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Chrissie's Shell
Chrissie is a little turtle with a big she believes her shell is empty. She spends her days comparing herself with other animals and imagining what it would be like to be them, only to end up disappointed again and again when she finds she cannot transform herself into someone new. At last, when Chrissie is ready to give up all hope she has a conversation with God. She begs him to change her into a creature like the wonderful animals she has seen, but God has something better in mind. God directs her to the pond, where Chrissie finally captures a vision of herself as God sees her. She realizes her shell is not empty after all and that God loves her just the way she is.
- GenresChildrensPicture Books
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2010
7 people want to read
About the author
Brooke Keith
7 books16 followersBrooke Keith's poetry for children has appeared in children's magazines and storybooks around the world. She is a devotional and family writer for the Christian Broadcasting Network, a columnist for War Cry Magazine and a regular contributor for many well-loved Christian magazines such as Mature Living, Christianity Today, and Young Salvationist among others. When Brooke isn't writing, she is a volunteer and mentor for the Hugs and Hope Foundation.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 25, 2011
Description:
Chrissie is a little turtle with a big problem ~ she believes her shell is empty. She spends her days comparing herself with other animals in the forest and imagining what it would be like to be them, only to end up disappointed again and again when she finds she cannot transform herself into someone new.
At last, when Chrissie is ready to give up all hope, she has a conversation with God. She begs Him to make her into a creature like the wonderful animals she has seen, but God has something better in mind. God explains why He has made Chrissie the way she is. He then directs her to the pond, where Chrissie finally captures a vision of herself as God sees her. She realizes her shell is not empty after all and that God loves her just the way she is.
"Chrissie's Shell" is supported by the scripture Psalm 139:14 NIV: I praise you for I am...wonderfully made. Throughout the book, Chrissie questions who she is and believes she is just an "invisible little someone in an oh, so empty shell." In her ultimate dialogue with God, she learns to see herself from God's perspective.
My thoughts...
I absolutely loved this children's story! As a teacher and a parent, there is nothing more important than self-worth. This book teaches a lesson of feeling important, being self confident and learning that its okay to just be you. I would recommend this story for preschool age and up. It would be perfect for a elementary school counselor, teacher or parent to read to their child. The moral of the story is to encourage the reader to have self esteem and be proud of who they are. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, and match perfectly to each page of the book. I would definitely rate this book 5/5 stars!
Learn more about the book by clicking here.You can add this book to your favorites on Facebook. This book is available to buy at Amazon (it became available July 2010).
Thank You so much Net Galley and Warner Press for allowing me to read this book! I cannot wait to read more books from you in the future!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Net Galley review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Chrissie is a little turtle with a big problem ~ she believes her shell is empty. She spends her days comparing herself with other animals in the forest and imagining what it would be like to be them, only to end up disappointed again and again when she finds she cannot transform herself into someone new.
At last, when Chrissie is ready to give up all hope, she has a conversation with God. She begs Him to make her into a creature like the wonderful animals she has seen, but God has something better in mind. God explains why He has made Chrissie the way she is. He then directs her to the pond, where Chrissie finally captures a vision of herself as God sees her. She realizes her shell is not empty after all and that God loves her just the way she is.
"Chrissie's Shell" is supported by the scripture Psalm 139:14 NIV: I praise you for I am...wonderfully made. Throughout the book, Chrissie questions who she is and believes she is just an "invisible little someone in an oh, so empty shell." In her ultimate dialogue with God, she learns to see herself from God's perspective.
My thoughts...
I absolutely loved this children's story! As a teacher and a parent, there is nothing more important than self-worth. This book teaches a lesson of feeling important, being self confident and learning that its okay to just be you. I would recommend this story for preschool age and up. It would be perfect for a elementary school counselor, teacher or parent to read to their child. The moral of the story is to encourage the reader to have self esteem and be proud of who they are. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, and match perfectly to each page of the book. I would definitely rate this book 5/5 stars!
Learn more about the book by clicking here.You can add this book to your favorites on Facebook. This book is available to buy at Amazon (it became available July 2010).
