Book Review of Feathers, Treasures & Sandy Paws: The Trilogy
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The Children’s Book Review
Feathers, Treasures & Sandy Paws: The Trilogy
Written by Shirley Lee Baldwin
Illustrated by Ilaria Campana
Ages: 10+ | 452 Pages
Publisher: Feathers, Treasures & Sandy Paws, LLC (2026) | ISBN: 979-8996140404
What to Expect: Generosity, mystery, family, friendship, seaside life, time-travel.
In this far-ranging and slow-burning middle-grade adventure trilogy, the main character, Jack, is part of a close and quirky community where friends, grandparents, and even the pets take part in adventures.
Eleven-year-old Jack Cooper may not have much money, but he knows there are more important things in life. When he finds a curious piece of coral on the beach in the seaside village of Hansford Landing, he sets off a string of discoveries, each of which brings him closer to the real treasures in his life—his family, his friends, and his own strong character. With loyal friends Logan and Evie, plus Barney the border collie and Freckles the talking budgie, Jack hunts for a buried chest, unravels three clues, and meets Malea, a mysterious girl with a secret. Then Malea asks the friends for help—in 1743! The friends are launched into a time-traveling voyage, where they’ll encounter pirates, portraits, and even a legendary dragon. But can Jack protect the past without losing the people he loves in the present?
Jack’s most admirable characteristic (apart from his unfailing optimism) is his generosity, and in the course of the three novels, it will be tested again and again, supporting the book’s gentle message that treasure is measured in kindness, not cash. A host of diverse human and animal characters, including Maxine (a dyslexic cat) and Addison, a schoolgirl who works hard to master new challenges, show that inclusion makes the whole team stronger. Puns and wordplay in the chapter titles will delight readers who love a linguistic joke, while the short chapters and light humor keep the pace brisk and readers interested and turning pages. The black-and-white digital cartoon illustrations depict key scenes and settings, such as the friends grouped around the treasure chest they’ve discovered, adding playful detail to boost readers’ imaginations.
Exciting and uplifting, Feathers, Treasures & Sandy Paws: The Trilogy will be most enjoyed by readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, animal sidekicks, and time-travel adventures.
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About the Author
Shirley Lee Baldwin is a native Virginian and graduate of the University of Virginia. Raised in a multigenerational household, she grew up immersed in family folklore that spanned centuries and sparked her passion for colorful storytelling.
After decades of exploring the world, Shirley now lives in the foothills of Virginia’s mystical Blue Ridge Mountains, where she continues to craft stories inspired by everyday adventures and treasured friendships.
Her first middle-grade series, Feathers, Treasures & Sandy Paws, captures the charm of life in a small coastal town.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Feathers, Treasures & Sandy Paws: The Trilogy. Learn more about getting a book review …
