The Treasure Box

G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell

Searching for treasures with her grandpa is this young girl’s favorite thing to do. Every week they examine the items in her secret box and go on walks to find more—a broken robin’s egg, rusty spring, even a snakeskin that makes Grandpa squirm and make funny faces.
 
But then Grandpa is too sick to come. She leaves him a few treasures in the hospital, but when he dies, she can’t bring herself to even open the treasure box.
 
When Grammy brings her some treasures Grandpa wanted her to have, they open the box together and continue the tradition, showing that memories of time together are the greatest treasures of all.
 
This poignant, gorgeously-illustrated story celebrates the special bonds kids have with grandparents, even after they are gone.

PRAISE

“Keane writes with sensitivity and deep feeling, and Bell’s images give the story freshness and immediacy."
—Publishers Weekly

 “A welcome reprieve to grieving youngsters tired of adults’ euphemisms about death and sadness."
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 

“This touching story depicts a young girl’s coming to terms with her sadness at the loss of her beloved grandfather as she discovers her memories of him are treasures of the heart.”
—School Library Journal