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The Littlest Turtle
The Littlest Turtle by Lysa Mullady is a picture book about the importance of using your voice to speak up for what is fair and right.
For years, the little turtles climbed on top of the big turtles to eat the freshest fruit from the top of the bushes. The big turtles ate the fallen berries—sour and rotten. Littlest Turtle follows along with this tradition until she hears the feelings of the big turtles. Littlest Turtle sees how unfair this all is and thinks about the important would it be so hard to share?
Follow along as Littlest Turtle joins together with the big turtles, speaks up for change, and comes up with a new tradition that works for all turtles, no matter the size!
For years, the little turtles climbed on top of the big turtles to eat the freshest fruit from the top of the bushes. The big turtles ate the fallen berries—sour and rotten. Littlest Turtle follows along with this tradition until she hears the feelings of the big turtles. Littlest Turtle sees how unfair this all is and thinks about the important would it be so hard to share?
Follow along as Littlest Turtle joins together with the big turtles, speaks up for change, and comes up with a new tradition that works for all turtles, no matter the size!
32 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2023
1 person is currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 18, 2023
The Littlest Turtle is a very approachable book for young children to learn and understand the important ideas of equity and fairness.
We have turtles who are all getting an equal number of berries when they're working together to reach them, but not everyone is getting quality berries. Littlest Turtle is already getting the better end of the deal, getting the freshest berries first during their foraging, but he sees something amiss and advocates for change. The satisfaction of seeing everyone working together AND everyone equitably enjoying the literal fruits of their labor is better than any berry this little turtle could enjoy.
I feel like there are a lot of adults, especially in our government, who could use some exposure to this simple but important lesson.
We have turtles who are all getting an equal number of berries when they're working together to reach them, but not everyone is getting quality berries. Littlest Turtle is already getting the better end of the deal, getting the freshest berries first during their foraging, but he sees something amiss and advocates for change. The satisfaction of seeing everyone working together AND everyone equitably enjoying the literal fruits of their labor is better than any berry this little turtle could enjoy.
I feel like there are a lot of adults, especially in our government, who could use some exposure to this simple but important lesson.
July 22, 2023
The Littlest Turtle
4.5 Stars
The Littlest Turtle teaches children to speak up, use their voice, and can teach people how to work through their differences. Little turtle overhears the bigger turtles complaining about not receiving the same fresh fruit as their smaller counterparts. This injustice becomes a catalyst for change.
The illustrations are fun and bright. My daughter really enjoyed the texture in the artwork. I loved the reader notes! It's on the back of the book. It would be nice if more books, including a book guide. There's several teachable lessons: empathy, differences between equality and equity, finding your voice and everyone is different. It acts as a guide that parents can use to continue the conversation.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It's fantastic! This would be a great book for teachers, in classrooms and libraries (this book covers multiple lessons). Or it could be used by parents to start a difficult conversation with their kids.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4.5 Stars
The Littlest Turtle teaches children to speak up, use their voice, and can teach people how to work through their differences. Little turtle overhears the bigger turtles complaining about not receiving the same fresh fruit as their smaller counterparts. This injustice becomes a catalyst for change.
The illustrations are fun and bright. My daughter really enjoyed the texture in the artwork. I loved the reader notes! It's on the back of the book. It would be nice if more books, including a book guide. There's several teachable lessons: empathy, differences between equality and equity, finding your voice and everyone is different. It acts as a guide that parents can use to continue the conversation.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It's fantastic! This would be a great book for teachers, in classrooms and libraries (this book covers multiple lessons). Or it could be used by parents to start a difficult conversation with their kids.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 20, 2023
This was an adorable book with an important message.
If conveys the importance of treating people fairly and equally even when you think your voice is too small to matter.
This is a great read for 4 year olds through 2nd graders.
If conveys the importance of treating people fairly and equally even when you think your voice is too small to matter.
This is a great read for 4 year olds through 2nd graders.
July 17, 2023
The turtles go between the pond and the bushes to get berries, but while the littlest ones can climb up to get fresh fruit, the bigger turtles only get what falls to the ground. Littlest Turtle sees this and wonders if there could be a better way.
This book was definitely written with a mind toward civic duty, but it also addresses the age-old debate between equity and equality. It's a fun way to open discussions about what "fair" really means. The illustrations are fun and the storyline compelling.
This book was definitely written with a mind toward civic duty, but it also addresses the age-old debate between equity and equality. It's a fun way to open discussions about what "fair" really means. The illustrations are fun and the storyline compelling.
