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After his best friend Sarah leaves for her first day of school, a tortoise named Truman goes on an adventure across the living room and learns to be brave in this thoughtful and heartwarming twist on a first experience story.
Truman the tortoise lives with his Sarah, high above the taxis and the trash trucks and the number eleven bus, which travels south. He never worries about the world below…until one day, when Sarah straps on a big backpack and does something Truman has never seen before. She boards the bus!
Truman waits for her to return.
He waits.
And waits.
And waits.
And when he can wait no longer, he knows what he must do.
Even if it seems…impossible!
Truman the tortoise lives with his Sarah, high above the taxis and the trash trucks and the number eleven bus, which travels south. He never worries about the world below…until one day, when Sarah straps on a big backpack and does something Truman has never seen before. She boards the bus!
Truman waits for her to return.
He waits.
And waits.
And waits.
And when he can wait no longer, he knows what he must do.
Even if it seems…impossible!
48 pages
First published July 9, 2019
10 people are currently reading
923 people want to read
About the author
Jean Reidy
20 books82 followersJean Reidy’s bestselling and award-winning picture books have earned their spots as favorites among readers and listeners of all ages and from all over the world. She is honored to be a three-time winner of the Colorado Book Award, a Parent’s Choice Gold Award Winner, a Charlotte Zolotow Honor winner and recognized on “Best of” lists by School Library Journal, the New York Times, NPR and Amazon. Jean writes from her home in Chicago where she lives just a short walk from her neighborhood library … which she visits nearly every day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 389 reviews
July 9, 2019
A sweet first day of school story told from the perspective of the turtle left at home. A lovely, quiet read aloud!
February 8, 2020
This is one of the sweetest children's books I've ever had the honor of reading.
Destined to be a staple in all homes with small children and especially those with small turtles. When I was a little girl, mine was named Watermelon, and he will always be in my heart.
Destined to be a staple in all homes with small children and especially those with small turtles. When I was a little girl, mine was named Watermelon, and he will always be in my heart.
October 4, 2019
"Superman's not brave. He's strong. He's handsome. He's even decent. But, he's not brave. No. He's indestructible. And you can't be brave if you're indestructible." --Chris Crutcher from "A Brief Moment in the Life of Angus Bethune" a short story within his book ATHLETIC SHORTS.
I love TRUMAN.
I mean really. As a secondary ELA teacher who gets to see picture books that might make their way into the room, I came slowly. . .like a turtle. . .to Jean Reidy's TRUMAN. But, now that I have seen and read the book, I am glad that I am a secondary ELA teacher. I'm in a unique position to introduce students to this picture book who might be parents selecting books in the next ten years. And, I have some influence in placing books some ten years below me into the K and 1 and 2 spaces where TRUMAN might best be situated (for marketing purposes).
I've never been one to stay in my lane. Nor, seemingly, is Truman (a turtle).
From the cover art depicting Sarah stretched out on a carpeted floor (and across the dust jacket which will be fun to share with readers. She is face to face with the book's hero Truman, who looking up at his owner, looks part Ed Asner, part Yoda, and part Patrick Star. There is an infant-like roundish presentation of this turtle that presents as an innocence that drives Jean Reidy's picture book.
The outer case looks like birthday confetti and the end papers are done in a nice concentric circle pattern suggestive of a turtle's shell pattern. From under and around the case the lighter, muted color schemes remind me of softer picture books like A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE.
The title page reveals that the case may, in fact, be how something as small a Truman might see a frosted donut shared on any given morning with a friend.
Truman was small,
the size of a donut--
a small donut--
and every bit as sweet.
Jean Reidy has introduced us to the archetypal INNOCENT. Innocents driven by sweet and naturally-inclined safety seekers. Perfect that the main character presents like Pooh. And comes with a shell. He lives with Sarah and this points to the fidelity of the INNOCENT. Presented in contrast to the noisy, boisterous vehicles and machines further settles Truman into the INNOCENT archetype.
He was peaceful
and pensive,
just like his Sarah.
Not only is our main character sweet, peaceful, pensive, we're beginning to see a sense of identification with "his Sarah." And a developing fidelity (which is the INNOCENT archetype response to a task).