Thank You so much Net Galley and Warner Press for allowing me to read this book! I cannot wait to read more books from you in the future!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Net Galley review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
November 14, 2010
What I Can Tell You:
I read this last night on NetGalley and really loved it. This morning I read it to Goddess and we both loved it. The book is really about loving yourself and appreciating all the things about you that make you unique and different from everyone else.
We really loved the art work. It is colorful, adorable and the perfect accompaniment to a story beautifully written. The story doesn't rhyme which means the pictures really have to hold the child's attention and focus so that the story isn't lost on them. Goddess listened to the whole book and looked with wonderment even though I stumbled over some of the passages and words like hedgehoggy and flutter by firefly.
I loved the message and explained to Goddess the meaning of the story because her focus was on the naked turtle, the bear wearing a turtle shell and how she was hearing God when we didn't see him in the story.
No matter what your age, the message in the book could relate to you. Always remember that you are exactly what God intended. You are perfect just the way you are. An important lesson that a few adults friends could stand to learn by now.
My next trip to the book store will find me with two copies of Chrissie's Shell.
I read this last night on NetGalley and really loved it. This morning I read it to Goddess and we both loved it. The book is really about loving yourself and appreciating all the things about you that make you unique and different from everyone else.
We really loved the art work. It is colorful, adorable and the perfect accompaniment to a story beautifully written. The story doesn't rhyme which means the pictures really have to hold the child's attention and focus so that the story isn't lost on them. Goddess listened to the whole book and looked with wonderment even though I stumbled over some of the passages and words like hedgehoggy and flutter by firefly.
I loved the message and explained to Goddess the meaning of the story because her focus was on the naked turtle, the bear wearing a turtle shell and how she was hearing God when we didn't see him in the story.
No matter what your age, the message in the book could relate to you. Always remember that you are exactly what God intended. You are perfect just the way you are. An important lesson that a few adults friends could stand to learn by now.
My next trip to the book store will find me with two copies of Chrissie's Shell.
May 28, 2011
Chrissie wants her shell to filled with someone important. As she see the other animals in the forest she tries to wish that her shell will be filled with each of them in turn as she sees it. What she doesn't see is what she is able to do. Chrissie talks to God and asks him to put someone important into her shell. God takes her to the waters edge and shows her what is really in her shell. Chrissie sees herself as God sees her and starts to like what she see.
This is a wonderful book to help young children see that they are made exactly how God wanted them created and that he is aware of them.
This is a wonderful book to help young children see that they are made exactly how God wanted them created and that he is aware of them.
October 22, 2012
This book is so cute and the illustrations are fantastic. Working in a christian school division this book has Chrissie asking god why her shell is empty not realizing that she is the one that fills it up. She wishes and fantasizes that she is like the other animals like hare and squirrel and lizards. Little does she know just how special she is. If I get around to having a family some day this book would be a definite on the kids shelves.
April 15, 2022
A lovely story about a turtle who is not believeing in herself and feels empty but at the end she sees the true meaning of believeing in yourself.
P.S. THis story made me cry cos I was suppose to read it to my Baby Sea Turtle Tota who died before I have time to read the story; forgive me Tota. This review is for Tota's soul.
P.S. THis story made me cry cos I was suppose to read it to my Baby Sea Turtle Tota who died before I have time to read the story; forgive me Tota. This review is for Tota's soul.
June 6, 2011
Chrissie’s Shell is about a little turtle who is feeling empty. She cannot see anything inside her shell and assumes it is empty. In the forest, Chrissie sees all sorts of “real” animals and wants to be like them. She sees a mouse and wants to run fast like the mouse. A squirrel goes up a tree and Chrissie wishes she could climb trees. Even the slow hedgehog gets Chrissie wishing to be as strong as the hedgehog’s quills.
