The Way to Treasure Island
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Matilda and her dad might be opposites, but they have a lot of fun together, whether it's baking a cake, painting pictures or enjoying a milkshake.
One day at the beach, Matilda sets off with a treasure map, determined to discover something amazing. But Dad keeps getting distracted - one minute he's pointing out a shoal of brilliantly-coloured fish under the surface, the next minute, they've got lost rowing around a big rock. Luckily, a big wave blows them onto the island where the treasure lies.
However, Matilda finds Dad far too disorganised, and they agree to go their own ways to find the treasure. Yet looking for treasure without Dad is a little bit boring...
Lizzy Stewart's lovely picture book is a classic example of the popular 'balance of opposites' theme, where children (and in this case, a dad and daughter) manage to appreciate their differences and realise what a brilliant team they make.
It's nice that it's Dad who is the messy and disorganised dreamer, and Matilda who is pragmatic and goal-oriented.