Michele Surcouf writes this uplifting story, beautifully illustrated by Jason Okutake, reinforcing the adage: it’s what’s inside that counts!
- A message for all ages.
- Beautifully illustrated.
THE HIDDEN GEM – WRITTEN BY MICHELE SURCOUF AND ILLUSTRATED BY JASON OKUTAKE
The Hidden Gem is a beautifully illustrated book, taking the younger reader on a fanciful and imaginative journey of Earth’s beginnings.
Imagine the beginning of time, when a lifeless, watery blue Earth is stirred to life by a loving angel. Imagine the birth of Earth’s many lands and the very rocks that inhabit these newly created spaces. Imagine the journey of these rocks as they explore, expand, and settle their world — gruff, powerful, stony… and destructive.
Imagine what happens when these rocks suddenly find what is hidden within — the gem that resides within us all.
Recommended for children from 6-12yrs, The Hidden Gem is written in a language that parents will enjoy reading to younger children, offering parents an opportunity to explain more grown-up terms and ideas to their children.
In a complicated world of external pressures, older children will enjoy grasping the deeper meaning of what is truly important – that it is what’s on the inside that counts.
In the end, The Hidden Gem offers the reader deeper meaning and encouragement to become our best selves.
Michele Surcouf writes this uplifting story, beautifully illustrated by Jason Okutake, reinforcing the adage: it’s what’s inside that counts!
Michele has always been an adventurous explorer, often finding herself becoming one with the ocean currents. She lives on a hill overlooking the sea off the coast of New Zealand, which inspires her writing and art. The Hidden Gem is her first children’s book.
Growing up, Jason would fill the margins of his notebooks with sketches from his imagination and experiences. Through the years, he never stopped drawing, refining his technique and developing his style. Jason is now an art director and illustrator in New York City. His work is a reminder that anything in the realm of dreams is made possible with simply a pencil and paper.
Together, Michele and Jason have created this must-read children’s book that will be enjoyed by all.
Orders can be made through The CopyPress: https://www.copypress.co.nz/shop/the-hidden-gem/
Email: [email protected]
Libraries can order through Wheelers and All Books. Also available through Fishpond, your local independent bookshop or PaperPlus.
Copyright © 2019 by Michele Surcouf
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
First Printing, 2019
Library of Congress Control Number: 2019910852
ISBN: 9781543993493
Printed in the United States of America
Second printing, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-7385801-3-2 (paperback)
ISBN: 978-1-7385801-4-9 (ebook)
Printed in New Zealand