Emerald and the Lost Treasure
For ages 5+
During an ocean clean one school morning, Emerald discovers a lost teddy bear! Maybe her friends Isadora Moon and Mirabelle help her return it?
By Harriet Muncaster (Oxford University Press, 2024)
Another fabulous early reader illustrated chapter book series from Isadora Moon creator, Harriet Muncaster. Here we have a lovely ocean-bound spin off series following the adventures of Isadora’s mermaid friend, Emerald. I particularly like this character, as she is living in a blended family, her mother has now remarried, and Emerald has a step sibling, Princess Delphina.
Emerald spends her family time between two homes - one a palace, and one a far less glamorous (but very cosy) home with her dad, who now has a new girlfriend. This is representation of a happy blended. Emerald sometimes feels naturally torn between friends and family, having to have fins in both camps, but she is upbeat and has lovely friends. Her school go on the equivalent of a beach litter pick, but on the ocean floor, and it’s a great game as you never know whether you’ll find a horrid old plastic bag to safely dispose of, or a lost gemstone.
Today Emerald and her friend Marina discover a lost teddybear, and although the activity is called ‘Finder’s Keepers’, and Emerald would love to keep it, there are details of who the bear belongs to and where to return it. Doing the right thing the mergirls make a plan!! If anyone on land can help them, it’s going to be Isadora Moon!! Jack is so happy (and surprised) when he gets his bear back.
Themes include caring for the planet, doing the right thing if you discover lost property, and making new friends. Super story, and I’m looking forward to the next one in the series: ‘Emerald and the Runaway Royal’ out August 2024. Do check out Harriet Muncaster’s own website as she is always so generous with free downloadable book-based activities!
Excerpts from the book
