Book Review of Emma's Treasure by Gerald Mercer

A Newfoundland Picture Book About the Value of Family Artifacts

Jan 3, 2009

Gerald Mercer has written an entertaining story that teaches about the importance of family artifacts and the research skills needed to explore their place in the past.

In Emma’s Treasure, Emma and her friends discover an old trunk in her grandfather’s shed. Inside this trunk they find family artifacts that capture their attention and imagination. They proceed to use their knowledge of research skills to explore how these objects were used in the past.

As the story progresses, the children are excited to report to each other the interesting information they have uncovered about the objects found in the trunk. Emma is particularly fascinated by the role these objects played in her own family history.

The entertaining and educational storyline of Emma’s Treasure is accompanied by detailed and appealing illustrations by Jillian Nicol. The accompanying artwork adds to the historical flavor of the story, supporting its reflection of Newfoundland and Labrador culture. This noteworthy picture book is her first illustrated work.

Gerald Mercer

Gerald Mercer, an educator since 1981, lives with his family in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador. His own interest and belief in preserving family history motivated him to write Emma’s Treasure.

The story for Emma’s Treasure was written in the shed at Mercer’s other home in the outport community of Musgrave Harbour, also located in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Newfoundland Family Artifacts

Gerald Mercer and his family have had numerous adventures of their own exploring family treasures and artifacts. Emma’s Treasure was created to illustrate the importance of preserving these objects to give meaning to family history.

Many families in this province are like Emma’s family, with treasures stowed away in sheds, attics, barns, and basements. The lesson of Emma’s Treasure is that these artifacts deserve a place of pride, providing unique family information about Newfoundland and Labrador heritage and culture.

Research Skills for Exploring the Past

Emma’s Treasure, with its emphasis on using research skills in an organized manner, can be a valuable teaching tool for schools and libraries.

Teachers and librarians can make use of this picture book as a model for children to follow in researching a family artifact of their own. It is an excellent resource to accompany any instructional unit centered around researching the history of Newfoundland and Labrador from a personal perspective.

Note: Any use of this book in the classroom must be in accordance with the copyright.

Emma’s Treasure is itself a treasure, promoting the value of preserving unique family artifacts that give people a glimpse into the lives of long ago ancestors.

Publisher: Pennywell Books (an imprint of Flanker Press Limited), 28 pages, $11.95 CAD

The copyright of the article Book Review of Emma's Treasure by Gerald Mercer in Picture Books is owned by Stella Walsh. Permission to republish Book Review of Emma's Treasure by Gerald Mercer in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.