Two Turtles

by Kiah Thomas, Jake A Minton (Illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship

40 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication September 15, 2026

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

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terence and Frank are way too competitive, which leads to the pair of them falling off a cliff. (Stay with me here!) When cooperation rather than competition is the only way to save themselves, can they manage to do it?

I really liked Kiah Thomas’ fable, but it’s Jake A. Minton’s illustrations that really make this picture book.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Charlesbridge in exchange for an honest review.

[The_enchanted.Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book about being competitive but to also be reasonable when it comes to danger and safety. Being competitive is natural within us all, but what to do when things get out of hand? This picture book connects with younger readers using humorous language as two turtles are falling off a cliff.

Everything about them is to outsmart and beat each other, but is falling down a cliff a race you really want to win? It is so easy to discuss the consequences with children. The importance of letting some things go in life and how it can actually be healthy and good decisions.

The illustrations are so hilarious. They style of illustration is so well done and the actions and expressions of the turtles are so enriched. The illustrations go hand-in-hand with the text to really bring about meaning.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The terribly tragic and terrifically funny tale of “The Two Turtles” who just can’t stop one-upping each other has been a favorite of my little ones. Frank and Terrance hurtling off a cliff made for a great opener to discuss working together and losing gracefully (with young ones any chance to talk through those feelings is a big plus for me)! I loved how Thomas doesn’t lecture the reader, but leaves room for kids to work out the silliness and life lesson for themselves. The beautiful illustrations and absurd situations are reminiscent of John Klassen. Highly recommend for the 3-6 crowd.

Thanks to NetGalley & Charlesbridge for the complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[Karol Silverstein]

Super adorable and nonsensical in just the right way for young readers. The spare illustrations are a good fit - they're whimsical and avoid pulling focus from the characters who are the heart of this story. Most kids can relate to silly competitions between friends. And every kid can see that turtles falling from a high cliff is a problem in need of a solution. Arg! They must work together - even if it means neither really win the contest. (Terrance's declaration of victory is dubious at best!) Kids will see that safety comes first, and there will be time for more for fun and games - and competition - tomorrow.

[Abby Aguilera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley!

Well, this was absolutely delightful. Two Turtles follows two competitive, ornery turtles (Terrence and Frank) and the circumstances in which they find themselves falling off a cliff to the treachery below. Can they put aside their competition and work together? What will happen? I can totally see myself using this in a toddler storytime, it reminded me so much of Jon Klassen in terms of the dry humor and expressive illustrations. I can't wait for this to hit the shelves!

I was given the opportunity to read this title by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[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.

[Mandy Quarantillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, engaging read! I'm a twin and can absolutely see my brother and I having these types of competitions. I even had a fight with a friend once in elementary school over who started the most fights! (Her, of course!) Kids will love the fast-paced action and stunning illustrations, and parents will relate to raising turtles like Frank and Terrance! Parents will also appreciate the lesson in teamwork, and don't be surprised if this is a new favorite read!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC, I greatly enjoyed it! I will definitely recommend this to my local preschool!

[Ambi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heck, we LOVED this book. From the very first page my kids could not stop giggling. This is such a sweet and humorous book about the pitfalls of being overly competitive, something my kids really related to. Highly recommend pulling out this one for sibling rivalries!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[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