Chrissie spends her days dreaming about all the animals she wants to be and wakes up disappointed to find she is still herself. She forgets all the good things she does, like the time she took an injured young lizard home. Even though it was a long, all day ride, the lizard’s parents were ecstatic to have their child brought home safely. Chrissie also uses her shell as shelter for a butterfly caught in the rain. She doesn’t give herself credit, nor does she see that her “empty” shell has great value.
Finally, Chrissie asks God to make her a real someone. He questions her notion that she isn’t already a real someone, but Chrissie wants to be strong like a bear or fast like a bunny. God thinks a shell would be too small for the bear and the bunny’s cottontail would look funny sticking out from the shell. God asks Chrissie to go to the pond and look in the water. There Chrissie sees her reflection for the first time. She finally understands that she is a real someone and her shell is not empty – it contains her. Chrissie is happy and no longer wants to be someone she is not.
This is a cute story that any child can identify with. Who didn’t want to be the kid down the block that got all the hits at the game or always got the A at school? Or, maybe the kid with the pool in the backyard and the “cool parents?” Through Chrissie the turtle, kids can see that we were meant to be who we are, not who we want to be.
It is difficult to review this without mentioning God since He is a part of the story. Chrissie talks to God when she realizes she will never be able to change into someone “real” by imagining it to be. The Christian tone of this story may be the very reason some parents will not buy this book for their kids. That would be a shame because it is a great little story about self worth. That is something we all need regardless of our religious beliefs.
The illustrations could tell the story without any narration. They are spot on compatible with the text, very colorful and Chrissie is the most adorable turtle you will ever see.
Note: received from netgalley, courtesy of the publisher
Chrissie spends her days dreaming about all the animals she wants to be and wakes up disappointed to find she is still herself. She forgets all the good things she does, like the time she took an injured young lizard home. Even though it was a long, all day ride, the lizard’s parents were ecstatic to have their child brought home safely. Chrissie also uses her shell as shelter for a butterfly caught in the rain. She doesn’t give herself credit, nor does she see that her “empty” shell has great value.
Finally, Chrissie asks God to make her a real someone. He questions her notion that she isn’t already a real someone, but Chrissie wants to be strong like a bear or fast like a bunny. God thinks a shell would be too small for the bear and the bunny’s cottontail would look funny sticking out from the shell. God asks Chrissie to go to the pond and look in the water. There Chrissie sees her reflection for the first time. She finally understands that she is a real someone and her shell is not empty – it contains her. Chrissie is happy and no longer wants to be someone she is not.
This is a cute story that any child can identify with. Who didn’t want to be the kid down the block that got all the hits at the game or always got the A at school? Or, maybe the kid with the pool in the backyard and the “cool parents?” Through Chrissie the turtle, kids can see that we were meant to be who we are, not who we want to be.
It is difficult to review this without mentioning God since He is a part of the story. Chrissie talks to God when she realizes she will never be able to change into someone “real” by imagining it to be. The Christian tone of this story may be the very reason some parents will not buy this book for their kids. That would be a shame because it is a great little story about self worth. That is something we all need regardless of our religious beliefs.
The illustrations could tell the story without any narration. They are spot on compatible with the text, very colorful and Chrissie is the most adorable turtle you will ever see.
Note: received from netgalley, courtesy of the publisher
February 8, 2011
Chrissie's Shell is a thought-provoking, whimisical story about a turtle who is looking for a way to fill her empty shell. Chrissie believes her shell is empty and spends the day wandering thru the forest wishing she was as amazing as the other creatures she happens upon. She's not as fast as mouse, nor can she climb as high as a squirrel and imagines herself in each of these roles, believing that if she could do any of these things, then maybe her shell wouldn't be empty. Chrissie doesn't realize, as she journeys along, that the things she does are just as amazing.
At the end of her travels, she asks God why her shell was empty and couldn't she please have it filled with one of the other critters that she met. God tells Chrissie that he has already filled the shell with the most amazing thing that God could think of and that was Chrissie herself.
I loved the illustrations in the book, they were drawn in a charming and endearing way, that I'm sure wee folks will find visually enjoyable. The moral of the story, that God made us each as we are and we are all perfect, is a good moral to pass along to our children. God's message is that you don't have to be something you are not...for you are perfect just the way you are~!!
