Local author pens children's books

We all grew up with Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, but there are two new time traveling gumshoes on the case in the book series ‘The Treasure Chest’. In the books, two young crime fighting detectives solve mysteries while encountering historical figures at the same time.

Ann Hood, author of the series, visited the set to talk about their adventures.

Ann said her books are unlike other mystery series because of the contemporary style. Main characters, Felix and Maisie Robbins are twins who live in a Newport mansion and have divorced parents. In addition, they grapple with being new kids in school as well as popularity and sibling rivalry.

The two find a room in the house that’s full of treasures and discover that they can go back in time. The twins meet American heroes at the time when the heroes are kids.

One of the historical characters that Felix and Maisie meet is Harry Houdini in ‘The Treasure Chest: Prince of Air’. Hood decided to include her love of history which stemmed from a collection of childhood books. “I grew up reading about famous people when they were kids and I wanted my young people to do the same” said Hood.

Hood decided not to have the main characters age because they are relatable for the readers. “They’re kids with real problems, real contemporary kids who get this fabulous escape of time travel where they have to find the American hero and then they have to get an object to them and then they have to figure out how to get home” Hood said. The adventures occur on sea, on roller coasters, and even dungeons.

Ann Hood will be signing copies of her fourth and latest book ‘The Treasure Chest: Prince of Air’ on Saturday, August 11th from 1pm to 4pm at The Breakers Mansion in Newport.
http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/youngreaders/minisites/treasure_chest/parents_educators.html