March 21, 2023
What a great educational, fun and adorably illustrated picture book that will encourage children to work as a team, and in a very simple way shows how to be a good member of a community!
August 16, 2023
An inspiring book about social change and the power of a small voice to make a difference, The Littlest Turtle is all about a little turtle who notices a problem, listens, and acts. In the story, the little turtles stand on the backs of big turtles to eat fresh berries. The big turtles eat the fallen fruit below. Littlest Turtle realizes this is unfair. She listens to the complaints of the big turtles. She stands with them and they engage in a peaceful protest for change. Soon a new system is agreed upon and all of the turtles gather and share fresh fruit together. This story models the process of peaceful activism. The lesson is clear and overt. There are additional resources for study and discussion at the end of the book. The art is adorable and engaging with notes of humour. This story would be a useful resource for teaching children about activism and looking around to see ways in which they can help build a better world.
August 16, 2023
“The Littlest Turtle” by Lisa Mullady is an adorable book with an important message for all ages. It is about treating others fairly and equally no matter how big or small. It can also teach you to work through your differences, and work together. This book has a beautiful message, and is beautifully illustrated.
This is can be used with little kids throughout older elementary school, with SEL lessons. I would definitely recommend it for all.
Thank you, NetGalley, for allowing me to opportunity to read this for an honest review.
#TheLittlestTurtle #NetGalley
This is can be used with little kids throughout older elementary school, with SEL lessons. I would definitely recommend it for all.
Thank you, NetGalley, for allowing me to opportunity to read this for an honest review.
#TheLittlestTurtle #NetGalley
August 26, 2023
I loved reading this book to my kids and they have since asked me to read it to them again! I really like not only how the focus is on fairness and helping others but it also suggests ways that children can help others but in a simple way children can sympathize with and understand. You will find this book on our shelf at home. Easy five stars for this one.
August 11, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
"What always was shouldn't always be when
you take the time to see things differently."
What a wonderful lesson taught by the littlest turtle. The way things were was great for the small turtles yet not fair to the big turtles. It was time for a change and made it happen
The readers note was really great to help with explaining the lesson of the book.
"What always was shouldn't always be when
you take the time to see things differently."
What a wonderful lesson taught by the littlest turtle. The way things were was great for the small turtles yet not fair to the big turtles. It was time for a change and made it happen
The readers note was really great to help with explaining the lesson of the book.
August 6, 2023
I received an ARC from NetGalley and American Psychological Association, Magination Press, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review; all opinions are my own.
The Littlest Turtle is a picture book with charming turtles—I absolutely adore the patterns on their shells.
It's also nice that there's a twist on the story that it's the big turtles who have the problem instead of the littlest turtle getting picked on. The story centers on fairness, sharing, and kindness.
This may seem like a crazy concern, but I wondered if turtles really eat berries. They can, but it's not their primary diet. A side of me wishes this book incorporated some STEM about turtles. The moral message might feel a little heavy for some readers.
I do recommend this book. It's a good starting point to talk about sharing with small children.
Happy reading!
The Littlest Turtle is a picture book with charming turtles—I absolutely adore the patterns on their shells.
It's also nice that there's a twist on the story that it's the big turtles who have the problem instead of the littlest turtle getting picked on. The story centers on fairness, sharing, and kindness.
This may seem like a crazy concern, but I wondered if turtles really eat berries. They can, but it's not their primary diet. A side of me wishes this book incorporated some STEM about turtles. The moral message might feel a little heavy for some readers.
I do recommend this book. It's a good starting point to talk about sharing with small children.
Happy reading!
Read
August 8, 2023Such a cute book about equity v equality. In a somewhat unusual move, it's the little turtles that are getting the best of everything and the big turtles that are stuck with the dregs.
The drawings are simple and very colorful. No gendered language is used. Although the anthropomorphised turtles have very long eyelashes! :)
Several pages at the back for educators explains the premise of the book and differences between equity and equality. I didn't find this super helpful but the book example was more than enough to understand.
The drawings are simple and very colorful. No gendered language is used. Although the anthropomorphised turtles have very long eyelashes! :)
Several pages at the back for educators explains the premise of the book and differences between equity and equality. I didn't find this super helpful but the book example was more than enough to understand.
August 8, 2023
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A tale of being equal in all things. The smallest turtle wants the largest turtles to have some delicious berries, too. With trial and error, all the turtles come together and agree that everyone should benefit from the yummy berries. With colorful pages of green and yellow, "The Littlest Turtle" shows that no matter the smallest person or softest voice can triumph too, anytime.