"I praise you because I am...wonderfully made" - Psalm 139:14
SYNOPSIS:
Chrissie is a little turtle with a big problem: she believes her shell is empty. She spends her days comparing herself with other animals in the forest and imagining what it would be like to be them, only to end up disappointed again and again when she finds she cannot transform herself into someone new.
At the end of her travels, she asks God why her shell was empty and couldn't she please have it filled with one of the other critters that she met. God tells Chrissie that he has already filled the shell with the most amazing thing that God could think of and that was Chrissie herself.
I loved the illustrations in the book, they were drawn in a charming and endearing way, that I'm sure wee folks will find visually enjoyable. The moral of the story, that God made us each as we are and we are all perfect, is a good moral to pass along to our children. God's message is that you don't have to be something you are not...for you are perfect just the way you are~!!
"I praise you because I am...wonderfully made" - Psalm 139:14
SYNOPSIS:
Chrissie is a little turtle with a big problem: she believes her shell is empty. She spends her days comparing herself with other animals in the forest and imagining what it would be like to be them, only to end up disappointed again and again when she finds she cannot transform herself into someone new.
April 25, 2011
Wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated, Chrissie's Shell is the story of a little turtle who desperately wants to be someone else. To Chrissie, her shell is empty. She doesn't see herself as a "someone", and dreams daily about being another animal. Someone faster, stronger, or even just prettier. Through the story, Chrissie learns that being her is actually quite special, and that she was made that way intentionally. As Chrissie morns her empty shell, she actually keeps doing good deeds for others with what she is given. It's really quite touching.
Honestly I really loved this book. Although I'm no longer much of a church goer, the overall message in this book is one that I think can be shared with all, no matter what your religious affiliation. Chrissie's story shows children that they are who they are on purpose. That each person is different, and special! I cannot think of a better message than one of self-worth. This book projects that beautifully.
I see this as a great story to share with a Sunday school class, or something read to a child before bed. The illustrations are bright, vivid and honestly quite adorable! I'm an adult and I still giggled when I saw the mouse with wheels for feet, as Chrissie compares him to a race car. There is a lot to love in this book, no matter what age you might be.
Honestly I really loved this book. Although I'm no longer much of a church goer, the overall message in this book is one that I think can be shared with all, no matter what your religious affiliation. Chrissie's story shows children that they are who they are on purpose. That each person is different, and special! I cannot think of a better message than one of self-worth. This book projects that beautifully.
I see this as a great story to share with a Sunday school class, or something read to a child before bed. The illustrations are bright, vivid and honestly quite adorable! I'm an adult and I still giggled when I saw the mouse with wheels for feet, as Chrissie compares him to a race car. There is a lot to love in this book, no matter what age you might be.
March 5, 2011
Chrissie's Shell / 978-1-593-17398-2
This is a sweet little parable of a turtle who wants to be a different forest animal - anything, really, as long as it's stronger, faster, and BETTER than how Chrissie feels she is. As she wistfully compares herself in lovely color pictures to the other forest creatures, she becomes more despondent, until she pleads to God to change her and God helps her to see that her special, unique gifts are important and worth cherishing.
I hadn't realized this is a "religious" book when I picked it up; the mention of God is very light and not bombastic or pushy - really, apart from the single Bible verse at the end, this could be written with almost any religion in mind. With a little tailoring, atheists parents could easily re-write / re-read the narrative as being told from, say, a wise old owl explaining the obvious evolutionary merits of Chrissie's slow deliberate pace, superb diving abilities, and protective shell.
Overall, this is a sweet story with very attractive artwork, and with a nice "you have merit as an individual" moral at the end.
NOTE: This review is based on a free Advance Review Copy of this book provided through NetGalley.
