Treasure Beyond Measure

NZ Booklovers Review

Imagine this world without ‘a memory’ of elephants, ‘a crash’ of rhinos or ‘an embarrassment’ of pandas.

Inspired by Conservation Week 2017, author Helen Griffiths wrote a short rhyming poem which she went on to perform at WOMAD 2018. The response to it was so positive that she was asked if she’d consider turning it into a children’s book. Treasure Beyond Measure is the resulting book. 

A dedicated website for the book is also worth a browse. My children loved listening to the author read the story, complete with animal sound effects, while turning the pages of their own copy.

It's is a fun book with a deep message. Between its pages, readers get to learn about defining qualities of collective nouns. From a clew of worms to a tower of giraffes, creatures great and small parade through the pages.

Illustrator Simon Chadwick does a stellar job of illustrating an entire safari. Bright, bold colour fills the pages, and every single animal - from a tiny cockroach to a huge elephant - is full of personality and attitude. The double spread of humans is diverse, cementing the message that we are all in this together. Chadwick also hides something within the pages that links to the deeper message of the story.

Treasure Beyond Measure has a significant point of difference from other collective noun publications. Griffiths conveys a powerful conservation message, reminding us that there's one collective group of animals that is having a massive impact on our planet.

It's not all doom and gloom, rather Griffiths encourages us to be part of humankind and be a kind human. Readers will be inspired to take action and encourage opportunities for healing.

A story with an important point of difference, Treasure Beyond Measure is a book any young reader will cherish.

• Soft cover ISBN 978-0-473-52661-0
• 32pp 285mm x 215mm portrait RRP $20
• Published by Rumpus Books
• Distributed by Tikitibu.com

Release date 20/10/2020

Ross the Cat

'Ross the Cat' takes readers on an enchanting journey through the iconic Pukekura Park, in search of Taranaki's favourite feline celebrity, Ross. With a significant social media following and a feature on TV One's Good Sorts and Seven Sharp TV programmes,  Ross has a fond fanbase who will be thrilled that their favourite feline is now immortalised on the pages of this delightful children’s book.

What makes this book even more special is that the profits from its sale will be donated to the local SPCA, an organisation that played a crucial role in helping Ross survive a traumatic start to life.

The reunion of author Helen Griffiths and illustrator Simon Chadwick ensures that readers can expect a seamless and heartwarming collaboration, guaranteed to bring smiles with each turn of the page.

Notably, "Ross the Cat" is not confined to the traditional print format alone; an audio version, featuring a musical adaptation with vocals/guitar by Andy Bassett accompanied by Helen Griffiths on violin, is also available. This multi-sensory experience adds an extra layer of wonder to the story, making it even more engaging for young readers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT8k_FbIJD8 Ross the Cat on TV One’s Good Sorts

• Soft cover Picture Book
• ISBN 978-0-473-68022-0
• 32pp 240mmx 240mm
• RRP $25
• Published by Rumpus Books
• Distributed by Tikitibu.com

Release date 03/11/2023