I loved this book, as I often do older titles that demand some sustained attention from the reader. First published (in French?) in 1978, "The Mellops Go Diving for Treasure" has the excellent complexity of plot often lacking in modern picture books. Alas, it also lacks any role for female characters beyond dutiful mother and merpig, happily lacking in modern picture books. Perhaps the adult reader/English major/librarian could ask the child about how the characters (all pigs) might be different if they were written today.

Nonetheless, the story contains Mr. Mellops's long-lost ancestor's note & map, prompting Mr. Mellops & his four sons to take to the sea in search of lost treasure "at that place where to water is not too deep." Adventure ensues, including "a very dangerous octopus," a merpig, storms at sea, shipwreck, treasure-seeking, rescue and taxes, all met with resourcefulness and aplomb by the intrepid Mellops.

"'But one does such things for the adventure rather than the money....'"

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I loved this book, as I often do older titles that demand some sustained attention from the reader. First published (in French?) in 1978, "The Mellops Go Diving for Treasure" has the excellent complexity of plot often lacking in modern picture books. Alas, it also lacks any role for female characters beyond dutiful mother and merpig, happily lacking in modern picture books. Perhaps the adult reader/English major/librarian could ask the child about how the characters (all pigs) might be different if they were written today.

Nonetheless, the story contains Mr. Mellops's long-lost ancestor's note & map, prompting Mr. Mellops & his four sons to take to the sea in search of lost treasure "at that place where to water is not too deep." Adventure ensues, including "a very dangerous octopus," a merpig, storms at sea, shipwreck, treasure-seeking, rescue and taxes, all met with resourcefulness and aplomb by the intrepid Mellops.

"'But one does such things for the adventure rather than the money....'"

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