~ Ana Mardoll
This is a sweet little parable of a turtle who wants to be a different forest animal - anything, really, as long as it's stronger, faster, and BETTER than how Chrissie feels she is. As she wistfully compares herself in lovely color pictures to the other forest creatures, she becomes more despondent, until she pleads to God to change her and God helps her to see that her special, unique gifts are important and worth cherishing.
I hadn't realized this is a "religious" book when I picked it up; the mention of God is very light and not bombastic or pushy - really, apart from the single Bible verse at the end, this could be written with almost any religion in mind. With a little tailoring, atheists parents could easily re-write / re-read the narrative as being told from, say, a wise old owl explaining the obvious evolutionary merits of Chrissie's slow deliberate pace, superb diving abilities, and protective shell.
Overall, this is a sweet story with very attractive artwork, and with a nice "you have merit as an individual" moral at the end.
NOTE: This review is based on a free Advance Review Copy of this book provided through NetGalley.
~ Ana Mardoll
October 5, 2010
Chrissie's Shell by Brooke Keith is an adorable children's book about finding one's own God-given worth instead of looking at one's limitations. Chrissie, a sad little turtle, watches as the various animals display attributes such as speed and strength that she lacks. She feels that she'd be better if she was more like the other animals. At long last, she learns to appreciate the beauty in her own accomplishments and abilities.
This is a great book for first and second graders, or for any children who still enjoy animal stories. This book helps children who are going through self-esteem issues. Mary Bausman created some beautiful artwork to accent the story. I strongly recommend this book for reading with children who are struggling with feeling that they are not good enough.
This is a great book for first and second graders, or for any children who still enjoy animal stories. This book helps children who are going through self-esteem issues. Mary Bausman created some beautiful artwork to accent the story. I strongly recommend this book for reading with children who are struggling with feeling that they are not good enough.
November 17, 2010
I would recommend this book to any parent who has a child under the age of 7. The message addressed in the book of defining who you are in regards to the everyday world around you is one many kids struggle to answer as they grow. It is told in a very cute tale about a turtle wanting to be anyone but herself because she fails to see the extraordinary in her own shell. The illistrations were very colorful, rich, and added much to the story and the imagination. I enjoyed this story very much and know that my four and six year old step-chilren will too!
January 12, 2011
What I love is that this book teaches children to be comfortable in their own shell - in their own skin, so to speak. Of course there are times when we people would feel insecure about what we have and normally compare it with the others who may appear more blessed or lucky or superior than us, but each of us is unique, and I love this lesson. Children should learn this early on and not get on the bandwagon of the plasticity of everything. Sometimes you just need to look in yourself to find out what's perfect, and what you are, and that you're beautiful inside.
April 1, 2011
Chrissie's Shell is a heartwarming tale of a little turtle that dreams of being somebody different until God shows her that she is just who she was intended to be. The animal characters are loveable and beautifully illustrated. I think every child needs to have this book in his/her library. It will foster great conversation between parent and child, give the child the sense of pride in who they and will allow the child to explore all the wonderful things they can do. As both a teacher of small children and a mother, I just loved this book.
July 12, 2011
Chrissie's Shell is a darling heartwarming tale of a turtle who dreams of being somebody else. She feels her shell is empty, until God shows her who she really is! Beautifully illustrated pictures of the animals she helps, without thinking. Also it shows pictures of the ones she desires to be.
My 4 year old was hysterically laughing at the bear in a turtle shell.
The story shows a great story of acceptance, would recommend this book as a real keeper.
I was provided a copy of this book by Warner Press, the opinions expressed are my own.
My 4 year old was hysterically laughing at the bear in a turtle shell.
The story shows a great story of acceptance, would recommend this book as a real keeper.
I was provided a copy of this book by Warner Press, the opinions expressed are my own.
April 11, 2011
Beautiful illustrations accompany this fantastic book of Chrissie, a turtle who wants to be all the other "someones" in the forest. She asks God to fill her shell with someone. He answers her by showing her he has filled it, with Chrissie.
Read
August 3, 2011Great book about a little turtle who seeks to find her empty shell. She discovers God had a plan and her shell is filled with just the right person after all.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews