Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton was a magical read and my nephew O loved reading it. This was a book he can not stop talking about, especially about the Treasure hunt, he would like to do with his cousins and best friend.
Plus, O has asked questions about WW1, London and the River Thames, and has shown a great interest with in these areas of our history. He maybe only 7 but he a true bookworm just like his auntie.

This beautifully written book is set in 1900 and has a Dickensian feel about it which O loved.

So many people live on the banks of the Thames in London, this is a river that is a living, breathing river. It looks pretty during the day when the sunlight is shining on it and mysterious and dark at night. But, It can take your treasures. It can hide your treasures. And, sometimes, it can give them back. . . . . if you are lucky!

The 2 main characters are Bo and Billy, they are two children who have never met. Billy is an orphan. and Bo's dad died when she was small and now her brother is off to war. Both children are poor, but they have each found half of a priceless treasure, given up by the River Thames.
But, this treasure is very special, when the pieces are reunited it holds the power to give back anything. . . . .Only to one of them and this could be the most precious thing they have ever lost.

What will Bo or Billy do? and what will they choose?

Should the treasure be put back together again?

But, why has the river given it up now?

Hidden Treasure is her debut in the world of children’s fiction.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for my ARC.

The River Thames is the backdrop for this delightful tale. Set in 1918, the two main protagonists are Bo and Billy whose lives become entwined when they discover a piece of jewellery called The Eclipsing Moon, buried in the mud of the Thames. It soon becomes clear this piece has magical powers, able to transport the children into alternative realms. The Eclipsing Moon is one of two pieces which legend says, when fitted together, has the power to gift back to one of them the most cherished thing they have ever lost. Enter the malevolent Mr Muncaster, desperate to claim these jewels for his own. So begins a race against time to find the second piece, along with a river ballad, before it's too late.

Jessie Burton has crafted an enchanting tale, with atmospheric descriptions of the Thames and surrounding areas. The characterisations of Billy and Bo are full of depth and emotion. Grief and loss, friendship and class divide are woven into the story with great success. Full of mystery, magic and friendship, this is a riveting adventure, perfect for Upper KS2 readers. Highly recommended.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Bloomsbury Publishing plc for my advanced reader copy in return for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Bo is a mudlark living near the south bank of the Thames looking for treasures in the mud of the foreshore. She hears the river whispering to her while she searches and one day finds something exceptional. Coincidentally she meets a boy named Billy who has rowed over from the North side. He can hear the river too and becomes her friend, we follow their adventures avoiding treacherous villains and searching into the past for clues about the treasure they have found. Gripping, atmospheric and suitably scary.

What a joy to return to the writing of Jessie Burton in what I believe to be her debut in children’s fiction. We join the wonderful characters of Bo and Billy in their adventures to find the other half of The Eclipsing Moon and to discover its magic..A book full of folk lore, history and family. Set in the First World War this book had an almost gothic Dickensian feel to it as the children explored the river banks of the Thames for its treasures. A book that deals with grief and war, greed and revenge and the discovery that people are not always what they seem. I read this in one sitting and would recommend…I think that a lot of age groups would enjoy this book. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book - I could not put it down. The story is cleverly plotted and it kept me guessing until the very end!

Bo is a mudlark who 'finds' a precious jewel and a new friend, Billy, on the same day. The two incidents are linked, but it is unclear why for a very long time. The story is set against the backdrop of war and has moments of inevitable (and, possibly, predictable) sadness. I thought that Bo's relationship with her brother and the one she develops with Billy were captivating and charming.

I have read everything that Jessie Burton has written and enjoyed them in different ways. This was sublime - I was truly hooked and wanted to know what the messages that Bo kept receiving from the river actually meant. She is fiesty, resourceful and independent which made her perfect for the quest.

This is a title we will stock in the school library as soon as we can get our hands on it - I know it will be loved by any keen read from Year 4 upwards.

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. I found it to be very enjoyable and well written. I have previously read other adult books by this author. This book is directed towards older children who enjoy mystery stories. The 3 children Bo, Eddie & Billy live near the River Thames, and the river plays an important role in the story. Set during the Great War, when life was hard.
A recommended read for adults and children.

I’ve read and enjoyed some of Jessie’s adult novels, so was curious to read one for middle grades and it did not disappoint. A combination of family, friendship and fantasy with an unexpected ending. It doesn’t shirk tackling painful realities, showing how people can become irrational with grief, all mixed in with a splash of selfishness and greed.

Bo is a mudlark, sifting through the muddy banks of the river Thames for treasures which the family can use or sell for much-needed cash. Her father died in a work accident showcasing the shoddy health and safety considerations of the times. It’s 1918 and the 1st World War. Bo’s brother Harry who she thinks the world of, is being sent off to Somme in France, but he will come back, he has to come back. When one day she finds an exquisite jewel and also meets a boy with whom she has an unexpected rapport, Bo realizes that something strange is happening, even if she doesn’t understand what yet. Going against the advice of her best friend Bo doesn’t sell the jewel, but instead keeps it and tries to unravel its mystery. Things get scary when a strange man tries to steal it from her. Remembering that this is set in a time when women are not thought of as being their own person or having their own opinions, Bo starts to realize that women do have a meaningful contribution to make when she meets her new teacher Miss Crescent. This is a woman who seems to have done well for herself, despite not having a man around.
This is quite the mystery with a number of unexpected twists. Great for middle graders who like to immerse themselves in a good story. It’s an all-round enjoyable book that would work well as a class text or book club read as it allows for numerous discussion points.

