Tommy's Treasure

1. Author: R. Grey Armstrong
2. Title: Tommys Treasure
3. Illustrator: Liz Dodson
4. Genre: Fiction/Picture Book
5. Subgenre: Children's Mystery
6. Theme: A child wants to be noticed
7. Primary Character: Tommy
8. Secondary Character: friend, girl, firefighter, painter, police officer, mom, dad
9. Award/Date: None/1990
10. Publisher: Shortland Publications Limited
11. Summary: The young boy, Tommy, walks around town with his treasure closed up in his hands. After many people asking him what it is he reveals to his mom that it is a "magic spell" that makes people noticed him. I found this book to be absolutely adorable! So many kids will do silly small things to get themselves noticed. I thought this little boy was very clever.
12. How Used: I could see this story being used purely for entertainment. It is short, but charming. It could, however, be used as an early mystery book. A teacher could keep the children involved by asking them after he meets every person what they think is in Tommy's hand. It could help to promote analytical skills at an early age.