Sponsored by Starscape.
The Teeny Weenies are back this Fall with two brand-new collections of zany stories by award-winning author David Lubar: Teeny Weenies: The Boy Who Cried Wool: And Other Stories and Teeny Weenies: My Favorite President: And Other Stories. Featuring wacky comic-book style illustrations by Bill Mayer, these books will captivate and entertain even the most reluctant readers. Hilarious and delightfully fun, this short story series is perfect for chapter book readers ages 7-10.
Hi Kid Lit Friends,
I was at my local indie bookstore earlier this month and picked up a picture book called Truman by Jean Reidy, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins. I just knew from the cover that I would love it, so I bought it without opening it. I saved the book for a quiet evening, then I read it to my nine-year-old. The book was ADORABLE. We both loved it, and when she went to bed I went out into the living room and read it to my 11-year-old. She also loved it! (And honestly, is much harder to impress my 11-year-old these days!) It was so fun to discover this book together and exclaim over the adorable-ness of Truman the turtle.
As a direct result, here is a whole newsletter list of turtle picture books. Enjoy! 🐢
*Please note that all book descriptions come from the publisher*
Truman by Jean Reidy, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
Truman the tortoise lives with his Sarah, high above the taxis and the trash trucks and the number eleven bus, which travels south. He never worries about the world below…until one day, when Sarah straps on a big backpack and does something Truman has never seen before. She boards the bus!
Truman waits for her to return.
He waits.
And waits.
And waits.
And when he can wait no longer, he knows what he must do.
Even if it seems…impossible!
Alfie by Thyra Heder
Nia loves Alfie, her pet turtle. But he’s not very soft, he doesn’t do tricks, and he’s pretty quiet. Sometimes she forgets he’s even there! That is until the night before Nia’s seventh birthday, when nAlfie disappears! Then, in an innovative switch in point of view, we hear Alfie’s side of the story. He didn’t leave Nia—he’s actually searching for the perfect birthday present for his dear friend. Can he find a gift and make it back in time for the big birthday party?
Turtles in My Sandbox by Jennifer Keats Curtis, illustrated by Emmanuel Schongut
Imagine finding turtle eggs in your sandbox! When a mother diamondback terrapin lays eggs in a young girl’s sandbox, the girl becomes a “turtle-sitter” to help the babies safely hatch. She raises the teeny hatchlings until they become big enough to fend for themselves in the wild. Then, with the help of experts, she releases them. Along the way, she learns about these unique animals and that she has made an important contribution to their survival.
Thirteen Moons on Turtle’s Back by Joseph Bruchac and Jonathan London, illustrated by Thomas Locker
Joseph Bruchac and Jonathan London collaborate to reveal the beauty of the natural world around us, while Thomas Locker’s illustrations honor both Native American legends and the varied American landscape.
Turtle Island by Eldon Yellowhorn and Kathy Lowinger
This book goes back to the Ice Age to give young readers a glimpse of what life was like pre-contact. The title, Turtle Island, refers to a Native myth that explains how North and Central America were formed on the back of a turtle. Based on archeological finds and scientific research, we now have a clearer picture of how the Indigenous people lived. Using that knowledge, the authors take the reader back as far as 14,000 years ago to imagine moments in time. A wide variety of topics are featured, from the animals that came and disappeared over time, to what people ate, how they expressed themselves through art, and how they adapted to their surroundings.
Owen and Mzee by Craig Hatkoff, Isabella Hatkoff, and Paul Kahumbu
The inspiring true story of two great friends, a baby hippo named Owen and a 130-yr-old giant tortoise named Mzee (Mm-ZAY). When Owen was stranded after the Dec 2004 tsunami, villagers in Kenya worked tirelessly to rescue him. Then, to everyone’s amazement, the orphan hippo and the elderly tortoise adopted each other. Now they are inseparable, swimming, eating, and playing together. Adorable photos e-mailed from friend to friend quickly made them worldwide celebrities. Here is a joyous reminder that in times of trouble, friendship is stronger than the differences that too often pull us apart.
Follow the Moon Home by Philippe Cousteau, illustrated by Deborah Hopkinson
Acclaimed activist Philippe Cousteau and renowned author Deborah Hopkinson team up to offer a story of the powerful difference young people can make in the world. Meet Viv, who has a new home and a new school by the sea and follow her as she finds her way in a new place and helps bring together a whole community to save the sea turtles of the South Carolina coast.
Old Turtle by Douglas Wood, illustrated by Cheng-Khee Chee
Old Turtle is a classic fable about ecology, peace, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Simple yet profound, it has since brought hope and inspiration to children and adults around the world.
I’ll Follow the Moon by Stephanie Lisa Tara, illustrated by Lee Edward Fodi
Hatched on a moon-washed beach, the baby turtle finds its way by instinct across the expanse of sand to the sea and a rendezvous with its mother. Written in simple verse in the first person, the rhythmic text is full of action and sensory detail and loaded with alliteration and onomatopoeia for an enjoyable read-aloud.
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What are you reading these days? I want to know! Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at karina@bookriot.com.
Until next time!
Karina
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