“Our Treasures Within” By Pope Francis.  Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds and Paul A. Reynolds.  Chicago: Loyola Press, 2026.  40 pages.  Hardcover: $19.99; Kindle: $16.99; E-book: $16.99.

I have always found that truly good children’s books have the same thing in common.  Although recommended for younger readers – in this case, “Our Treasures Within” says that it is appropriate for the four-to-nine-year-old set – the messages they convey may be even more important for those of us who are older.  After all, it was Jesus Himself who said in the Gospel of Matthew “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14) They speak to the child that still exists in all of us.

This charming book, inspired by a virtual gathering of children held by Pope Francis, assures every child that he or she is very important, and that every one of them, no matter how big or small, has been given a special gift to share with the world.  “When we are born, we are blessed with gifts,” the frontispiece says.  “It will take time to discover Our Treasures Within.”

A couple of pages further on, a line drawing of Pope Francis, ostensibly painted by the children in the illustration around him, is opposite a message from him.  Everyone has been given a chest with a treasure inside, he notes, and he assures each child that “your job is to open the chest, discover the treasure, develop it, give it to others and receive from others the treasures they offer.”  Wise advice for any age.

He also gently cautions children that treasures shared are treasures multiplied.  “What I want to say is don’t hide the treasure that all of you have,” Francis says.  He also mentions the fact that our treasures sometimes take time to discover and to not get discouraged.  “Sometimes you find it right away,” he continues.  “But sometimes it’s like playing a treasure hunt, because it’s not found easily.”  And then his message concludes, “Once you find it, share it.”

Though addressed to children, that’s usually the page the adults read.  The rest of the book is beautifully rendered by best selling children’s author and illustrator, Peter H. Reynolds and his twin brother, Paul A. Reynolds.  If the reader is already familiar with children’s books, likely he or she will recognize the style of the drawings.  They are colorful and happy and perfectly capture the short bit of text on each page, which echoes what the pope said at the beginning.  They give examples of some of the gifts that children may discover within themselves.  “Some discover the gift of song,” says one page.  “Others find their gift of art—bringing joy and beauty to the world.”  Others, they note, have a gift of words, while “some people find they have a special gift for deep listening.”  They are the ones who are “truly hearing others, understanding them – making them feel seen.” Kindness is another gift, and “a small act can change someone’s whole day.”

Finally, echoing the words of St. Paul, the children are assured that the greatest gift of all is “the gift of love.”  The balance of the book emphasizes what Pope Francis had said in the very beginning.  Whatever the gift, it is to be shared with the world.  “And when we share our gifts,” the authors continue, “something wonderful happens.  They grow. The more we give, the more the world fills with light.”  And the very last pages conclude with, “So…what are your gifts and how will you share them?  The world is waiting.”

This is a lovely and uplifting book for every child to have in their collection, and one that the adults in their lives should read to them often.

Authors Bio:

​Pope Francis, bestselling author of Dear Pope Francis and other titles, was a global voice for compassion, justice, and peace, especially for children.

Peter H. Reynolds a best-selling author and illustrator of beloved children’s books, encourages children to celebrate their individuality, practice kindness, and share their unique gifts with the world. Reynolds is the CEO of FableVision and serves as an adjunct professor at Boston College. Heco-authors children’s books with his twin Peter.