Description
For ten-year-old Benjamin being a treasure hunter is great. Learning he is a pirate, that’s even better. Ben discovers a treasure map left by his grandfather and embarks on one last treasure hunt with the help of his Nan. But does someone else know about the location of the treasure? Ben must face danger and use his wits, or risk losing the loot forever. But more importantly, Ben must deal with his grief and say goodbye to his treasured grandfather.
Ben stays with Nan for the first time since Pa died. The family are still grieving, particularly Ben who adored his grandfather. Ben finds a note with a treasure map. It promises an adventure like many others he went on with Pa. But before the treasure hunt Benjamin discovers he is a descendant of the fierce pirate, Benito Bonito. The map promises to uncover the hiding place of Benito’s treasure. Ben and Nan embark on an exciting adventure using the map, but what they uncover is much more than they ever expected.
The author’s note at the end gives a more detailed account of the legend of the Lost Loot of Lima and history into the real-life attempts made to uncover the buried treasure at Queenscliff.
Review
Ben is going to stay with his Nan for the first time since his Pa had passed away, and he is nervous. He always had great adventures with Pa, who had so many wonderful stories of pirates and secret treasures. But would it still be the same with just Nan? And now, to make it even worse, his Mum wants him to spy on his Nan to make sure that she is okay.
But his stay turns into a terrific adventure-filled holiday with Nan, ensuring that Ben learns more of the truth of his ancestry and links to the famous pirate, Benito Bonito. Could he even find the Lost Loot of Lima?
This is a wonderful adventure that works with local legends and is full of intrigue. With themes of family, pirates and hidden treasures, grief and remembering those gone in a positive way, this book is an ideal read for primary students aged from 8 to 11 years.