There is a visual depiction of Truman's size as demonstrated by his placement with a donut or lying on the carpet near Sarah, dwarfed by the paper and the crayons surrounding him.
Truman lives in an innocent world filled with innocent activities. It is the world outside that honks and growls and shrieks.
Jean Reidy's picture book is shaping up to become mentor text in archetypal presentation and discussion. Reidy has created a character who is the model of Dr. Carol S. Pearson's INNOCENT archetype. Paired with the ORPHAN archetype for the interplay between the two, there is something in TRUMAN that goes beyond the limitations (perceived) of the thirty-two page picture book.
And the interplay between INNOCENT and ORPHAN plays out as it most often does in stories:
"One day. . ."
When Sarah puts on a brand new shirt and a backpack that could have fit thirty-two small tortoises inside and places two more than usual green been in his dish (both are opportunities to count along with younger readers making this book a One Book Four Hands selection), he thinks nothing of this and begins to munch on the beans.
Psst. . .over here. . .with the reviewer. . .an INNOCENT'S response to danger or to a dragon is to "deny it" according to Pearson. Two more green beans than usual. No big deal.
Truman's ORPHAN archetype is immediately awakened when he realizes that, while Sarah has left before, her backpack was larger, and she had a banana and a bow. . .and the extra beans.
Let's take a moment to review literary terms. Alliteration is the repetition of a consonant sound. Add the two word imperative from Sarah to Truman, "Be Brave," and you have enough Bs to create a colony.
Truman's awakening ORPHAN is demonstrated within this spread and his awareness is splashed over the sprinkled-frosting backdrop of the case. Whether Reidy intended this juxtaposition of orphanage over a ghostly reminder of INNOCENCE lost is discussion worthy as all of the symbols of his past relationship with Sarah are presented as ghostly white outlines.
Are we getting the sense that this picture book would work well in your unit on archetypes yet? And, if we were able to tap into this aspect/element of the picture book's potential in all grades, this book would be earning that fifth star all over the place (and why I am awarding the book its rightful fifth star).
It's in this moment. This call that Truman begins to become aware of an outside world. A world outside of glass enclosures and beans and rocks.
A Call to Adventure is met with the natural Refusal as Truman waits "a thousand hours" for Sarah's return before Crossing the Threshold to enter into the Belly of the Whale (this time an "endless rug" wherein our hero, Truman, encounters the sucking and the sharp and the hulking and the menacing of other figures on the rug).
Reidy is hitting all of the markers of the Hero's Journey now that Truman has been "orphaned." Even the road of trials has gone silent underneath him.
Older readers will recognize that the deepest part of the Hero's Journey is the Symbolic Death. But this step is also called "A Dismemberment" which is what has occurred between Truman and Sarah.
But, Campbellian's will also remember that right after this low point (depicted by the dark door with light streaming underneath) is when our hero makes contact with the Goddess. In Jean Reidy's picture book, we have already met this Goddess and her voice comes back to Truman is a moment of epiphany and apotheosis as Truman remembers to be be BRAVE! (the spread cast in yellow is reminiscent now of light and illumination signifying that our tortoise friend is now in a state called apotheosis, drawing deep for the innate gift that has been suggested/placed inside of him).
The ultimate boon is the end of the book (no spoilers), but we do see a Magic Flight/Rescue in Sarah's "scooping" of Truman. And by the end of the book, we see Sarah and Truman sharing a story that features a brave (and now proud Truman). The Master of Two Worlds. Free to Live with an acceptance that his Sarah will sometimes go south.
By the way. . .remember that part in OF MICE And MEN when Slim asks George which way Lennie might have gone. George's response:
"Well. . .we come from the north, so he would have went south."
I know you remember. I just thought of that. Hmmm. . .south.
Jean Reidy's TRUMAN is a delightful look at a relationship between a little girl and her pet turtle (perhaps this is how we should have started this review).
I love TRUMAN.
This is how I should end this review.
I love TRUMAN.
I mean really. As a secondary ELA teacher who gets to see picture books that might make their way into the room, I came slowly. . .like a turtle. . .to Jean Reidy's TRUMAN. But, now that I have seen and read the book, I am glad that I am a secondary ELA teacher. I'm in a unique position to introduce students to this picture book who might be parents selecting books in the next ten years. And, I have some influence in placing books some ten years below me into the K and 1 and 2 spaces where TRUMAN might best be situated (for marketing purposes).
