Parents' Guide to

Russell and the Lost Treasure

By Dawn Friedman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Zany picture book for pre-K and big kids, too!

Book Rob Scotton Picture Book 2006
Russell and the Lost Treasure Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

Russell, a clumsy but imaginative sheep, goes on a treasure hunting expedition but is disappointed by what he finds. Will his treasure be worth keeping? He invites his family to help him find out.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

As a stand-alone story, a sheep's treasure-seeking adventure is amusing enough, but it's the pictures that really make this picture book shine. Author-illustrator Rob Scotton is one of Great Britain's most popular commercial artists; his images of round-eyed fluffy animals can be found on posters, mugs, and even salt & pepper shakers. In Scotton's second picture book, his humorous, larger-than-life characters jump, twist, and twirl their way against busy backgrounds with enough detail to keep kids' interest.

Scotton manages to pack a lot of plot into a fairly short book, making for an easy read that has a lot of bang for its buck. The ending is heartwarming without being preachy or maudlin, and the comforting final page makes this an appropriate bedtime book.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Russell's first reaction to his treasure and compare it to the last page. What did the treasure turn out to be? After reading the book, parents and kids can take out their own photo albums and see if they find any treasure there.

Book Details

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