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A tender (and humorous!) look at the way tough emotions can make us feel stuck and how the presence of a good friend and a deep belly laugh can make it easier to get through stormy feelings. Complete with backmatter to help stuck readers feel better through noticing, smelling, talking, and taking a deep breath, this is a perfect pick for those who loved Grumpy Monkey and The Rabbit Listened.
"Stuck?" asks Duck. Yep, Turtle is flipped over on his shell and can't seem to get un-stuck. Duck suggests wiggling his feet, Kangaroo wants him to wag his tail, and Armadillo says rolling into a ball always does the trick. But Turtle is STILL. STUCK.
Is there anyone who can help?
This wise and humorous story reminds us that when we're feeling down, sometimes what we need most is a friend by our side--and a deep belly laugh--to help us get back on our feet again.
"Stuck?" asks Duck. Yep, Turtle is flipped over on his shell and can't seem to get un-stuck. Duck suggests wiggling his feet, Kangaroo wants him to wag his tail, and Armadillo says rolling into a ball always does the trick. But Turtle is STILL. STUCK.
Is there anyone who can help?
This wise and humorous story reminds us that when we're feeling down, sometimes what we need most is a friend by our side--and a deep belly laugh--to help us get back on our feet again.
48 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2023
4 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
November 7, 2024
I learned about I Am Stuck by Julia Mills from the amazing book club I am in.
On Tuesday night, as I struggled to focus, I found myself picking up and setting down countless books. This precious picture book was just the balm I needed.
It expresses a simple but powerful message about meeting someone who is struggling where they are at instead of trying to fix them. We can see through the prose and illustrations that those giving advice to the turtle are doing so through their understanding of who they are, and not who the turtle is. What works for you may not work for me after all. Finding someone who truly comprehends that, and is willing just be with you through the struggle, is rare and special. This book celebrates the beauty that is born from that.
On Tuesday night, as I struggled to focus, I found myself picking up and setting down countless books. This precious picture book was just the balm I needed.
It expresses a simple but powerful message about meeting someone who is struggling where they are at instead of trying to fix them. We can see through the prose and illustrations that those giving advice to the turtle are doing so through their understanding of who they are, and not who the turtle is. What works for you may not work for me after all. Finding someone who truly comprehends that, and is willing just be with you through the struggle, is rare and special. This book celebrates the beauty that is born from that.
April 22, 2024
Firstly, the cover - both on and under the dust jacket - is GORGEOUSSSS!!
Beautiful illustrations and a sweet and v important message.
Beautiful illustrations and a sweet and v important message.
March 9, 2023
This is one of those books where I deeply feel "instant classic" is the right way to describe it. Mills' gentle story of moving through a tough time with the help of a friend, through minimalist conversational interactions and beautiful, seemingly-simple art is one that kids and adults will love. The art is gorgeous and I love the details: the blue in the storm cloud, the possum's feet kicking off the raindrops. We all have tough times. This book will help.
December 19, 2023
Highly recommend. Talks about feelings without talking about feelings in a clever metaphor. The illustrations are adorable. We also see from others trying to “help” Turtle get unstuck in ways that aren’t helpful to him, and one beautiful example with a friend that gets it. Sweet and funny, and uplifting. Recommend for all readers and families.
October 18, 2024
Really cute book about a turtle stuck on his back. He tries the other animals' suggestions, but they don't work. Then a possum comes along and when the turtle says he's feeling alone, the possum lays down with him. They watch the sky, listen to the birds, and smell the flowers together, until possum gets them both laughing - which eventually gets the turtle turned back onto his feet!
The last page offers suggestions for little ones feeling stuck. Be patient, take a breath, use your senses to calm yourself down. Find a possum (or a grownup) that you trust to talk it out and be with you until you feel un-stuck.
Very few words, cute pictures, and a quick story with deeper meaning.
The last page offers suggestions for little ones feeling stuck. Be patient, take a breath, use your senses to calm yourself down. Find a possum (or a grownup) that you trust to talk it out and be with you until you feel un-stuck.
Very few words, cute pictures, and a quick story with deeper meaning.
July 19, 2024
It’s been a while since I feel in love with a children’s book. And this one has my heart forever. The pictures, the story - the emotions - the kindness. It has it all!
5 ✨
And add to my all time favorite children’s book shelf!
5 ✨
And add to my all time favorite children’s book shelf!
February 12, 2024
Incredibly sweet, and very cute turtle
February 11, 2025
Turtle finds themselves stuck on their back. Multiple animals walk by and suggest ways to turn themselves over but nothing works. Turtle is feeling sad and alone when Possum walks by. Possum lays down with Turtle so that Turtle won't feel so alone. Together they observe the clouds, get rained on and laugh. Turtle laughs so hard that they flip themselves over.
A lovely book about helping friends and persevering through tough situations.
