“There are seven clues hidden in seven places in the house,” said Grandma. “Follow the clues, one after another, and you will find the treasure!”

Max & Ruby’s Treasure Hunt

Whether the day is too hot, too cold or in this book, too rainy, a treasure hunt is a fun indoor activity. Kids love hide-and-seek, and a treasure hunt is really another version of this game, ending with a big treat! Just reading this book tonight with my kids made them excited to try one of their own treasure hunts tomorrow!

Introducing Our Featured Friends: Max, Ruby, Grandma, Louise, Lily and a doll named Dagmar

Nothing spoils a lovely outdoor tea party more than rain (except maybe ants). But, instead of letting the weather ruin the fun that Ruby, her brother Max, and her friend Louise and Louise’s sister Lily were having together, Grandma thought of something spectacular: a treasure hunt. Using Mother’ Goose Rhymes, she leaves 7 clues in 7 seven places in their home, beginning in the parlor with,

” ‘Cock-a-doodle-doo. My dame has lost her ______ . . .’

Who can think of what she lost?
‘What rhymes with cock-a-doodle doo?’ asked Ruby.
‘My dame has lost her shoe!’ said Louise.
‘Look!’ shouted Lily.
‘There’s a Max sneaker under the chair!’ . . .
Inside was the first clue.”

This began their adventure of finding clues, eventually leading to the treasure box under Grandma’s rocking chair containing 5 gold coins filled with chocolate. Grandma includes one extra chocolate for Dagmar, Lily’s doll, who seems to have been misplaced during all the activity. So, they revisit the places in order of where they went during the hunt, and they find her doll in the parlor, where their adventure began.

Each clue in this book is a nursery rhyme located under a lift-the-flap tab. Grandma leaves out a word in each rhyme and Ruby, Max and their friends have to figure out what word goes in the blank in order to find the next clue.

This creative uncovering of clues and treasure teaches kids their Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes and helps them discover rhyming words. Kids also learn sequence of events and places as they retrace their steps to find Dagmar, Lily’s doll. The best part is that kids are so engrossed in the fun story, that they don’t even realize they are learning so much!

 Inviting You To Become FRIENDS With Max & Ruby:
Feel, Relate, Imagine, Explore, Navigate, Develop, Share

Select a question or activity to do with your children or students:

F- Describe a time when you felt sad when the weather changed your outdoor plans. Did you find something else fun to do indoors?

R- As a parent, can you relate to this quote:
“Reading to your little one is just like putting gold coins in the bank. It will pay you back tenfold. Your daughter will learn, and imagine, and be strong in herself. Your son will thrive, and give your love back forever.” – R.W.

I- Imagine you could find a treasure box filled with your favorite things. What are 5 things you would want to find inside of it?

E- Explore Rosemary Well’s website for wonderful books, resources, and activities: http://www.rosemarywells.com

Her page includes: Coloring sheet print-offs, birthday ideas- including printable hats, and “bunny money” print-offs (great to fill a treasure box or use as a reward when your child or student finishes her books).

N- Navigate your way through your own treasure hunt using other Mother Goose Rhymes for clues!

D- Develop your own treasure box. Here’s a pattern for one found on Krafty Kids Facebook Page:

S- Share your tea party and/or treasure hunt with friends. Make it a date! Rosemary Wells even has printable Max & Ruby party invitations on her website.

Check out the 7 Nursery Rhymes Included in Max & Ruby’s Treasure Hunt:

• I’m A Little Tea Pot
• Jack Be Nimble
• Hey Diddle Diddle
• Miss Mary Mack
• Little Boy Blue
• Hickory Dickory Dock
• Pussycat, Pussycat

Our bunny Marble lifting the flap for the next clue!

Our bunnies, Marshmallow and Marble working together to find the treasure box!

Follow Kidsbook Friends 2 Ways:

Like Kidsbook Friends on Facebook to receive children’s book ideas including crafts, guiding reading activities, & contests

Subscribe to http://www.kidsbookfriends.com to receive the blog posts directly to your e-mail.