I've never been one to stay in my lane. Nor, seemingly, is Truman (a turtle).
From the cover art depicting Sarah stretched out on a carpeted floor (and across the dust jacket which will be fun to share with readers. She is face to face with the book's hero Truman, who looking up at his owner, looks part Ed Asner, part Yoda, and part Patrick Star. There is an infant-like roundish presentation of this turtle that presents as an innocence that drives Jean Reidy's picture book.
The outer case looks like birthday confetti and the end papers are done in a nice concentric circle pattern suggestive of a turtle's shell pattern. From under and around the case the lighter, muted color schemes remind me of softer picture books like A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE.
The title page reveals that the case may, in fact, be how something as small a Truman might see a frosted donut shared on any given morning with a friend.
Truman was small,
the size of a donut--
a small donut--
and every bit as sweet.
Jean Reidy has introduced us to the archetypal INNOCENT. Innocents driven by sweet and naturally-inclined safety seekers. Perfect that the main character presents like Pooh. And comes with a shell. He lives with Sarah and this points to the fidelity of the INNOCENT. Presented in contrast to the noisy, boisterous vehicles and machines further settles Truman into the INNOCENT archetype.
He was peaceful
and pensive,
just like his Sarah.
Not only is our main character sweet, peaceful, pensive, we're beginning to see a sense of identification with "his Sarah." And a developing fidelity (which is the INNOCENT archetype response to a task).
There is a visual depiction of Truman's size as demonstrated by his placement with a donut or lying on the carpet near Sarah, dwarfed by the paper and the crayons surrounding him.
Truman lives in an innocent world filled with innocent activities. It is the world outside that honks and growls and shrieks.
Jean Reidy's picture book is shaping up to become mentor text in archetypal presentation and discussion. Reidy has created a character who is the model of Dr. Carol S. Pearson's INNOCENT archetype. Paired with the ORPHAN archetype for the interplay between the two, there is something in TRUMAN that goes beyond the limitations (perceived) of the thirty-two page picture book.
And the interplay between INNOCENT and ORPHAN plays out as it most often does in stories:
"One day. . ."
When Sarah puts on a brand new shirt and a backpack that could have fit thirty-two small tortoises inside and places two more than usual green been in his dish (both are opportunities to count along with younger readers making this book a One Book Four Hands selection), he thinks nothing of this and begins to munch on the beans.
Psst. . .over here. . .with the reviewer. . .an INNOCENT'S response to danger or to a dragon is to "deny it" according to Pearson. Two more green beans than usual. No big deal.
Truman's ORPHAN archetype is immediately awakened when he realizes that, while Sarah has left before, her backpack was larger, and she had a banana and a bow. . .and the extra beans.
Let's take a moment to review literary terms. Alliteration is the repetition of a consonant sound. Add the two word imperative from Sarah to Truman, "Be Brave," and you have enough Bs to create a colony.
Truman's awakening ORPHAN is demonstrated within this spread and his awareness is splashed over the sprinkled-frosting backdrop of the case. Whether Reidy intended this juxtaposition of orphanage over a ghostly reminder of INNOCENCE lost is discussion worthy as all of the symbols of his past relationship with Sarah are presented as ghostly white outlines.
Are we getting the sense that this picture book would work well in your unit on archetypes yet? And, if we were able to tap into this aspect/element of the picture book's potential in all grades, this book would be earning that fifth star all over the place (and why I am awarding the book its rightful fifth star).
It's in this moment. This call that Truman begins to become aware of an outside world. A world outside of glass enclosures and beans and rocks.
A Call to Adventure is met with the natural Refusal as Truman waits "a thousand hours" for Sarah's return before Crossing the Threshold to enter into the Belly of the Whale (this time an "endless rug" wherein our hero, Truman, encounters the sucking and the sharp and the hulking and the menacing of other figures on the rug).
Reidy is hitting all of the markers of the Hero's Journey now that Truman has been "orphaned." Even the road of trials has gone silent underneath him.
