Pablo Finds a Treasure
Description
A poignant, simply-told story that shows the resourcefulness of poverty-stricken children around the world.
Pablo and his sister spend every day at "Treasure Mountain", the local dump. There, they rummage through the mounds of garbage looking for items that their mother can sell in order to provide food for the family. Occasionally, they find a "real" treasure like some still-edible food, or a picture book, which Pablo delights in, even though he can't read. The work is exhausting, and sometimes not very lucrative, but the worst thing they have to contend with is Filthy-Face, a brutish bully who steals the finds of all the children. But one day, Pablo discovers a real treasure. Will he be able to keep it from falling into the hands of Filthy-Face? Simply written with highly expressive illustrations, this book brings home the reality of poverty around the world.
Awards
- Nominated, Silver Birch Express Award nomination, Ontario Library Association 2017
- Nominated, Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children’s Book Centre 2017
- Joint winner, Skipping Stones Honor Book 2017
Reviews
“Critical in expanding global perceptions of adults and children living in developed and affluent nations so that they are exposed to the reality of a great number of people . . . who live in . . . poverty.”
- World of Words, University of Arizona, 06/20/17
“A wonderful book that will certainly spark discussions.”
- Resource Links, 01/01/17
A good story to introduce children to the theme of child labour in developing countries.”
- CM Reviews, 01/27/17
“Provide[s] an excellent opportunity for educators to introduce a conversation about poverty and power and the connection to their own lives; and about child labor and children’s rights. At higher grade levels, Pablo encuentra un tesoro and Pablo Finds a Treasure are invaluable in extended conversations about the roots of power and how it can build or destroy entire communities and even governments; and about community, national, and world movements to redirect power for the benefit of everyone. Pablo encuentra un tesoro and Pablo Finds a Treasure are treasures. Both are highly, highly recommended.”
- De Colores Reviews, 12/31/19