Clever Tortoise

by Francesca Martin

Clever Tortoise cuts a couple of bullies down to size in this traditional African folktale.

Elephant and Hippo are bullies. Big, strong, and selfish, the two friends boss and frighten all the other animals in the jungle, making life in their formerly harmonious community unbearable. But one day, Clever Tortoise calmly declares that size and strength aren't everything. Soon he proves it, hatching a plan to outwit the two tyrants with the tug-of-war to end all tugs-of-war. Who will be left standing when Tortoise's ingenious contest is over? Francesca Martin's spirited adaptation of a traditional African folk story-complete with a glossary of African words-and her rich illustrations will have kids cheering as wit and quiet wisdom triumph over brute strength.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Africa

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2000

Reviews

[Q_Jill Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an African tale about a tortoise who outsmarts an elephant and a hippopotamus who are arguing about who is stronger. The elephant and hippopotamus are causing problems for all the animals who live near them. The animals ask the clever tortoise what to do. The tortoise first challenges the elephant to a fight of tug-of-war. He then challenges the hippopotamus. All the animals get together to make a rope of vines. In the morning, tortoise gives elephant one end and hippopotamus the other. They both tug and tug not able to believe tortoise is so strong. Clever tortoise then cuts the rope! You will have to read to find out what happens to the elephant and hippopotamus. This was a cute story told in a humorous way that makes you want to continue reading. The illustrations are beautiful and make the problems of the smaller animals come alive. This has been my favorite trickster tale.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations (paintings) in this book are GORGEOUS! And the illustrator chose to frame each of the pages (similar to the work of Jan Brett). Clever little story about how even the littlest of creatures can make a big difference. So cute. Highly recommend.

[Kest Schwartzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

charming story written in such a way as to be a joy read aloud, acceptable illustration

[Jessica Wenninger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever Tortoise is about how the animals in the African plain came to all become friends. I never would have seen a tug-of-war coming and thought that was a great way to describe the story. I really enjoyed how this story started and ended on the same note.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clever Tortoise uses his brain to outsmart the two biggest bullies in the animal kingdom--elephant and hippo. The language does not always roll off the tongue easily, but it's still a good story.

Good for preschool storytimes.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever Tortoise convinces the other animals to play a trick on Elephant and Hippopotamus to end their boasting, bragging, and bulling of how strong they are to restore peace to Lake Nyasa, Tanzania. This African Folk Tale is full of wit, and humor.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great rendition of this tale. Very funny to read.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

39 months - A clever tortoise indeed, teaches the brutes of the jungle to get along by teaching them a lesson.

[Erin]

Super cute book! My kinders loved it. The illustrations are beautiful.

[Cheryl Meibos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are great and I like the tricky way the tortoise fools the elephant and hippo.

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Go clever little tortoise!