Older readers will recognize that the deepest part of the Hero's Journey is the Symbolic Death. But this step is also called "A Dismemberment" which is what has occurred between Truman and Sarah.
But, Campbellian's will also remember that right after this low point (depicted by the dark door with light streaming underneath) is when our hero makes contact with the Goddess. In Jean Reidy's picture book, we have already met this Goddess and her voice comes back to Truman is a moment of epiphany and apotheosis as Truman remembers to be be BRAVE! (the spread cast in yellow is reminiscent now of light and illumination signifying that our tortoise friend is now in a state called apotheosis, drawing deep for the innate gift that has been suggested/placed inside of him).
The ultimate boon is the end of the book (no spoilers), but we do see a Magic Flight/Rescue in Sarah's "scooping" of Truman. And by the end of the book, we see Sarah and Truman sharing a story that features a brave (and now proud Truman). The Master of Two Worlds. Free to Live with an acceptance that his Sarah will sometimes go south.
By the way. . .remember that part in OF MICE And MEN when Slim asks George which way Lennie might have gone. George's response:
"Well. . .we come from the north, so he would have went south."
I know you remember. I just thought of that. Hmmm. . .south.
Jean Reidy's TRUMAN is a delightful look at a relationship between a little girl and her pet turtle (perhaps this is how we should have started this review).
I love TRUMAN.
This is how I should end this review.
July 29, 2019
Aww. This is too cute.
This simple story is about a tortoise named Truman who lives with a little girl named Sarah (adorably referred to as "his Sarah") in an apartment above a busy street. One morning, she gives him some extra green beans, takes her "large" backpack, and gets on the bus! Truman waits and waits for her to return, but when she doesn't, he decides he'll just have to get on that bus and go after her himself. The only problem is, he's in a tank on the far side of the living room.
The story is pretty basic, but it clearly shows the friendship between the two and how much they value and love each other. The ending is cute, too (as well as completely plausible). The sketch-like illustrations complement the story perfectly; the characters may not be drawn realistically, but their facial expressions still convey plenty of emotion.
This is a great story about going to school for the first time, and might be appreciated by small children whose older siblings are off to kindergarten. Even though they're going away for a while, they're going to come back. It's a reassuring message for those left behind.
Quotable moment:
This simple story is about a tortoise named Truman who lives with a little girl named Sarah (adorably referred to as "his Sarah") in an apartment above a busy street. One morning, she gives him some extra green beans, takes her "large" backpack, and gets on the bus! Truman waits and waits for her to return, but when she doesn't, he decides he'll just have to get on that bus and go after her himself. The only problem is, he's in a tank on the far side of the living room.
The story is pretty basic, but it clearly shows the friendship between the two and how much they value and love each other. The ending is cute, too (as well as completely plausible). The sketch-like illustrations complement the story perfectly; the characters may not be drawn realistically, but their facial expressions still convey plenty of emotion.
This is a great story about going to school for the first time, and might be appreciated by small children whose older siblings are off to kindergarten. Even though they're going away for a while, they're going to come back. It's a reassuring message for those left behind.
Quotable moment:
January 9, 2019
I love, love, love this book. Tuman is the most adorable little tortoise. This picture book is about friendship and love & the lengths that you will go for them, even when it all seems impossible. I was smiling on every page.
May 17, 2023
عاشق تصویرسازیش شدم 💘
June 30, 2020
A small turtle goes on a BIG adventure when his human pal disappears one day.
With adorable illustrations by Lucy Ruth Cummins.
With adorable illustrations by Lucy Ruth Cummins.
February 2, 2021
بسم الله...
شبیه دفتر نقاشی
راستش را بخواهید بیشتر به خاطر چهار جایزه ای که برده بود ترغیب شدم بخوانمش که یکی از مهمترین هایش جایزه ی نیویورک تایمز بود؛ شاید همین جایزه ها توقعم را از کتاب بالا برد! اما شاید واقعا خیلی درکش نکردم!
پشت جلد کتاب آمده است: «در این کتاب موضوع "نگرانی و اضطراب" با داستانی جذاب به گونه ای مطرح می شود که کودک در مسیر تجربه ای تازه حرکت کند و راه حلی برای چالش هایش بیابد تا حس بهتری داشته باشد.»
