About this story
At his grandparents’ house, Grandpa puts on a newspaper hat and unfolds a treasure map. Leo, Grandpa and Grandma cross the Dark Cave under the dining table and the Giant Forest of the garden, following the map to a red X on the sofa.
Ages: 3–6 · Reading time: about 2 minutes
Moral: The best treasure is time with the people who love you.
Leo loved visiting his grandparents’ house. It always smelled like warm, sweet cake and cozy hugs.
One afternoon, Grandpa placed a folded newspaper hat on his head. “Leo!” Grandpa called out with a twinkle in his eye. “How about a treasure hunt?”
Leo jumped for joy. “Yes! Where is it?”
Grandpa opened a crinkly, crumpled paper. It was a map! Grandma grabbed a flashlight. “I’ll help light the way!” she said, smiling.
The Dark Cave
The adventure began in the living room. They had to cross the Dark Cave. Do you know what the cave was? It was under the big dining table! Leo crawled through fast as a cricket. Grandpa went slow (Grandpa’s back was a little bit creaky). “Shhhh…” Grandma whispered. “Watch out for the cave monster.” The “monster” was just Mimi the kitten, fast asleep. *Meow.*
Next, they headed to the Giant Forest—Grandma’s garden! The green leaves tickled Leo’s legs. “Look out for the alligator!” Grandpa joked. But it was just the green garden hose snaking through the grass. *Whew!*
The Red X Marks the Spot
Finally, they reached the big, comfy sofa. The map had a big red “X” right there. Leo lifted the sofa cushion. He found a shiny, sparkly box! His heart went — *thump-thump!*
Leo opened the lid. Was it gold? Was it silver coins?
No! It was much better than that. The box was filled with chocolate chip cookies that Grandma had just baked! “I found it!” Leo shouted.
The three adventurers sat on the rug and ate every single one. *Yum, yum, yum.* Leo discovered that the tastiest treasure in the whole world is a snack time with Grandma and Grandpa.
