Pirates sail the big blue sea, encounter unfriendly sailors and pursue treasure to explain a message of love for God and others in Victoria Osteen’s new picture book, Unexpected Treasures (978-1-416-95550-4, $16.99). Little Simon Inspirations, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, publishes the picture book for children aged 3 to 7 this month.

The main characters in the story, “Captain” Jon and “First Mate” Sue, encounter a pair of quarreling pirates. Extending friendship, Jon and Sue invite the two aboard, sharing their food and treasures with the grumpy guys. The pirate pair offer their treasure map in exchange, and finding the jewels and gold, discover that real treasure is more than glittering possessions.

The active story and bright art by Diane Palmisciano will keep children moving eagerly through the book to the end where a two-page treasure map is revealed. Osteen concludes the book with a Captain’s Q-and-A, a discussion and application section that parents and teachers can use to steer kids toward deeper level thinking about valuing and caring for others, sharing and trusting God.

Osteen also writes a note to make the sea-going allegory clear, telling the reader that “you are God’s special treasure full of gifts and talents. As you journey through life He will direct your course and keep you strong and steady. … Remember, your anchor thoughts will keep you on course and make you a mighty force.”

Unexpected Treasures is Osteen’s second children’s project. She previously wrote the three-book “My Happy Heart” series, also published by Little Simon Inspirations. Osteen is the wife of best-selling author Joel Osteen, with whom she co-pastors Lakewood Church in Houston.

Order from Simon & Schuster at 800-223-2336 or online at pubeasy.com.

• Prev
• Next