A tale of being equal in all things. The smallest turtle wants the largest turtles to have some delicious berries, too. With trial and error, all the turtles come together and agree that everyone should benefit from the yummy berries. With colorful pages of green and yellow, "The Littlest Turtle" shows that no matter the smallest person or softest voice can triumph too, anytime.
July 21, 2023
Change can be hard! The Littlest Turtle teaches children to speak up for change and speak up for what is fair and what is right. This book is a must have in homes, schools, and libraries to help children develop empathy, accept change and differences, and develop their own voice. The illustrations are the absolute cutest, and children will love them! A reader’s note is provided in the back of the book to assist grown ups with capitalizing on the power this book can have on creating kind humans. I highly recommend it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, American Psychological Association via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, American Psychological Association via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 10, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, American Psychological Association, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
I'm lovingly pitching this as a book about turtles unionizing. That alone would get me to read & recommend it!
In all seriousness, this book is a great Social-Emotional Learning title about using your voice when you see inequality in the world. The little turtles step on the bigger turtles, eating all the best berries and only leaving the unripe or overripe berries for the big turtles, because that's how it's always been. Littlest Turtle overhears the biggest turtles saying that they never get any of the best berries, which is something Littlest Turtle never had to think about because of the privilege Little Turtle has always been accustom to. Littlest Turtle decides they want to do something about it. They go to the big turtles to figure out what to do. They go on strike and then come up with a plan to include all turtles so that all turtles get the best berries.
The importance of this book is not only to show inclusion but what processes would be best to go about in achieving that. Littlest Turtle does not decide what's best for the Big Turtles and what they should do. Littlest Turtle asks the Big Turtles how they can help and takes directions from the oppressed turtles. The striking turtles stick together and do not break ranks; they ensure that their collective voice can be heard and it is effective in getting the change that is best for everyone. Through this book and the additional educational support, I can see this book being effective in teaching citizenship and being community minded.
I'm lovingly pitching this as a book about turtles unionizing. That alone would get me to read & recommend it!
In all seriousness, this book is a great Social-Emotional Learning title about using your voice when you see inequality in the world. The little turtles step on the bigger turtles, eating all the best berries and only leaving the unripe or overripe berries for the big turtles, because that's how it's always been. Littlest Turtle overhears the biggest turtles saying that they never get any of the best berries, which is something Littlest Turtle never had to think about because of the privilege Little Turtle has always been accustom to. Littlest Turtle decides they want to do something about it. They go to the big turtles to figure out what to do. They go on strike and then come up with a plan to include all turtles so that all turtles get the best berries.
The importance of this book is not only to show inclusion but what processes would be best to go about in achieving that. Littlest Turtle does not decide what's best for the Big Turtles and what they should do. Littlest Turtle asks the Big Turtles how they can help and takes directions from the oppressed turtles. The striking turtles stick together and do not break ranks; they ensure that their collective voice can be heard and it is effective in getting the change that is best for everyone. Through this book and the additional educational support, I can see this book being effective in teaching citizenship and being community minded.
July 20, 2023
Little Turtle liked berries, but he had a difficult time asking for some berries. In the past, the big turtle reached the berries for the little turtles.
The book addressed the important lesson of not bullying.
The book would be perfect for an elementary age, mainly because the color palette was pleasing and the illustrations had an appearance of shredded tissue paper.
Thank Lisa mullady, Illustrated Eric Salcedo, Magination press, and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this book.
The book addressed the important lesson of not bullying.
The book would be perfect for an elementary age, mainly because the color palette was pleasing and the illustrations had an appearance of shredded tissue paper.
Thank Lisa mullady, Illustrated Eric Salcedo, Magination press, and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this book.
July 8, 2023
"What works for one, should work for all."
The Littlest Turtle is absolutely adorable! It tackles sharing and fairness. The story begins by explaining how the biggest turtles assist the little turtles during mealtime. They let the little turtles stand on their shells while they pick and eat the freshest berries. The big turtles eat the sour smooshed berries on the ground. Once the big turtles become dissatisfied with eating the less than appetizing berries, Little Turtle begins challenging the status quo by being an ally to the big turtles.