نکته ای که برایم جالب بود تصویرگری کتاب است که ستاره سوم را برای آن دادم! اگرچه در نگاه اول خیلی ساده به نظر میرسد و جذابیت خاصی ندارد اما اگر کمی دقیق شوید، خطوط ساده تصاویر و فضا سازی ها و استفاده از تکنیک مداد رنگی و احتمالا پاستل، تداعی کننده نقاشی های دوره دبستان همه ماست و فکر کنم برای بچه ها جذاب و قابل درک باشد.
الان که جستجو کردم متوجه شدم تصویرگر کتاب، خانم لوسی روت کامینز، مدیر هنری در نیویورک تایمز است و به عنوان تصویرگر و مدیر هنری برای سریال های پرفروش در سطح متوسط نیویورك تایمز فعالیت می کند: مدرسه جاسوسی، جنگل سرگرم کننده و ماه بیس آلفا - با بیش از یك میلیون كتاب فروخته شده! تازه یکی از کتاب هایش جزء نامزدهای کتابهای تصویری منتخب اعضای گودریدزهم بوده است.
و نکته آخر اینکه انتشارات مهرسا کتاب را برای گروه سنی ب منتشر کرده است.
25/9/99
شبیه دفتر نقاشی
راستش را بخواهید بیشتر به خاطر چهار جایزه ای که برده بود ترغیب شدم بخوانمش که یکی از مهمترین هایش جایزه ی نیویورک تایمز بود؛ شاید همین جایزه ها توقعم را از کتاب بالا برد! اما شاید واقعا خیلی درکش نکردم!
پشت جلد کتاب آمده است: «در این کتاب موضوع "نگرانی و اضطراب" با داستانی جذاب به گونه ای مطرح می شود که کودک در مسیر تجربه ای تازه حرکت کند و راه حلی برای چالش هایش بیابد تا حس بهتری داشته باشد.»
نکته ای که برایم جالب بود تصویرگری کتاب است که ستاره سوم را برای آن دادم! اگرچه در نگاه اول خیلی ساده به نظر میرسد و جذابیت خاصی ندارد اما اگر کمی دقیق شوید، خطوط ساده تصاویر و فضا سازی ها و استفاده از تکنیک مداد رنگی و احتمالا پاستل، تداعی کننده نقاشی های دوره دبستان همه ماست و فکر کنم برای بچه ها جذاب و قابل درک باشد.
الان که جستجو کردم متوجه شدم تصویرگر کتاب، خانم لوسی روت کامینز، مدیر هنری در نیویورک تایمز است و به عنوان تصویرگر و مدیر هنری برای سریال های پرفروش در سطح متوسط نیویورك تایمز فعالیت می کند: مدرسه جاسوسی، جنگل سرگرم کننده و ماه بیس آلفا - با بیش از یك میلیون كتاب فروخته شده! تازه یکی از کتاب هایش جزء نامزدهای کتابهای تصویری منتخب اعضای گودریدزهم بوده است.
و نکته آخر اینکه انتشارات مهرسا کتاب را برای گروه سنی ب منتشر کرده است.
25/9/99
September 17, 2020
What a cutie!
Truman is a tortoise. He lives with Sarah in a city filled with honking taxis, trucks, and buses. But one day, his Sarah packs a backpack and heads out into the world to board a bus. She’s gone a long, long time. Truman misses Sarah! So with great courage and ingenuity, Truman sets out to find her. Over the wall and across the rug we go! Even when the journey seems impossible, Truman keeps on going. Does Truman find Sarah? You’re going to have to read to find out.
This sweet, first day of school read is filled with color! Bright yellows and vibrant pinks catch your eye and draw you in. Along with big, clear words on every page. Both the words and art come together perfectly to form one terrific, turtle adventure filled with friendship and bravery.
Hope you meet Truman. He’s sure to make you smile. I mean look at that sweet face!
November 13, 2019
This story about a little girl Sarah and her pet turtle Truman would make a good first day of school story.
July 6, 2019
When his little girl goes away one day, riding the 11 Bus southward, Truman the tiny tortoise becomes anxious, especially when she doesn't come back for some time. Finding a way out of his terrarium, he sets out on an epic cross-apartment journey, determined to catch up with Sarah, even if he has to take the 11 Bus himself...
The classic "first day of school" story is told from a different perspective in Truman, which offers the pet's-eye-view of the big day when children set out for the first time as students. Truman is a sweet, engaging little hero, and his determination to find Sarah is heartwarming. The artwork here, done by Lucy Ruth Cummins in gouache, brush marker, charcoal and colored pencil, is colorful and cute. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about tortoises/turtles, about pets who love their children, or about the first day of school.
The classic "first day of school" story is told from a different perspective in Truman, which offers the pet's-eye-view of the big day when children set out for the first time as students. Truman is a sweet, engaging little hero, and his determination to find Sarah is heartwarming. The artwork here, done by Lucy Ruth Cummins in gouache, brush marker, charcoal and colored pencil, is colorful and cute. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about tortoises/turtles, about pets who love their children, or about the first day of school.
July 18, 2019
Oh, my heart! I gritted my teeth as I started this book, because you know I cannot approve of keeping turtles as pets. But this book is so amazing, it helped me believe that this turtle truly loves his home in an aquarium in an apartment, because he absolutely adores his girl. Wherever she is is home. I love his bravery--and how the girl tells him to be brave, and you realize later that she's really trying to muster up her own courage! (I'm always telling my problem dog to be brave, so that part really got me.) PLUS, as if the story wasn't the best story a kid could ask for, it's also a counting book. This is genius. Ten stars, and it better win the Caldecott Medal.
October 23, 2019
I can't say this enough. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! Truman is my favorite picture book I've read this year. This illistrations are beautiful and fantastic and the story is so very heart-warming. Truman shows us that no matter how small anyone can achieve their goals. (On a side note I would pay very good money to get a poster of Truman with the flower in his mouth.) Definitely worth the read, I highly highly recommend.
January 7, 2020
I would love to read this aloud to a classroom!
October 14, 2020
Such a happy, exciting book... Love it to the core! It surely lifted my mood! ^_^
Everyone enjoy the book here.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThBJC...
Everyone enjoy the book here.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThBJC...
Read
August 2, 2019I love books that come at classic themes sideways, like the way School's First Day of School presents starting-school-jitters from a totally fresh POV.
Now I have a new favorite for a new school year—the sweet turtle TRUMAN is one of the most charming characters I’ve met in a long time. I’m thoroughly smitten, Jean Reidy, Lucy Ruth Cummins.
Now I have a new favorite for a new school year—the sweet turtle TRUMAN is one of the most charming characters I’ve met in a long time. I’m thoroughly smitten, Jean Reidy, Lucy Ruth Cummins.
July 13, 2019
One of the most delightful and unexpected back to school books I have ever read. This is Sarah's first day of school, but it is told through the eyes of her sweet turtle, Truman. Sarah leaves and it feels different this time and Truman decides to go after her. The world through the eyes of a turtle is so dear and their relationship even more so. A great story to share any time of the year, but particularly when one must be brave before a first day.
July 22, 2019
It's a love story (pet tortoise & girl love story). It's a back-to-school book. It's sweet in the best sense of the word (both the story and the illustrations). Bravo for the book and for the brave tortoise!
December 31, 2019
Simple, yet powerful book! I loved Truman, the turtle, and his desire to overcome any obstacle no matter how big it might look. The illustrations were fantastic and melded completely with the text. Picture book perfection!
October 22, 2019
Sometimes love is big and fast and flashy. And sometimes it's small, slow, and brave - just like Truman.
If someone were to ask me what's so special about picture books anyway, I'd hand them this one. Reidy and Cummins are a match made in heaven and this lovely collaboration lit up my heart.
If someone were to ask me what's so special about picture books anyway, I'd hand them this one. Reidy and Cummins are a match made in heaven and this lovely collaboration lit up my heart.
July 27, 2019
A fun book. Not 100% to my tastes but a lot to love. The illustrations have a unique flavor of being sophisticated & childlike.
July 31, 2019
Truman seems a bit worried when Sarah leaves him.
January 2, 2020
Oh Truman. So devoted, so brave, so very wonderful.
