Finders Keepers - Hardcover

Keiko Kasza has written and illustrated numerous much-loved books for children, including When the Elephant Walks, A Mother for Choco, and Silly Goose's Big Story.

PreS-Gr 1—A squirrel claims an acorn for himself declaring, "Finders, keepers," unaware that the hat he uses to mark his buried treasure will take on a new life wherever it lands. After the squirrel leaves his find, wind blows the hat into a tree where a bird uses it for a nest. Next it becomes a boat for an ant, then a clown nose for a bear. But the nose tickles the bear whose sneeze sends the hat flying until it lands back over the squirrel's hole. Text and large illustrations, done in graphite and colored pencil, gouache, and oil pastels, work together seamlessly to create this perfectly paced story. For example, after the unassuming squirrel leaves, a page turn depicts the hat lifted aloft by the wind. Readers don't know where it will go, however, "until..." another page turn reveals the answer as a stunned bird also cries, "Finders, keepers." The anticipation continues with each transfer until the hat arrives at its original location. After the returning squirrel enjoys his treat, though, a snake with unclear intentions appears on the following page, and readers must wait for the last illustration to enjoy the tale's final surprise. VERDICT Humorous touches, a brief text with its irresistible opportunities for readers to join in, sustained suspense, and a twist ending make this charming tale a perfect read-aloud.—Marianne Saccardi, Children's Literature Consultant, Greenwich, CT