Two Turtles

by Kiah Thomas

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

Hardcover

About the author

Kiah Thomas started telling stories when she was a kid; reimagining the endings in books she read. She rediscovered her love of kids books when she had children of her own, and started writing beginnings as well as endings. Kiah is passionate about books that kids and adults can enjoy together. She lives in Melbourne, Victoria with her husband, three children and at least seven stuffed toy penguins.

Reviews

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever and witty story of two turtles who are very competitive and always trying to beat the other. When stuffing their shells full of different objects to prove who can fit the most in, there is a mishap and Frank topples off the top of the cliff. Determined not to let Frank beat him to the bottom, Terence follows him down. The storyteller begs them to work together and save themselves, but can they? Or is winning, (and dying) more important? There are many opportunities to encourage prediction and problem solving throughout.

Jake A Minton's illustrations provide the perfect foil for this funny story with a range of page spreads, illustrated writing and different perspectives. The double page spreads that show the cliff on one side and the turtles falling on the other draw the eye to the plunging turtles and the mix of close up and panoramic views contribute different perspectives to the story. At time minimal text is needed as the illustrations progress the plot, and the impending doom. The facial expressions and different body positions of turtles in free fall add to the humour.

Perfect harmony between text and illustrations is achieved and the second person narrative draws the reader into the dare devil antics.

CBCA 2025 Early Childhood Notable title.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Terrence and Frank. This is a hilarious book about being competitive as well as working together. I love the story, and the illustrations are just amazing, beautiful and details and the facial expressions on some of the creatures is just too much. Love it

[Isa Rive · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could be biased. I have a turtle. Her name is Feisty.
But actually this picture book is perfection.
Simple, carefully chosen words. Turtle rivalry. Beautiful hilarious pictures. Suspense. Mortal danger. Working together (- finally). Punchline.
Perfection!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two turtles is a humorous look at cooperation versus competition. The illustrations are bold and complement the short snappy text. The narrative holds many opportunities for prediction and character analysis. The ending contains a final punchline that will encourage further discussion of the story.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

very cute, lovely illustrations with a good moral