Not only does Little Turtle demonstrate the need for change with her words, but with her actions. Change isn't always easy, especially for the group that benefits from "the way things are and always have been". As Dumbledore wisely says, "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”
The "Readers Note" is a great resource for parents that want to expand upon the lesson of The Littlest Turtle. The illustrations really enhance the story. I highly recommend this book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, American Psychological Association, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Littlest Turtle is absolutely adorable! It tackles sharing and fairness. The story begins by explaining how the biggest turtles assist the little turtles during mealtime. They let the little turtles stand on their shells while they pick and eat the freshest berries. The big turtles eat the sour smooshed berries on the ground. Once the big turtles become dissatisfied with eating the less than appetizing berries, Little Turtle begins challenging the status quo by being an ally to the big turtles.
Not only does Little Turtle demonstrate the need for change with her words, but with her actions. Change isn't always easy, especially for the group that benefits from "the way things are and always have been". As Dumbledore wisely says, "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”
The "Readers Note" is a great resource for parents that want to expand upon the lesson of The Littlest Turtle. The illustrations really enhance the story. I highly recommend this book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, American Psychological Association, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 8, 2023
A lesson in problem-solving, empathy, and thoughtfulness, the Littlest Turtle by Lysa Mullady is a simple look at the way we treat those around us, regardless of the way something has "always been." The big turtles and little turtles look at the way they get berries, and the way certain turtles are left out, and the littlest turtle decides to do something about it. I enjoyed the colorful patterns of the various turtles (repeated on the lovely endpapers) and the bright berries. The illustrations are engaging and fun and the story is interesting enough to allow for a discussion on how to solve problems and make change. In the end, I'd have appreciated if the littlest turtle had solved the problem without staging a small revolt, but things worked out! Life isn't fair, and it's a smidge unfair to leave children with that impression, but the story does a great job of helping children look at an unfair situation with understanding and a desire to make things better for other people. "What always was shouldn't always be, when you take the time to see things differently."
May 24, 2023
The Littlest Turtle by Lysa Mullady uses adorable pictures illustrated by Erica Salcedo and tells an inspirational story that teaches children to use their voice as they work through differences and seek the good for all.
The story starts off by sharing the tradition a bale of turtles of all shapes and sizes shares each day of working together to gather and eat fruit for their meals. The turtles have acted in the same way, year after year to reach the fruit. The big turtles brace the bottom, while the tiny turtles climb on top to reach the freshest fruit. Since the largest turtles were near the ground, they fed on the fallen berries. One day, the littlest turtle overhears the big turtles expressing their feelings, wishing they too could enjoy the freshest berries the little turtles were able to enjoy by climbing on top of their backs. The littlest turtle becomes an advocate for the bigger turtles and speaks up in proposing a change amongst the community of turtles.
This is a wonderful story that can be used to teach the importance of speaking up, demonstrating good citizenship and advocating for what you believe is best for all, even if it requires a change. As an elementary school teacher, I can see this book being used to supplement academic standards surrounding citizenship and I believe it would be a wonderful resource to support and reinforce a wide variety of character traits and discussions surrounding equity. I am looking forward to getting my hands on a copy, featuring and recommending the purchase of this book to our elementary school librarians.
Thank you to Lysa Mullady, NetGalley and Magination Press for the ARC and opportunity to post this review!
The story starts off by sharing the tradition a bale of turtles of all shapes and sizes shares each day of working together to gather and eat fruit for their meals. The turtles have acted in the same way, year after year to reach the fruit. The big turtles brace the bottom, while the tiny turtles climb on top to reach the freshest fruit. Since the largest turtles were near the ground, they fed on the fallen berries. One day, the littlest turtle overhears the big turtles expressing their feelings, wishing they too could enjoy the freshest berries the little turtles were able to enjoy by climbing on top of their backs. The littlest turtle becomes an advocate for the bigger turtles and speaks up in proposing a change amongst the community of turtles.
This is a wonderful story that can be used to teach the importance of speaking up, demonstrating good citizenship and advocating for what you believe is best for all, even if it requires a change. As an elementary school teacher, I can see this book being used to supplement academic standards surrounding citizenship and I believe it would be a wonderful resource to support and reinforce a wide variety of character traits and discussions surrounding equity. I am looking forward to getting my hands on a copy, featuring and recommending the purchase of this book to our elementary school librarians.
Thank you to Lysa Mullady, NetGalley and Magination Press for the ARC and opportunity to post this review!
