The Treasure

Author & Illustrator:   Uri Shulevitz
Publisher:  Farrar, Straus, & Giroux
Publication Year:   1978
Location: Knox County Public Library- Powell

Awards:   Caldecott honor, ALA Notable, NYT Best Illustratred

Summary:  A retelling of a well-known folk tale with a surprising ending. Three times, Isaac has dreams that instruct him to go to the capital and look for treasure under a bridge by the Royal Palace. He walked a long way until he finally reached the bridge but it was always guarded. The captain of the guard laughs when he hears Isaac's story and tells him that he has had the same dream about treasure under the stove of a man named Isaac. When he gets home, he finds the treasure buried under his stove. "Sometimes must travel far to discover what is near."

Classroom Ideas: Asking children to explain this theme would make for an interesting writing exercise. The idea is very abstract, so it would be difficult to put into words. As characters, comparing the Guard Captain to Isaac would be interesting, too.

Snow

Author & Illustrator: Uri Shulevitz
Publisher:  Farrar, Straus, & Giroux
Publication Year:   1998
Location: Knox County Public Library- Powell

Awards:  Caldecott Honor, NYT Outstanding

Summary:  During a snowstorm in the city, a boy and his dog are the only ones who think the snowfal will amount to anything. As the snow overtakes the city, the charming watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations take over the book.

Classroom Ideas: Younger grade teachers could incorporate this book into a weather unit. Art teachers could talk about Shulevitz's use of watercolors or do some sort of snowflake activity.