(Used) The Treasure by Uri Shulevitz

Three times in his dreams, Isaac hears a voice urging him to travel to the capital city and search for treasure beneath the bridge by the royal palace. It seems foolish, perhaps—but what if it’s true? With faith in his heart, Isaac sets out on a long journey that will lead him to an unexpected discovery and a profound truth about where real treasure lies.

This Caldecott Medal-winning retelling of a beloved folk tale captures something magical: the courage to believe in dreams and the wisdom to recognize what matters most. Uri Shulevitz’s spare, elegant prose draws us into Isaac’s world—a man innocent enough to trust a dream, wise enough to understand life’s deepest rewards.

The illustrations are where this book truly shines. Shulevitz’s beautifully detailed artwork enriches every moment of Isaac’s solitary journey, from his humble village to the vast, bustling capital city. Each page masterfully captures the spirit of the original tale while remaining wonderfully accessible for young readers.

The Treasure earned recognition as a 1980 Caldecott Honor Book and a 1979 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year—accolades that speak to its enduring power. This is a story about faith, perseverance, and the surprising places where we find what we’re searching for. It’s the kind of book that lingers with you long after the last page, perfect for sharing across generations on a quiet afternoon by the sea.

A timeless tale that reminds us: sometimes the greatest treasures are closer than we think.

Additional information