A lovely book about helping friends and persevering through tough situations.
November 6, 2024
Just listened to this, read by The Contoured Librarian on TikTok. I’m 36 years old and it had me smiling and giggling. Will now be buying it for my nieces and nephews for Christmas. Fantastic book!
April 6, 2024
4 - 8 years, *Mental Health
February 2, 2024
Read to me on tiktok by @/thecontouredlibrarian
October 4, 2023
Humorous, with touches of practical advice on how to get un-stuck, including an author's note with 3 steps: use your senses, talk about it, & take a deep breath.
Great read-aloud for story time--easily made interactive by incorporating the animals' movements. Plus, the preschool crowd will enjoy the line "I feel like my butt fell asleep" just as much as Turtle and Possum.
Great read-aloud for story time--easily made interactive by incorporating the animals' movements. Plus, the preschool crowd will enjoy the line "I feel like my butt fell asleep" just as much as Turtle and Possum.
September 29, 2023
Richie’s Picks: I AM STUCK by Julia Mills, HarperCollins/Clarion, September 2023, 48p., ISBN: 978-0-35-869533-2
“Oh, you can depend on me
Over and over, over and over
Know that I intend to be
The one who always makes you laugh until you cry
And you can call on me until the day you die
Years may come and go
Here's one thing I know
All my life
You're a friend of mine”
– Jeffrey Cohen / Narada Walden (1985)
“‘Hey! Are you playing possum?’
‘No. I am stuck.’
‘Does it hurt?’
‘It doesn’t hurt. But I feel scared, frustrated, and alone.’
‘You don’t have to be alone.’”
A turtle is stuck on its back. After several animals passing by offer passing advice, a possum happens along. The possum expresses empathy, chooses to keep the turtle company–even through a downpour–and then totally cracks up the turtle, causing the shelled reptile to laugh hard enough to flip right side-up.
“‘You did it!’
‘We did it!’ [The pair high-five.]
‘Getting stuck isn’t so bad when you are here.’”
The turtle has a beautiful watercolor shell that particularly stands out against the mostly-white backgrounds. The author/illustrator concludes with advice for those feeling stuck–use your senses; talk about it; and take a deep breath.
I AM STUCK is upbeat, uplifting, beautiful, and offers inspiration for those who are in need or encounter a friend in need.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
“Oh, you can depend on me
Over and over, over and over
Know that I intend to be
The one who always makes you laugh until you cry
And you can call on me until the day you die
Years may come and go
Here's one thing I know
All my life
You're a friend of mine”
– Jeffrey Cohen / Narada Walden (1985)
“‘Hey! Are you playing possum?’
‘No. I am stuck.’
‘Does it hurt?’
‘It doesn’t hurt. But I feel scared, frustrated, and alone.’
‘You don’t have to be alone.’”
A turtle is stuck on its back. After several animals passing by offer passing advice, a possum happens along. The possum expresses empathy, chooses to keep the turtle company–even through a downpour–and then totally cracks up the turtle, causing the shelled reptile to laugh hard enough to flip right side-up.
“‘You did it!’
‘We did it!’ [The pair high-five.]
‘Getting stuck isn’t so bad when you are here.’”
The turtle has a beautiful watercolor shell that particularly stands out against the mostly-white backgrounds. The author/illustrator concludes with advice for those feeling stuck–use your senses; talk about it; and take a deep breath.
I AM STUCK is upbeat, uplifting, beautiful, and offers inspiration for those who are in need or encounter a friend in need.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
January 17, 2026
Every so often—okay, more like all of the time—I stumble across a children’s book that truly resonates with me.
I Am Stuck did exactly that for me this week. My four-year-old daughter picked it out at our local library because she loved the cute turtle on the cover. After reading it with her, I immediately knew I had to bring it into my preschool classroom—and I’m so glad I did. My students absolutely loved it!
This story follows a turtle who becomes stuck on his back and experiences big feelings: fear, confusion, loneliness, and frustration as he tries to flip himself over. With the help of a new friend, he’s finally able to get back on his feet.
In my preschool classroom, we focus heavily on social-emotional development, and this book fits beautifully into that work. It opens the door to meaningful conversations about what to do when we have strong feelings—naming our emotions, taking deep breaths, and asking for help. All of these strategies are presented in a developmentally appropriate and accessible way by author and illustrator Julia Mills.
I’ll definitely be purchasing a personal/classroom copy to use regularly with my students.
If you work with young children or have early childhood–aged kids of your own, I highly recommend checking this book out!
I Am Stuck did exactly that for me this week. My four-year-old daughter picked it out at our local library because she loved the cute turtle on the cover. After reading it with her, I immediately knew I had to bring it into my preschool classroom—and I’m so glad I did. My students absolutely loved it!
