Myrtle the Purple Turtle

by Cynthia Reyes, Jo Robinson (Illustrator)

Myrtle is a lovely Turtle. Not an ordinary Turtle. She is Purple and different from other turtles. After being bullied by another turtle, Myrtle tries to become someone else. In the end, Myrtle and her friends help children learn to not be afraid of being different. Myrtle the Purple Turtle is a thoroughly engaging story that stresses the importance of self-acceptance and friendship.

Genres: Picture Books

30 pages, Paperback

Published October 9, 2017

About the author

Cynthia Reyes, bestselling author of the "Myrtle the Purple Turtle" illustrated books for children, and "Twigs in My Hair", "An Honest House" and "A Good Home", has written non-fiction stories for anthologies, the Globe and Mail, Huffington Post, Toronto Star and Toronto Life. Cynthia is a former journalist, trainer and executive producer with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, More than a hundred episodes of her programs have appeared on network television.

She has won national and international awards and acclaim for her work as a television producer, journalism trainer and change leader. They include the Diamond Book Award for book of the year, the Children's Broadcast Institute Award for her children's TV programs, the CBC President's Award, the African-Canadian Achievement Award, the Trailblazer Award and the Crystal Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film and Television. She was inducted into Jamaica's Order of Distinction, Commander Level, for her work in improving the quality of journalism in Canada, South Africa and other countries.

Reviews

[Lauren Reyes-Grange · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review of this book may be a tad biased since the author is my mum and she wrote this story for me when I was a child, but Myrtle the Purple Turtle is hands down my favourite children's story. Coming from a family of literature lovers, I was always surrounded by children's books, but I would always request that my mum read Myrtle to me. A little background on the story of Myrtle and how it came to be:

My first childhood memory of school was being bullied by my peers for having a black doll. I was 4 years old and my black cabbage patch doll Quentin, was in my opinion, the bees knees.. until some kids in my class called him dirty and said they wouldn’t play with me if I had Quentin with me. This hurt – a lot.

My 4-year-old self believed Quentin was a character in his own right and his skin colour resembled so many people in my family. But wanting to fit in and make friends, I started leaving Quentin at home and eventually my parents caught on. I don’t remember much from that time but I do remember feeling like I didn’t belong, that I was different and there was something wrong with me that made me different.

In an attempt to make me feel less alone, my mum (Cynthia Reyes, author extraordinaire) wrote a bedtime story for me about a purple turtle named Myrtle. Being purple, Myrtle was quite different from the other turtles at the pond. Myrtle tries to change her appearance to fit in and her loved ones comfort her, letting Myrtle know that what makes her different makes her special. She is awesome. And looking different from others is A-OK.

I loved this story. It resonated with me, gave me comfort, confidence, and hello – she’s purple (purple was 4-year-old Lauren’s favourite colour). This story was my jam and it inspired me to embrace what made me different from my peers. I carried Quentin with pride and asked Santa for another black doll that Christmas.

Nearly 28 years later, Myrtle is being shared with the world and to say I’m excited would be an understatement. Acceptance and self-love never go out of style and it’s never too early to start instilling the importance of both in children. I think now, with everything negative (and at times, terrifying) happening in the world, the message of Myrtle the Purple Turtle is very much needed.

I hope you all fall in love with sweet Myrtle, too.

[Sally Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated children's book with a lesson for us all.

This is a beautifully illustrated children's book, that gently encourages the young to accept that being different should be celebrated. Whether it is the colour of a person's skin, accent, cultural background, religion or disability, they should never feel excluded and forced to change to fit in. Adapting is a different thing altogether and that comes when two people or groups respect each other's differences, learn from them and adopt some elements in common. Cynthia Reyes expresses that effectively with the words in this book, complimented perfectly with wonderful illustrations of Myrtle and those she meets along the way by Jo Robinson.

I also believe that parents or any adults reading this to a child, will also take on board how important it is for young children to grasp this concept as they enter this multi-cultural world we live in. Sally Cronin

[Chris The Story Reading Ape · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children are not born with prejudices - they are learned from their parents, family and friends as they grow up.
This beautifully written and illustrated book is a great way to teach kids that, just because other people may be different in some ways, it doesn’t make them bad, or, to be avoided.
It can also teach kids to be comfortable about themselves.

See my review also at:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...

https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/...

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B075...

https://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B075...

[Wendy Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read Myrtle the Purple Turtle, by Cynthia Reyes, I was reminded of times when I’ve witnessed others (or myself) being ridiculed for being different than others. The story of Myrtle is empathetic, empowering, and encouraging. The realistic resolution and happy ending make it a perfect read for parent and child, and an ideal resource for homeschoolers, elementary school teachers, and public libraries for facilitating tolerance and acceptance between children of different cultural back grounds.

I’ve given it five stars because it’s easy to read—yet poignant—and because the delightful illustrations, by Jo Robinson, add a warmth to the book that put it into what I suspect will be an award winning category. I’m looking forward to reading it to my first grandchild.

I wish all children received the encouragement to love their shell. Myrtle the Purple Turtle is one small way to make a big step towards this desire.

[Bette Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wise Lessons in a Turtle Shell!
Lessons on the importance of diversity and friendship abound in this beautifully written and illustrated children’s book written by author Cynthia Reyes. After being teased by a green turtle, “Myrtle the Purple Turtle” no longer wants to be purple. When Myrtle tries to turn herself green, she lands upside-down on her shell with no way to turn over until friends arrive to save the day. Not only do Myrtle’s friends get the purple turtle back on her feet, they show her and tell her how different and how beautiful they all are. Children will be inspired by Myrtle’s story to embrace the differences in themselves and others. ~Bette A. Stevens, author of award-winning picture book AMAZING MATILDA and other books for children and adults.

[Andrea Stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written and illustrated book, with a wonderful rhyming name that children will remember, will immediately attract young readers to the story of Myrtle the Purple Turtle. Myrtle is very happy being purple until she is bullied by one of the other turtles and begins to question why she is different. Myrtle is a heart-warming story about what it is to feel different, how we try to change to fit in, and ultimately that our differences make us special. Today, when children are under great pressure and bullying on social media is prevalent, it is more important than ever that children learn that difference is good, that our unique traits make us special and that self-acceptance and acceptance of others is important. Myrtle is an important story, helping children to accept and love themselves and others as they are. Gentle, funny and uplifting, with a powerful message told in a way that will engage young children, Myrtle promotes the importance of loving who we are.

[Marilyn Mirabelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fables are fab-U-lous. And fables are forever.

Any little girl or boy will confirm this is a fact. And every adult knows fables have a subtle way to let children learn important truths.

In other words, fables are entertainment with purpose.

Take the fable, Myrtle the Purple Turtle, by Canadian author and broadcaster Cynthia Reyes. She wrote Myrtle 27 years ago for her four year old daughter. Young Lauren returned from school one afternoon totally bewildered and dejected that her black doll was not accepted by her young chums. Imaginative mom to the rescue.

The entertainment: Myrtle loves to swim in the pond, play games, snack on delicious bugs, go for long walks and has wonderful friends who lookout for her: Gertie, Hurtle and Snapper.

The purpose: Racial diversity is what makes everyone so very special. Myrtle's mom imparts gentle wisdom about being different.

Myrtle is a lovely Turtle. Not an ordinary Turtle. She is Purple and different from other turtles. She tries to become someone else but in the end Myrtle admits she's different and that makes her special. She also lets Lauren know about special friendships and best of all, how not to be afraid to be different.

This heart-warming fable is superbly illustrated by Jo Robinson in bright primary colours.

Myrtle the Purple Turtle is a thoroughly engaging story that will bring a smile to young and old. Also, it's a must read in today's vibrant and diverse society.

[DiAne Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a precious book for everyone...not just children. How many times have teens, adults, even old folks like me wished we could be someone else? Cynthia Reyes did a marvelous job with this story and the illustrator likewise captured the mood to the last detail.

I love this book and will use it in my GriefShare ministry. Great job, Cynthia!

[Robbie Cheadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this delightful book with an important message to share with children about diversity and acceptance. Myrtle is a purple turtle and she is happy with her life and looks until she comes across a green turtle who tells her that she cannot be a turtle because she is purple. Turtles are not purple. The green turtle laughs at Myrtle.

Although her friends have never commented on the fact that Myrtle and her family are purple and it has never been something she has considered before, the green turtle's comments and laughter hurt Myrtle's feelings and damage her self confidence. Myrtle becomes very unhappy about her looks and decides to change them. Luckily Myrtle has a loving family and good friends to help her restore her self esteem and enjoyment of life.

The illustrations in this book are beautiful and will make any child smile with pleasure.

[Alethea Kehas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful story about the importance of living through the heart and not the sometimes discriminatory nature of the eyes. A wonderful read for young children and their caregivers, who can always use the reminder of the value of love and friendship. Highly recommended.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was in grade school, I had to do a project on turtles. For a visual aid, my dad carved a soap turtle that we name Myrtle the Turtle. So, the title of this book caught my eye, and the description of a character accepting her difference appealed. The author offered us a copy of the book in exchange for a review.

V's Review

A talking purple turtle becomes self-conscious before accepting her coloring.

At the beginning of the book, Myrtle thinks nothing of her purple color. When another turtle teases her, however, she tries to dye herself green. Her thought-sequence is clearly explained, which could help a young audience process similar feelings. Mytle's friends respond to her identity crisis with love, she accepts herself, but there is no resolution with the teasing turtle.

Although T is not old enough to have experienced teasing, he understands that our actions can affect others' feelings; Myrtle the Purple Turtle was a good springboard for such a dialogue. In asking T questions for his portion of the review, I found that he didn't understand why one turtle would be mean. We then discussed why someone might be mean, and how we can respond to mean behavior, and how we should try to act even when we feel like being mean. Although T doesn't identify with the turtles, this was useful in discussing compassionate actions and reactions.

T's Review
(age 3 years)

V: What was this turtle book about?

T: Myrtle the Purple Turtle.

V: Was there a problem?

T: That that other turtle was being mean to her.

V: How should the other turtle have been?

T: Niiiice

V: How did you feel reading the book? Why?

T: Bad because that turtle was being not nice to that turtle.

V: And did you feel sad for the whole book or did you ever feel happy?

T: I feeled happy when she made herself green.

V: What would you do if you met Myrtle? Would you say anything to her?

T: I would give her a big hug. I would say I have your own book now.

V: Did you learn anything from this book?

T: I learned that you should be nice to animals.

V: What about people?

T: You should be nice to people too.

V: Was there anything you didn't understand in the book?

T: I didn't understand why that turtle was not being nice to Myrtle. Turtles be nice to other turtles but that turtle wasn't being nice to Myrtle the Purple Turtle. That was confusing to me.

[Annika Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Myrtle the Purple Turtle’ is one of the most striking, original children’s books released in recent years.

I was immediately drawn in by the welcoming cover of Myrtle proudly striding along and I quickly became engaged with this wonderful character.

As a purple turtle, Myrtle has never considered herself any different from the other turtles and is happy and confident in her life. Until one day a rude turtle laughs and taunts her for being ‘different’.

What follows next is a touching, tender and lively story to which we can all relate when faced with inconsiderate hurtful comments. As Myrtle sets out on a journey of self-discovery and understanding…finding some help from her mother and friends along the way, she learns to accept herself and others.

I quickly lost myself within Myrtle’s world and empathised with her hurt and confusion … cheering her on as this feisty being sought deeper understanding.

The language of the book flows with ease and it is well written in brief sentences, which are kept lively with the use of direct speech. Children and adults will be equally enraptured by Myrtle and captivated by her story.

The illustrations are the crowning glory of this book - they are superbly and deftly drawn with a huge emotional impact and are visually appealing. The drawings, which are vibrant and luscious, are fun and often cheeky; I couldn’t stop giggling at the image of the two head-butting turtles. The illustrations and story blend seamlessly together to lift the story onto a deeper level, exploring the themes of what makes us unique and ultimately learning to embrace ourselves and others. As the author herself say to ‘Love Your Shell’.

I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Myrtle the Purple Turtle’ and it is an entertaining and uplifting book which deserves to be on every child’s bookcase…it is one they (and you) will happily return to time and again.

I received a free no obligation preview copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Andrea Balsara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cynthia Reyes’ picture book, Myrtle the Purple Turtle, seems on the surface to be a simple story about a turtle. As a turtle-lover, that was a good enough premise for me! However, as I kept reading, I realized that this was a story about learning to accept oneself. In particular, it’s about the pain caused by feeling like an outsider for something as unchangeable as the colour of one’s skin. This book will be a joy to children who need to be told, again and again, that they are beautiful in the skin they’re in, that the beauty of diversity is one which includes them. Just as the diverse turtles in the story rejoice in their differences and in their friendship, children of all ethnicities will rejoice with them. Myrtle may have started out as a humble turtle, but she packs a punch in driving home the message of unity in diversity, and inclusion. The illustrations are cute, especially the ones of Myrtle, and I think children will love them. For me, they are a little unfinished looking, and sometimes confusing as to what moment they are illustrating. Overall, a very satisfying book, and one that children will treasure.

[Sade Fadipe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Myrtle the Purple Turtle leads the way in helping children boost their self confidence - bordering on conflicting reactions to race and social acceptance.
This is a beautiful book. The language flows with intentional emphasis and so do the emotions too. It depicts the manner in which children sometimes process information and Myrtle is quite an endearing character!
Not convinced that her mother's advice was spot-on, she goes a head to resolve her problems single handedly; lo, who comes to her rescue? The wisdom to feeling secure is certainly dependent on the friends we choose - the story seems to say. The text strikes me more than the illustrations notwithstanding, the layout is stunning and it is a lovely, well written book indeed!
It's simply the kind of book every teacher needs to hand, as children will always express opinions based on their family setting.

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this for my youngest granddaughter for Christmas. I knew she’d love the bright illustrations and a story that involved a turtle. Before wrapping and placing it under the tree, I read it. I loved the message behind this story. A purple turtle wanted to be green like the rest of the turtles. This is an excellent lesson to accept yourself and others for who they are. I can’t wait to watch her open her gift so we can enjoy this wonderful story together. I highly recommend this young children’s book.

[D. Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murtle is a unique turtle – she’s purple. And when another turtle points out to her that she’s different, she does everything she can to change her color to green - all to no avail. Then, with the help of her friends, she learns that turtles comes in a lot of different colors, and that being purple is wonderful. The story’s message of self-acceptance and diversity is perfect for young children. and the vivid illustrations are a delight. I recommend this sweet book to preschoolers and their parents.

[Yvonne Blackwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Myrtle the Purple Turtle is a delightful children’s picture book. The illustrator has done a great job using vibrant colours, ideal for kids. Poor Myrtle is treated like Rudolph the red-nose reindeer―laughed at and left out―but good old Mom steps in and reassures Myrtle that there is nothing wrong with being different. Children will not only enjoy this story; they will learn a valuable lesson too.

[Coral · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cosy bedtime story.
A cosy bedtime story about Myrtle the Purple Turtle who doesn’t want to be purple. A lovely story that would capture a little reader’s imagination and fill their night-time dreams with the colour of purple. It also shows little ones some facts about turtles – such as they are not very fast, and they don’t have fingers. However, I don’t feel so keen on the illustrations, which are a bit too strongly coloured, and the drawings are rather stiff.

[Vese Aghoghovbia Aladewolu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book that subtly introduces the concept of bullying, intolerance and appreciating the differences in others. It will teach young kids not to single out those who are different from us, as it shows the effect of prejudice from their perspective. It will also help those who are being bullied, ignored or isolated appreciate their uniqueness. A sweet story about a purple turtle

[Patsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love the illustrations in this book. I had a difficult time getting into the story. It was a bit longer than it needed to be in my opinion. I would recommend it for middle-school aged kids.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Myrtle the Purple Turtle,†a children’s book by Cynthia Reyes, has been out in the world for awhile (it was published in 2017). “Myrtle†has been on my wish list for a long while, and today I finally broke down and picked up the Kindle version