December 21, 2019
This book is absolutely adorable! It is a big story with a little hero who gains courage and confidence, and the illustrations are amazing. A great read for everyone looking for some empowerment and perspective.
November 23, 2019
This is a book about an anxious turtle who eats a lot; Of course I love and relate to it. The illustrations are so absurdly cute and expressive. I spent a lot of time lingering on pages (something I don't do that often!) just looking at this cute little turtle's face.
November 4, 2019
A sweet story about a girl and her pet.
November 1, 2019
Art? Adorable. Story? Well-written and very sweet. General feeling after reading this picture book? Deep contentment. Some sweet words that will be fun to teach kids as well - pensive and unsettled, specifically.
February 5, 2021
This review was published on Lost in a Good Book
I picked up this book because the front cover was absolutely too cute to ignore and I was not disappointed by the story inside. This is the story of a little turtle named Truman who decided to go on an adventure to find his owner.
The perspective focuses on Truman and his life with Sarah and when that changes suddenly Truman isn’t sure what to do. I loved seeing Truman’s deliberations about what it all means when Sarah left that day. The extra beans, her bow, the backpack. I loved so much of this but one of my favourite lines was “She strapped on a backpack so big thirty-two small tortoises could ride alone in it – but zero tortoises did.”
The illustrations are adorable, Cummins has done a brilliant job depicting Truman to bring his little turtle self to life. I instantly became invested with him and his relationship with Sarah. There is a great synchronicity between the words and what is shown on the page. The illustrations are realistic but rough, with a sparseness to them but still with detail that reflects the words of the story. The world is seen through Truman’s eyes and Cummins brings to life Truman’s worldly view as things loom around him and seem vast and expansive. The use of perspective is fantastic and I loved how the world looked to Truman versus the reality.
The story is incredibly sweet and I loved seeing a bond between owner and pet that was unconventional and loving. It was a genuine love and devotion between Sarah and Truman and getting to have a little adventure and mystery thrown in the mix was fabulous. I loved this story from start to finish and it is an absolute delight to read. You will love Truman and his bravery and devotion.
I picked up this book because the front cover was absolutely too cute to ignore and I was not disappointed by the story inside. This is the story of a little turtle named Truman who decided to go on an adventure to find his owner.
The perspective focuses on Truman and his life with Sarah and when that changes suddenly Truman isn’t sure what to do. I loved seeing Truman’s deliberations about what it all means when Sarah left that day. The extra beans, her bow, the backpack. I loved so much of this but one of my favourite lines was “She strapped on a backpack so big thirty-two small tortoises could ride alone in it – but zero tortoises did.”
The illustrations are adorable, Cummins has done a brilliant job depicting Truman to bring his little turtle self to life. I instantly became invested with him and his relationship with Sarah. There is a great synchronicity between the words and what is shown on the page. The illustrations are realistic but rough, with a sparseness to them but still with detail that reflects the words of the story. The world is seen through Truman’s eyes and Cummins brings to life Truman’s worldly view as things loom around him and seem vast and expansive. The use of perspective is fantastic and I loved how the world looked to Truman versus the reality.
The story is incredibly sweet and I loved seeing a bond between owner and pet that was unconventional and loving. It was a genuine love and devotion between Sarah and Truman and getting to have a little adventure and mystery thrown in the mix was fabulous. I loved this story from start to finish and it is an absolute delight to read. You will love Truman and his bravery and devotion.
July 17, 2019
This adorable picture book would be terrific to share with young readers getting ready to go to school, especially those starting school for the first time. The book shares the story of Truman, a little tortoise who loves his Sarah so much, because she seems to be an awful lot like him - quiet and pensive (there's a word for young readers to learn). Everything is just fine in the nice, peaceful apartment. But when Sarah leaves Truman behind with extra food and disappears onto the city bus down below, the little tortoise becomes worried. Young readers will enjoy seeing how Truman summons his courage and uses some conveniently placed rocks to start his adventure to go find Sarah. The engaging narrative text, along with the awesome illustrations by Lucy Ruth Cummins (A Hungry Lion, or A Dwindling Assortment of Animals) make this one of my favorite Back To School picture books.
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