July 6, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for this e copy of “ The Littlest Turtle” by Lisa Mullady in exchange for a honest review..This book is perfect for preschoolers where sharing and empathy are difficult concepts to understand.This book tells the story of a group of turtles where the littlest turtles climb on the backs of the bigger turtles to eat the freshest and juiciest berries in the brambles.The bigger turtles are left to eat the rotten berries that have fallen to the ground.The bigger turtles get mad since they never get any juicy berries..One of the little turtles realizes this isn’t fair and changes things by getting the other little turtles to pick the best berries and sharing them with the bigger turtles.I really loved this book because sharing and empathy are two concepts that young children find hard to understand and accept and this is a perfect book to teach these concepts.
March 21, 2023
This was a nice story with some lovely artwork. It's all about the turtles learning to share and to work together towards a common goal. The way that the book includes some discussion topics and information to help guild a conversation with either a child or a classroom was a nice touch.
I did find that some of the story itself wasn't quite as solid as it could have been which is why I gave this a 3 star instead of a 4 star rating. The premise was good, but I guess the execution with the story itself has room to grow and develop. Like how the big turtles were already planning to strike when Littlest Turtle talked to them. Maybe it would have been better for them to have not thought to strike until Littlest Turtle spoke to them and suggested an approach. It stole some of the Littlest Turtle power for change away from the character. And while that's not necessarily bad, I think it took away from the lesson in this book.
But all in all, a good read with some life lessons. I think that, in the right circumstances, you could even use this as a bit of a way to present the idea of a union or strike to kids. I think about when teachers go on strike and the questions that parents may get from their children about why teachers aren't there and why school is cancelled. This would be a great book for that conversation.
* I received an ARC from NetGalley.
I did find that some of the story itself wasn't quite as solid as it could have been which is why I gave this a 3 star instead of a 4 star rating. The premise was good, but I guess the execution with the story itself has room to grow and develop. Like how the big turtles were already planning to strike when Littlest Turtle talked to them. Maybe it would have been better for them to have not thought to strike until Littlest Turtle spoke to them and suggested an approach. It stole some of the Littlest Turtle power for change away from the character. And while that's not necessarily bad, I think it took away from the lesson in this book.
But all in all, a good read with some life lessons. I think that, in the right circumstances, you could even use this as a bit of a way to present the idea of a union or strike to kids. I think about when teachers go on strike and the questions that parents may get from their children about why teachers aren't there and why school is cancelled. This would be a great book for that conversation.
* I received an ARC from NetGalley.
June 8, 2023
The littlest turtle comes to us from imagination press, which is a division of the American psychological association. This book is fantastic. Every day when all the turtles go to eat, the big turtles, eat what is on the ground and the little turtles climb on top of the big turtles to get to the fresh ripe fruit in the bushes and trees. The big turtles are tired of always eating what’s on the ground because it’s usually sour and semi rotten. But the little turtles don’t seem to notice that there is a problem because this is the way it has always been done. But the littlest turtle says okay I understand what you’re saying. The littlest turtle has empathy. The big turtles hatch a plan to show everybody else that they to deserve the freshest type of berries. They put their plan into action. A lesson is learned and new models are created. This book is very much up an allegory for modern society. Just because things are the way they’ve always been doesn’t mean they are right. What is good for one should be good for all. No one should be at the bottom of the pile. No one should be less than anyone else. This book makes the statement in such an easy to understand concept for any age, child or adult. You add on top of that the fantastic artwork, and this is a killer book that will stay on shelves and be used for many years to come.
May 9, 2023
Received via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review
First and foremost, the illustrations in this story are phenomenal. We're big turtle/tortoise fans, so you'll always get us to read a book featuring them.
Jeremiah and I were both pretty happy to read this, but I felt his attention wane pretty quickly, and mine wandered quite a bit, too. The message of this book is REALLY important and really amazing. And the way the story is laid out is good, too.
The little turtles use the big turtles' shells to get to the high branches and eat the sweetest berries. The big turtles eat the cast offs that fall to the ground. This is the way things are done, this is the way things have always been done, and there's no need to change that.
But the littlest turtle can see that this isn't fair. The big turtles deserve the good berries, too. So he sets out to change things.
Now, it's fairly obvious what message we're telling, and that it's a crucially important message. But this is both too simple and too much for little minds. It would require the adults to do too much "You see? You see?" instead of the children absorbing the message and seeing the imbalance.
It's not a bad story, but it doesn't quite hit the target.
First and foremost, the illustrations in this story are phenomenal. We're big turtle/tortoise fans, so you'll always get us to read a book featuring them.
