Turtle-Turtle and the Wide, Wide River

by Jane Hillenbrand, Will Hillenbrand (Illustrator)

Whish! Whoosh! When the river rises, Turtle-Turtle needs his friends’ help reaching higher ground in this epic, but ultimately reassuring, ode to friendship and resilience.

The rain pelted down, down, down
And the wide, wide river rose up, up, up
All around, all around.

When a storm strikes, most of the animals know what to Skiddaddle! But Turtle-Turtle doesn’t realize he should swim away . . . until the water rises. Although he’s scared to weather it on his own, he learns that he doesn’t have to. Comforting companions Heron and Frog help Turtle-Turtle until—bit-by-bit, friend-by-friend—he finds the strength within himself to push onwards to safer shores.

Rich with rhythm and read-aloud potential, Turtle-Turtle and the Wide, Wide River is a perfect bedtime book that masterfully melds an epic adventure with a reassuring ending. Drawing on their years of shared experience teaching and creating picture books, Jane & Will Hillenbrand offer readers a celebration of friendship and a gentle reminder that, even when you’re stuck on the stormiest seas, your loved ones will help you to stay afloat.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Storytime, Nature, Childrens, Friendship

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 12, 2024

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

5/11/2024 - Beautiful illustrations. Loved the message of friendship and compassion.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the dedication I gather that this was written during the pandemic. It is a lovely metaphor for surviving any storm or hard thing that life throws at you. Surviving often requires some self discovery and some help from others. In this case it is a storm that hits the little island in the middle of the river where Turtle-Turtle lives. Turtle-Turtle is new and hasn't yet learned to recognize the signs or how to survive. Fortunately, he is able to swim and has the helped of the kind animals living nearby. The text is full of fun repetition, onomatopoeia and so much heart. A fantastic new read aloud for anyone.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story about a turtle’s lesson in survival shows how a community works together during a disaster to help its members stay afloat. Plenty of onomatopoeia and lyrical repetition makes this tale especially enjoyable to read aloud to early language learners. Vibrant illustrations of Turtle-Turtle and friends in their aquatic environment are marked by the Hillenbrands’ expressive style and visual appeal.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book about a young turtle not knowing what to do when a wave/the tide comes along/in. In some parts it was concerning on what will happen to the turtle, but the turtle's friends helped the turtle out and all was well.

[Holley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 2 year old has asked me to read this book to her at least ten times since we brought it home from the library yesterday . With Adorable characters and beautiful illustrations, this book will quickly capture your tots attention. Many exciting Onomatopoeias are present in this book making it an exciting reading experience for toddlers. I highly recommend this book and we will be purchasing a copy for our home library .

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute with a lot of dynamic text and a fun use of color. Feels folktale adjacent but it isn't and the authors don't acknowledge that which does give me pause. Not a deal breaker for the book itself but I also don't love that this is by a husband and wife team but the author's note at the end is written only by the husband.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Striking movement-filled digital artwork features various animals dealing with a rainstorm and unexpected flooding. Well, it's unexpected by Turtle-Turtle, the young inexperienced protagonist but not by the other animals who live in or near the river and the island in its midst. The illustrations show ominous gray clouds on the horizon on several pages while most of the animals prepare for what's coming. When poor Turtle-Turtle is swept away from the island, swirling helplessly in the surging water, the other animals stick close by, offering suggestions for how to survive by paddling, kicking, and swimming. Plenty of encouragement from Heron, Frog, and Otter keeps Turtle-Turtle going and leaves him grateful. The use of onomatopoeia and some repetitive lines helps the story flow and adds appeal to an already-charming story. I'm not a fan of the repeated words on the last two double-page spreads, but overall, this one has great appeal for the younger set who might even imagine more stories featuring its characters. A note from the author offers some explanation about why Turtle-Turtle doesn't realize some of his abilities and how his friends help him acquire important knowledge about himself.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another picture book from Will and Jane to love, love, love!

Turtle-Turtle was too new to know what to do when storm clouds fill the sky. He stayed put, not knowing to seek shelter as the other animals by the river suggest. As a result, the waves wash him into the water, so he is tossed around until the animals instruct him on how to get out of the water.

This book does so many things - including talking about the importance of friends, being aware of your surroundings, and getting to know your limitations and abilities. This quiet story co-written by the Hillenbrands is as calm and understated, yet important to hear as their other collaboration, What a Treasure!. It is also full of action and drama once the storm hits. A letter from Will in the back explains how he came up with the idea for the story and what he hopes readers will take away from it.

Will's artwork is stunning, as usual. His use of color, patterns, and texture are so stimulating here. I especially like the 2-page spread of Turtle-Turtle being tossed around in the water and the self-affirming "I did it!" from him.

Use this in units on rivers, turtles, self-esteem, and friendships.

Recommended for PreSchool-K.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many of the animals that live on the island in the wide river can see that a big storm is coming: But young Turtle-Turtle “was too new to know what to do.” As the rain pelts down, Heron, Frog, and Otter tell him to “Skeddadle!”, “Slip away!”,
“Swim!”, but the little turtle is too scared. When he is swept into the river in a great gust, Turtle-Turtle finds out that he can hold his breath and can swim, with a little help from his friends. Everyone cheers and a beautiful rainbow appears as if in celebration.

Simple, repetitive language with onomatopoeia, along with appealing digital art, make this a nice one for story time for the youngest listeners. There is action, danger, suspense and a quick, happy ending with friends all around. Turtle-Turtle is relatable for kids experiencing big things for the first time.

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overload on cuteness here. A little turtle is new to the world and there is a storm. The turtle has to weather the storm.

The animals are so cute. Kids will love it.

The poetry is so bizarre. So many words are repeated over and over and over and well you get the idea. Repetition is the name of the game here. I guess it's driving home some point.

The artwork is digital. I think it's pretty. Interesting.

Kids who love animals will love this.

[The Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art is exquisite and interesting to look at--it was digitally done, but it doesn't look so.
A lovely story, simply told in well chosen language, and while there are underlying messages, there are well below the waterline, so to speak. Caldecott people, put this one on your shortlist for next year!

[Hailey Vittrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this book as a DRC. The use of subtle repetition and alliteration make this book great! That combination, paired with stunning illustrations, make this book phenomenal. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I am confident that it will be a well-loved children's book.

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new little turtle doesn't know what the storm means for his little island. However, with his friends' help he is able to make it to safety.

Beautiful illustrations, but for some reason the story didn't grab me, so I rounded down.

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

With lively colorful illustrations and equally lively rhyming text turtle's adventure of being swept away and saved by his friends will appeal to young readers/listeners.

[Elizabeth]

A win with both the illustrations and the story!

[Rebecca Caufman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A storm approaches a little island in the river. All the animals know what to do except turtle...who learns quickly.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/11/2024 - Great bedtime story that Momma read to me 🐢

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read-aloud for story time. Lots of fun onomatopoeia to really set the scene and show the action.

[Danica Midlil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would work real well in storytime!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found in L4L Volume 148.

[Miss Janis the Storytime Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

fine. not a lot to it, but some repetition and potential for actions and sounds. we used scarves at one storytime, and it was fun