This story follows a turtle who becomes stuck on his back and experiences big feelings: fear, confusion, loneliness, and frustration as he tries to flip himself over. With the help of a new friend, he’s finally able to get back on his feet.
In my preschool classroom, we focus heavily on social-emotional development, and this book fits beautifully into that work. It opens the door to meaningful conversations about what to do when we have strong feelings—naming our emotions, taking deep breaths, and asking for help. All of these strategies are presented in a developmentally appropriate and accessible way by author and illustrator Julia Mills.
I’ll definitely be purchasing a personal/classroom copy to use regularly with my students.
If you work with young children or have early childhood–aged kids of your own, I highly recommend checking this book out!
December 4, 2023
For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle
An absolutely adorable book. Turtle is stuck. Various animals pass by, offering advice. But it isn't until a friend comes along to weather the storm with him that Turtle sees what he needed all along.
I loved the message that even if your friends can't fix your problem directly, having them around can make you feel less alone. A great reminder that sometimes someone doesn't need advice or suggestions, they just need someone to support them while they figure things out.
Adorable illustrations. They pair wonderfully with the all-dialogue text and add their own humor. Includes some suggestions in the back for getting unstuck when you're dealing with big emotions.
Such a sweet story filled with humor and wisdom. Perfect for reading aloud and revisiting to remind yourself how to get unstuck.
An absolutely adorable book. Turtle is stuck. Various animals pass by, offering advice. But it isn't until a friend comes along to weather the storm with him that Turtle sees what he needed all along.
I loved the message that even if your friends can't fix your problem directly, having them around can make you feel less alone. A great reminder that sometimes someone doesn't need advice or suggestions, they just need someone to support them while they figure things out.
Adorable illustrations. They pair wonderfully with the all-dialogue text and add their own humor. Includes some suggestions in the back for getting unstuck when you're dealing with big emotions.
Such a sweet story filled with humor and wisdom. Perfect for reading aloud and revisiting to remind yourself how to get unstuck.
January 30, 2024
First sentence: I am stuck. I can't seem to get unstuck. Stuck? Try wiggling your feet.
Premise/plot: Turtle, our protagonist, is stuck. In this picture book, many, many animals come by and see Turtle in his stuck-ness. Each offers advice on how to get unstuck. Advice that tends to be specific to their species, and not particularly generally useful advice to help him. But one animal is different. And that difference makes all the difference in the world...
My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. I love Turtle and Possum. I really love the direction this one took. The illustrations were SO cute and adorable. The story isn't necessarily cute and adorable. Though it could be seen that way, I suppose. I think this one could "hit" readers differently. For some it might be cute. For others it might be funny. For others it may be all too relatable.
Premise/plot: Turtle, our protagonist, is stuck. In this picture book, many, many animals come by and see Turtle in his stuck-ness. Each offers advice on how to get unstuck. Advice that tends to be specific to their species, and not particularly generally useful advice to help him. But one animal is different. And that difference makes all the difference in the world...
My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. I love Turtle and Possum. I really love the direction this one took. The illustrations were SO cute and adorable. The story isn't necessarily cute and adorable. Though it could be seen that way, I suppose. I think this one could "hit" readers differently. For some it might be cute. For others it might be funny. For others it may be all too relatable.
October 19, 2023
Picture book. This book reminds me of the masterful, deceptively simple The Rabbit Listened. A turtle is stuck on its back. The duck, kangaroo, and armadillo offer half-hearted suggestions but continue on their way. The possum comes and gently talks to the turtle. When the turtles says it feels alone, possum lies down too. There, in the same position, with the same view, the possum and turtle find their way up. In the end, the turtle did not need complex solutions, but a listening ear and a good laugh. Very effective but also a good story.
October 27, 2024
Turtle is S-T-U-C-K. Stuck!
His friends wander by with advice. "Try wiggling your feet," says Duck. "Try wagging your tail," says Kangaroo. "Try rolling into a ball," says Armadillo. Nothing works.
Then Possum comes along and stays. He lays next to turtle and they talk. Soon they will find that laughing with a friend can bring about big changes. Cue the confetti! 🥳
Simple, humorous, and helpful. A page at the end contains concrete suggestions for kids who feel stuck like Turtle.
A Missouri Library Association Building Block Nominee. Kids up to six years old can vote for their favorite book. See your local Missouri library for details.
His friends wander by with advice. "Try wiggling your feet," says Duck. "Try wagging your tail," says Kangaroo. "Try rolling into a ball," says Armadillo. Nothing works.
Then Possum comes along and stays. He lays next to turtle and they talk. Soon they will find that laughing with a friend can bring about big changes. Cue the confetti! 🥳
Simple, humorous, and helpful. A page at the end contains concrete suggestions for kids who feel stuck like Turtle.
A Missouri Library Association Building Block Nominee. Kids up to six years old can vote for their favorite book. See your local Missouri library for details.