This is the authors debut in children's fiction and I just loved it. It was a magical journey of self belief. It was an epic treasure hunt with hurdles to overcome.
I was swept away and totally engrossed.
A great book!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury Children's Books for this eCopy to review

I recently read Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton. This enchanting children's novel is set along the banks of the Thames and follows the lives of two children, Bo and Billy, who have never met but are connected by an ancient treasure.

The story begins with Bo, a young girl living in Battersea, who often searches the riverbanks for hidden treasures. Billy, an orphan, also finds solace by the river. Both children discover half of a priceless treasure that the river has given up. When the pieces are reunited, the treasure holds the power to return to them the most precious thing they have ever lost.

The novel's strengths lie in its atmospheric writing and the rich, detailed world-building. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is filled with spine-tingling twists and turns.

Overall, Hidden Treasure is a magical and engaging read that I would recommend to fans of children's fantasy and adventure stories.

"women should always have ambitions, whatever they are. And we should see them come true!" Shout it loud for the little girls in the back!

I devoured this! Couldn't put it down, full on reading it in the gym. This was just so much more than the cute little story I was expecting. Equal parts heart warming and heart breaking. It felt familiar, like coming home. I love Bo and Billy. Very easy to read but it doesn't read too young, so although this is aimed at younger readers, I do think all ages can read it. Highly recommend.

I did very much enjoy Jessie Burtons books for adults but feel that she is also very accomplished in writing books for a younger market. This one is set to become a favourite read in our family. We have just finished it and more than one of the children have already started to read it again. Will definately be buying this to add to our bookshelf.

In this immersive and heart-wrenching adventure, Bo and Billy, two children connected by loss, find a priceless treasure that could change their lives forever.

As the story unfolds, and the river’s secrets begin to unravel, Bo and Billy must ask themselves questions about what it truly means to lose something and whether what we love can ever truly be gone.

This book is a treasure hunt at its finest: filled with mystery, magic, and unforgettable twists. Themes of loss and grief echo throughout, while also exploring friendship, trust, and the divides between social classes. With characters who are rich in depth and emotion, Hidden Treasure is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

A book filled with magic, mystery, twists and turns - like a winding river - that will take you on an adventure that will stay with you long after reading.

Magic and mystery abound in this story of two children drawn together by the river Thames and two powerful jewels. Bo is a mudlark, seeking treasure in the river mud. Billy lives below stairs in Muncaster Hall. A solar eclipse is coming and the jewels have a role to play. A great children’s story from the author of The Miniaturist.

An equally heartbreaking and heartwarming novel. It was beautifully written, not just for young adults but a worthy read for everyone. It touched me deeply, it brought a bit of magic back into my life. The setting of London during WWI, a harsh reality with the background setting of another reality was poignant. Jessie Burton does it again. She never fails.

I love Jessie Burton’s books and I have looking forward to reading this one.
Hidden Treasure is set during the First World War and set around the River Thames in London. This is the second book that I have read recently that focuses on mudlarking and I am fascinated by this and find it so interesting.
The main protagonists Bo and Billy are beautifully written and I soon became intrigued by their story. This book will appeal to children of 10 to 12 as it is full of adventure and suspense combined with the poignant background of war. Anyone who enjoys a story about treasure and friendship and love and loss, this is perfect for you.

Set in London during the First World War, this is a classy children's book. Written by the amazing Jessie Burton (The Miniturist) this is a gorgeous and magical story of mudlark Bo, her friends and family, and her affinity to the river Thames. It has everything a good children’s book requires, heroes and villains, twists and intrigue, sadness and hope, and a main character that you are cheering on.
I loved it and will definitely be buying it for all the junior school age children in my family. I am hoping I get to read it aloud to them, as I’d love to read it again.

I've been looking forward to this one ever since it was announced, it sounded really good, and that cover is gorgeous!

It's an adventure story, historical, fantasy, and magical - it's got a bit of everything. And even though it's set in the 1900s, it definitely has a Dickensian feel about it.

It does touch on some difficult topics, including war, loss, grief, violence, distrust, and relationship (romantic and platonic) struggles. It also looks at the social divides between rich and poor; the importance of being truthful and the harm that lies and deceit can cause; and also looks at the struggles with young friendships.

The main characters of Bo and Billy are delightful and are great protagonists for young readers to identify with. There are a number of adult characters, and some of them I found interesting, some were goodies and some baddies. But for me, this is a book for children and its stars are the children.

Whilst it is a magical tale, it doesn't hide away from what is happening at the time. WW1 is afoot and Bo's brother, amongst others, are fighting in France. And whilst Jessie hasn't used it for gratification, she also hasn't hidden away from the effect it has on those left behind.

It was a bit odd; good and I enjoyed it, reading it in a couple of hours. I read a lot of children's books and they usually have a way of speaking to me as an adult, too. This one did in parts, but I think it's definitely more turned in to younger readers (which is fine as it is aimed at children). I didn't find I had much to clutch on to but it was enjoyable nonetheless.

I suppose, now I've finished it, my main concern is there's a lot going on. There's the war, there's these magical coins, death and grief, there's deception, ghosts, violence, fortunes being made and lost - I wonder if it is just a wee too much.

This is the story of two very different children who have some very important things in common - the desperate desire for change and the means to make it happen.

But of course, wishes come with conditionalities. Especially when they arrive in the form of a gift from the river...

This is fantastic storytelling which will hold readers firmly in its grip. A modern classic in the making - not to be missed - it gets 3.5 stars.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

I've read previous offerings and thoroughly enjoyed them
This was another great read
I love the writing style and so enjoyed this

I would recommend this without reservation

I loved the idea of the Thames being such an integral part of this story and the mud-larking exploits of Bo and Billy. The language and lyrical quality of the writing are beautiful. Ultimately, however, this was not my kind of story - too mystical and magical for my taste, although I am sure that many will love it, just not me.