The Quest for the Lost Treasure

    By Johnny Gaines

    The Quest for the Lost Treasure cover image

    20 Jul, 2024

    a boy is holding a map in a forest with trees in the background and a bird flying overhead in the sky, process art, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, comic cover art

    One sunny day, Sam found an old map in his granddad’s attic. 'It's a treasure map!' Sam exclaimed with thrill.

    a boy and a girl standing in front of a tree in a forest with a bird in the background, magical realism, a storybook illustration, Aaron Jasinski, comic cover art

    Showing the map to his best friend Lily, he said, 'Let’s go on a treasure hunt!' Lily, always ready for an adventure, agreed readily.

    a couple of kids standing in a bedroom next to a bed and a dresser with a mirror on it, magical realism, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, ghibli

    Sam and Lily climbed into the treehouse. They studied the map and planned their adventure, their faces lit with anticipation.

    a girl and boy standing in a room with a desk and a window looking out at the woods and a tree, magical realism, a storybook illustration, Cliff Childs, promotional image

    The map led them to a secret trail in the park. 'The treasure is hidden somewhere along this trail,' Sam deduced.

    a couple of kids walking down a forest path together with a backpack on their back and a backpack on their shoulder, serial art, a storybook illustration, Cliff Childs, official art

    They ventured into the forest, carefully marking their path. The adventure was exciting but a little daunting.

    two girls walking in the woods with birds on their heads and a bird on their shoulder, with a bird on their shoulder, environmental art, a storybook illustration, Choi Buk, color page

    Suddenly, they reached a fork in the path. The map wasn’t clear about which way to go. They decided to stick together and choose the left path.

    a boy and girl standing in a forest holding hands and looking at each other with a river running through them, serial art, a storybook illustration, Ella Guru, promotional image

    The path led them to a beautiful clearing. 'The treasure must be around here,' Lily said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

    a couple of kids walking across a river in a forest with rocks and trees on both sides of the stream, lyco art, a storybook illustration, Choi Buk, promotional image

    They started searching, looking under rocks and in the stream. After a while, Sam's foot hit something solid. 'I think I found it!' he shouted.

    a family of three sitting in a tree in the forest illustration by alex krautt for the children's book, the jungle, private press, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, book cover

    They dug at the spot, and soon, a rusty old chest appeared. They eagerly opened it to reveal the treasure.

    a girl standing in front of a tree with a creepy face on it's face and a creepy face on its head, magical realism, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, ghibli

    Inside was a collection of old toys, books, and a note. 'To the bravest adventurers, may your life be filled with joy and discovery,' it read.

    a couple of kids standing next to each other in front of a house with flowers in front of them, samikshavad, a storybook illustration, Ella Guru, comic cover art

    With the treasure in tow, they returned to the treehouse. They realized the true treasure was their friendship and the adventure they shared.

    two young girls standing in front of a sunset with mountains in the background and trees in the foreground, lyco art, a comic book panel, Ella Guru, official art

    Promising to have more adventures, Sam and Lily looked at the setting sun. The day was over, but their quest for adventure was just beginning.

    The Quest for the Lost Treasure