box is opened, Russell is dismayed to find that it contains only old and useless stuff, including a camera that -s -older than my dad! - But the camera works, and soon Russell is taking joyous snapshots of his extended family. In the conclusion, which might make more sense to adults than kids, Russell peruses these photos in an album and he decides that they are the real treasure. As in "Russell the Sheep" (HarperCollins, 2005), the art is done in muted blues, grays, and greens that contain small touches of humor for discerning readers. While not as strong a premise as in the original book, fans of Russell will welcome his return." -Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha -s Public Library, WI"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2006
PreS-Gr. 2. In this sequel to " Russell the Sheep" (2005), the sheep in the long, knitted nightcap happens upon a treasure map. After inventing an odd, mechanical treasure-seeking device, he searches high, low, in, out, over, under, left, and right before discovering a treasure chest filled with a disappointing lode of apparent junk. But the old camera he finds inspires him to snap pictures of his relatives and friends, and the photo album he creates becomes his unexpected fortune. The artwork features dynamic paintings of Russell and the other denizens of Frogsbottom engaged in bits of comic byplay, and the muted colors darken as night falls, adding a classic bedtime-book look. Instantly recognizable, and lovable in his wholehearted approach to whatever he undertakes, Russell is childlike in the best sense. Children will enjoy his exaggerated antics and expressions, as well as the final affirmation that his album of family and friends is the "best treasure ever."(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)