March 10, 2023
What an adorable story about a turtle stuck upside down who can't seem to get unstuck. Different animals come by to offer advice, but nothing seems to work until one animal shows up and offers the turtle something else. The illustrations in this story were delightful and fun. I loved the sweet twist at the end! This book is really about what kids (and adults) can do when another needs help. It's perfect for kids navigating big feelings (and their friends)!
September 20, 2023
I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.
Turtle is stuck on their back and everyone has an opinion how to get unstuck but the true helper comes from an unlikely friend. This cute book is all about learning how to calm yourself and process those times when you truly feel like you are stuck. A great book for kids and adults to learn how to become unstuck and how to really help someone who is.
Turtle is stuck on their back and everyone has an opinion how to get unstuck but the true helper comes from an unlikely friend. This cute book is all about learning how to calm yourself and process those times when you truly feel like you are stuck. A great book for kids and adults to learn how to become unstuck and how to really help someone who is.
October 20, 2023
This is a cute book about feeling stuck. different animals all offer advice to the turtle who has flipped upside down and can't flip back onto his feet. "Wiggle your tail." etc. is good advice for a stuck kangaroo, but not so much for a stuck turtle. Finally a possum stops by and chats with the turtle. He doesn't offer a helping hand, but the two of them laughing together cause the turtle to flip over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2023
Mister and I read this together, and it was great for both of us as we were both feeling kind of stuck. Similar to The Rabbit Listened but with more action which would be fun to do during storytime. We ended up laughing, taking a deep breath, and feeling much better. Lovely, cozy illustrations include a fun assortment of animals.
The author includes a note at the end about what to do when you are stuck: use your senses, talk about it, & take a deep breath.
The author includes a note at the end about what to do when you are stuck: use your senses, talk about it, & take a deep breath.
December 13, 2023
I took my besties toddler to the library and spent 90% of the time reading the kids books myself. This was a gem of that crop. Teaches DBT grounding skills in the form of a children's book about a flipped turtle making friends with a possum. It's adorable, well done, and I love the illustrations.
Thank heavens for more children's books teaching kids coping skills but also where were these when I was a kid?
Thank heavens for more children's books teaching kids coping skills but also where were these when I was a kid?
February 1, 2024
A turtle is stuck on his back. Friends come along with suggestions for what has worked for them, wiggling feet, waggling tail, rolling into a ball... Finally, possum asks how he feels: scared, frustrated and alone. Possum gets stuck with him, entertains him, notices nice things about being stuck, and sticks with him through a storm. Until the right joke at the right moment makes everything feel ok.
Simple, sweet, & poignant.
Simple, sweet, & poignant.
February 26, 2024
Poor turtle is stuck, lying on its back. A few other animals stop and give advice, which turns out not to be helpful. Turtle is still stuck. Possum comes and just hangs out with turtle, even when it rains. Eventually, they laugh, and turtle gets unstuck. Being stuck isn't so bad with a friend, anyway.
This is a fun book with a nice message. Preschoolers really enjoyed the part where possum's but fell asleep.
This is a fun book with a nice message. Preschoolers really enjoyed the part where possum's but fell asleep.
June 24, 2024
A story of a turtle who is stuck on his back (shell) and other animals who make suggestions to help him get back on his feet. (Oddly, none offer to move him themselves.)
This simple story is laugh out loud funny. Just wait for it. I may have disturbed other library patrons when I read this book. It is worth it. Others will want to feel this joy, also. I will buy this one for all of my school libraries!
This simple story is laugh out loud funny. Just wait for it. I may have disturbed other library patrons when I read this book. It is worth it. Others will want to feel this joy, also. I will buy this one for all of my school libraries!
March 8, 2023
I am Stuck is a beautiful reminder to everyone that listening and being there for someone in need is more important than dispensing advice, even when it's well-intentioned. This sweet story is easy to read and enjoy with simple, clean illustrations. I especially appreciated the humor in the art and the gentle storytelling. I loved this book!
March 10, 2023
Who hasn't felt stuck? This book debut from Julia touches on so many layers but appears simple in messaging and style, but that is the genius of it. It is deceptively deep. What works for others doesn't always work for everyone, but there's no downside to having a friend who just listens and stays with you through the tough times. So joyful. Love this book! Highly recommend!
November 20, 2023
This could be a fun story to read about turtles and other animals. Or it could be used in a discussion about resilience, perseverance, and how to be a good friend to someone who is struggling. I could see reading this to an early elementary class before a challenging assignment or unit. Simple story, not too wordy, illustrations are enjoyable, if not stand-out.
March 4, 2024
This story is about a turtle who is stuck and can't seem to get unstuck. Many animals come and offer some advice, but nothing seems to work. This book could be used to help kids understand how to navigate big feelings. It could also be used to discuss friendship and what it means to be a good friend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews