Turtle in a Tree

by Neesha Hudson

A spare and laugh-out-loud-funny picture book about seeing only half the full picture . . . and admitting when you're not quite all the way right.

A greyhound swears there's a turtle in the tree. A bulldog says it's a squirrel. After all, a turtle in a tree? Who's ever heard of such a thing? But their argument leads to a most surprising discovery . . . that maybe neither one of them is all the way wrong, or all the way right, and friendship is all about listening to someone else's perspective.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Humor, Dogs, Childrens, Fiction, Friendship

40 pages, Hardcover

Published June 8, 2021

Reviews

[Debbie Ohi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful author/illustrator debut! Hilarious story and illustrations, plus I love the underlying message about appreciating other people's perspectives.

[Leah Hong · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the clean, minimal illustrations and gorgeous limited colour palette to the pared down text, TURTLE IN A TREE is an amusing and deceptively simple picture book about 2 friends who don’t see eye to eye. Cleverly paced, readers will laugh-out-loud when the 2 friends discover that just because you’re not right, doesn’t mean that you’re wrong.

[Kira Bigwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson’s debut, TURTLE IN A TREE, manages to deliver charm, laughs and food for thought in one fun little package. Spare text, adorable illustrations, a stunning color palette, and—oh yeah—a subtle yet powerful message about opposing views and coming together (how apropos!)…what’s not to love?

[NoNieqa Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

My child and I really enjoyed this spare laugh-out-loud debut by Neesha Hudson. The color palette of tans, browns, oranges and greens is clean, warm, and refreshing. We are huge fans of her artwork, which you can enjoy by following her on Instagram and Twitter @neeshas_art! As an educator, I imagine making this book into a Readers Theater. Two students can play the roles of the greyhound and the bulldog. Children can discuss the personalities of both and how that might influence their perceptions. Kids can make predictions and discuss the scientific reasons why turtles don't climb trees and the amazing aquatic animals that have been known to climb trees. Social-emotional connections can focus on how to have disagreements with friends.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pair of dogs are arguing about something up in the tree. One dog thinks they saw a turtle, the other is sure it was a squirrel. They each have facts to support their side, but they won't know for sure until it comes out of the tree.

I knew where this was going on the first page, that it would culminate in a yelling match and then a big reveal, and I was right. Very simple, the pictures are cute, but this is just another book with animals arguing over something ridiculous.

Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com

[Jenny Ells Chou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever disagreed with a friend? Have you ever been wrong? Do you know how to apologize? If not, check out this helpful and adorable picture book. Greyhound sees a turtle up in the branches of a tree. A turtle! Impossible says the much shorter Bulldog. He’s certain it’s a squirrel up there in that tree. As they gaze at the tree, arguing back and forth, suddenly THUNK! A turtle has fallen out of the tree! (She walks away from the incident uninjured.) And right behind Turtle is her friend Squirrel. Bulldog and Greyhound show they are adept at saying sorry, and wow! Did they ever learn about the importance of looking at things from all different perspectives. Not only is the story charming, important, and slyly hilarious, but Neesha Hudson’s whimsical artwork does a beautiful job expressing the many emotions of her characters. Turtle in a Tree will be among my favorite picture books of the year.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

One sweater-wearing wagger insists that there is a turtle in the tree, while a necktie-wearing voice of reason insists it must, instead, be a squirrel. Their reasoned, reasonable discussion escalates to a shouting match, shaking the truth from the tree, not once, but twice.
I can't describe the joy I felt when first one dog then the other admitted their presumed mistakes, accepting each others' acknowledgements graciously. Then their shared amazement and the recognition that they had experienced things differently offers each a wider world view.

From cover to cover, the simple text, font choices, illustrations with expressive features and body postures all invite connection and identification by readers of any age. In contrast to the REVERSO "bounce back" endings above, this delightful ending, a page turn past the final copyright page, suggests that conflicting observations and arguments like these are far from over. Throughout, grins and giggles are spontaneous and immediate.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A turtle… in a tree?

“That’s impossible, turtles don’t climb trees. Squirrels climb trees. It must be a squirrel,” concludes the (wonderfully expressive) bulldog.

But the greyhound is certain that it was a turtle he saw in the tree.

This lighthearted book does such a great job illustrating for little readers the importance of considering the perspectives and experiences of other people. And I love that the characters model what it looks like to admit when you’re wrong.

The illustrations are delightful, the story is perfectly paced, and the full circle ending is so satisfying as we see two new dogs appear, with one asking, “Is that a squirrel in a pond?!”

Click to look inside this book.

[Brittany Thurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it a turtle? Is it a squirrel? For sure, there is something in that tree! Neesha Hudson's Turtle in a Tree is a hilarious, laugh out loud take on how we all see things a little bit differently. The adorable dogs in this story remind me of Elephant and Piggy. Both characters have their own opinions on what is in the tree, both are adamant that what they see is the truth.

The watercolor and colored pencil illustrations, plus Neesha Hudson's brilliant text, make this a book to pick up repeatedly. Turtle in a Tree is a fantastic book for storytimes and read alouds, where kids will be sure to "Squirrel!" and "Turtle!" Just as these two hilarious characters do.
Now I need to know what's really in that pond ;)

[Anitra Rowe Schulte · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Turtle in a Tree" is a humorous picture book about two very different dogs who see things very differently. The story begins as a small dog gruffly asks another dog, "What do you see?" The tall, lean dog answers, "A turtle in a tree." The small dog cannot accept the answer, as life has taught him that turtles cannot be in trees. A comical back-and-forth ensues, growing more and more heated, until at last, what is in the tree is revealed. Turtle in a Tree delivers unexpected twists, lots of laughs, and the takeaway that two people can see things differently, and both be right.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

One dog insists that they can see a turtle in the tree. The other dog insists that is impossible because turtles don't climb trees - so it must be a squirrel. But things are not always as they seem - as these two friends soon discover.
I think this enforces the lesson that one must not be too quick to judge or insist that they are right without having all the facts. And it is done in a not too didactic way! Kids should find this story entertaining and surprising!
Thank you to Penguin Random House for the review copy!

[Debra Shumaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debut author/illustrator Hudson has mastered storytelling. Greyhound declares there is a turtle in a tree. Bulldog argues it's a squirrel. After all, who has ever heard of a turtle in a tree? Each page compels you to turn to the next to find out who is right and who is wrong. I love Greyhound's cheerful insistence that it is, indeed, a turtle. Is it possible?! The answer might surprise you. The adorable illustrations only add to the charm of this sweet and fun book.

[Charlotte Offsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't miss this hilarious book all about keeping our minds open to others' opinions even when they don't align with what we have been taught to expect. This fabulous new picture book centers around a greyhound who swears there's a turtle in the tree and a bulldog who thinks this is ridiculous. This one is sure to have your littles laughing out loud while opening the door to some important conversations!

[Gloria Amescua · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book! The different perspectives of the two very appealing pups show how everyone can be so sure they are right about what they see and think. Admitting one is wrong is handled beautifully! It’s a great commentary on what both kids and adults feel at times. Not only are the lovely illustrations calming and clever, the pastel palette softens the argument. TURTLE IN A TREE has several twists, which kids are sure to love. I know I did!

[Anna Lazowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a big message in this deceptively simple tale. Turtle in a Tree perfectly captures how perceptions can differ, even when looking at the exact same thing. Kids will love guessing which character is right, and delight in the twist when we find out they both are! Neesha Hudson's gorgeous illustration style also plays off the text perfectly - and who doesn't love a dog in a sweater?

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

With whimsy and humor, TURTLE IN A TREE delivers a tale that demands to be read again and again. When a bulldog and a greyhound argue about what’s in a tree, they discover a powerful message about being wrong (and being right). With a gorgeous color palette and laugh-aloud banter, readers are sure to love Hudson’s charming characters.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this picture book! The author sent me an advanced copy and I read with all three of my classes. They loved it! We inferred and laughed. Is it a turtle or a squirrel in the tree? What do you think?

Such a cute read aloud, and it will be loved by early readers Kindergarten up. I read with 4th graders that thought it was hilarious! Definitely check this one out!

#BookPosse

[Vicky Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great debut book. It is so funny and every time I read it I laugh. It has a really cute story with great Illustrations. I really like the two main characters hope she does another book with them! This is easy for young children to read and the Illustrations are so much fun to look at. I highly recommend this book your children will love it.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple, funny book about differing viewpoints. One dog insists a turtle is in the tree--the other thinks it's just a squirrel. Some great examples in here of how to disagree and gracefully accept if we learn we were wrong--I love the quick, painless admission of "I was wrong" "That's okay." A great message even for me as a grownup. Cute illustrations, too, with doggies in sweaters.

[Abi Cushman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This funny book revolves around an argument between two friends about what they see in a tree. Not only is their banter entertaining, it also is a great conversation starter with kids about perspective and being right. The illustrations are fantastic- all the characters are brimming with personality. And it's fun to see what was actually in the tree at the end.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Perhaps there is more than one side to every tree.”

Two dogs argue because the first dog is sure it sees a turtle up the tree. The other dog is sure it is a squirrel. Turns out they’re both right ... and both wrong.

A very simple story that would make for a great discussion. There are delightful little details in the illustrations, as well.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This adorable book has two dog friends arguing about what animal is in a tree. The both hold firm to their opinions until one animal emerges. You'll have to read the book to find out what happens! The illustrations focus on the dogs and the tree (and what is in it). The illustrator does a great job of portraying the dogs moving in a different way on each page. As a parent and teacher, I can see lots of great conversations with children during and after reading this book to them!

[James McGowan]

Neesha Hudson's TURTLE IN A TREE is one of the books I've been most anticipating this year. The illustrations are so whimsical and inviting, that I knew I'd love those characters right away. And I did. Their personalities are both so funny, and the classic misunderstanding set up leads to a fun, familiar, but laugh out loud type of ending that made this one NOT disappoint.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story to open a discussion about two sides to every argument or story.
Would make a nice read aloud, especially to open up a discussion on apologizing and perspective.

DRC from Edelweiss and Penguin Random House.

[Jess Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

With deceptively simply text and gentle illustrations, Turtle in a Tree has a lot to teach about perspective and acknowledging another person’s point of view. The banter between its two characters makes it a good fit for fans of Mo Willem’s Piggy and Gerald. A fun and thought-provoking read.

[Laurie MacAulay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally “Turtle in a Tree”! Bravo Neesha Hudson! Awesome author/illustrator debut! I love the premise, the illustrations, the dogs and their accessories, the adorable birds, the eyebrows! Very fun and sweet with bonus illustrations on the front and back covers. Well done!

[Raegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. It's great for a quick storytime, allows for lots of purposeful questions, and the illustrations are adorable! Plus, I love at the end that they're both right, and both wrong, and that's okay!

[Jolynne Dougherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A greyhound and a bulldog observe something different hiding in the tree. Who is right and who is wrong? Read it and see. A well written book about being right and being wrong. Not overly preachy and light handed.

[Dawn Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious! Reminded me of Mo Willems' Piggy & Elephant books but in a refreshing new way. It's all about our point if view of what we see & how we see it. Great illustrations, too! A simple fun story that will engage young listeners.

[Greg S · Rating 2 out of 5]

My six-year-old and I both thought it was fine. Neither of us asked to read it again.
A little odd, and unclear. It’s more of an absurdist story. It’s about seven words every two pages, and twenty one pages in total.