Jeremiah and I were both pretty happy to read this, but I felt his attention wane pretty quickly, and mine wandered quite a bit, too. The message of this book is REALLY important and really amazing. And the way the story is laid out is good, too.
The little turtles use the big turtles' shells to get to the high branches and eat the sweetest berries. The big turtles eat the cast offs that fall to the ground. This is the way things are done, this is the way things have always been done, and there's no need to change that.
But the littlest turtle can see that this isn't fair. The big turtles deserve the good berries, too. So he sets out to change things.
Now, it's fairly obvious what message we're telling, and that it's a crucially important message. But this is both too simple and too much for little minds. It would require the adults to do too much "You see? You see?" instead of the children absorbing the message and seeing the imbalance.
It's not a bad story, but it doesn't quite hit the target.
April 25, 2023
The selling point for this book is the illustrations. The turtles are so cute and full of expression.
Here’s how it’s always been… The big turtles allow the little turtles to climb on their backs to reach the juicy fresh fruit. This leaves the big turtle eating the fruit that has fallen to the ground and sometimes that fruit is pretty sour or nearly rotten. Yep, that’s how it’s always been. The Littlest Turtle notices how the big turtles never get any of the good fruit and think how it’s just not fair to them and wants to help make a change. CHANGE? Yikes!
Well, this plan causes quite a commotion for we all know change is easy for some and hard for others.
Lysa Mullady has crafted sweet story about empathy.
She has included insightful readers notes to aid the reader in furthering the topic of empathy.
This quote from the readers notes is profound. “Teaching our children to use their voice as they work through differences and seek the good for all is a gift not only to them, but to the world.”
A good addition to your picture book collection
Here’s how it’s always been… The big turtles allow the little turtles to climb on their backs to reach the juicy fresh fruit. This leaves the big turtle eating the fruit that has fallen to the ground and sometimes that fruit is pretty sour or nearly rotten. Yep, that’s how it’s always been. The Littlest Turtle notices how the big turtles never get any of the good fruit and think how it’s just not fair to them and wants to help make a change. CHANGE? Yikes!
Well, this plan causes quite a commotion for we all know change is easy for some and hard for others.
Lysa Mullady has crafted sweet story about empathy.
She has included insightful readers notes to aid the reader in furthering the topic of empathy.
This quote from the readers notes is profound. “Teaching our children to use their voice as they work through differences and seek the good for all is a gift not only to them, but to the world.”
A good addition to your picture book collection
December 17, 2023
What always was shouldn’t always be when you take the time to see things differently.
𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: The Turtle-ish Change
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿: Littlest Turtle & Big Turtle
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Easy
𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Children’s
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Adventure & Sharing
4.5/𝟱
🌱THE EXCELLENT
~ Great story
~ Detailed art (especially for turtle differentiation)
~ Warm story
~ Important lesson
On a typical day out to get berries, some turtles share a realization. Understanding their concern and believing that being fair is important, Littlest Turtle takes up their concern and stands in solidarity with them effecting change. Although the change in the story seems rather small, it teaches teamwork and fairness in a relatable way.
(It also comes with a reader’s note for further discussion).
✨𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱.
🌱THE MEH
~ I could have gone on reading - lol
♡🌱 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲 ;)
𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: The Turtle-ish Change
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿: Littlest Turtle & Big Turtle
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Easy
𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Children’s
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Adventure & Sharing
4.5/𝟱
🌱THE EXCELLENT
~ Great story
~ Detailed art (especially for turtle differentiation)
~ Warm story
~ Important lesson
On a typical day out to get berries, some turtles share a realization. Understanding their concern and believing that being fair is important, Littlest Turtle takes up their concern and stands in solidarity with them effecting change. Although the change in the story seems rather small, it teaches teamwork and fairness in a relatable way.
(It also comes with a reader’s note for further discussion).
✨𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱.
🌱THE MEH
~ I could have gone on reading - lol
♡🌱 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲 ;)
March 22, 2023
I think the illustrations were cute and well done, I liked the message of sharing and adapting things because things change as time goes on. I did not agree with the line 'what works for one, works for all' because that isn't true and shouldn't be used as a message to kids because what works for one may not work for another, the neuro-divergent child and the neurotypical child are going to have different things that work for them, I think it would have been better to focus on the sharing, helping others to meet their needs too when you are able, teamwork working towards a common goal and not sticking to what has always been being the end all for how things will be. Overall I thought it was a really good book, my 1 year old liked the little turtles climbing on the big turtles backs.
April 19, 2023
The big turtles are having a problem with getting the freshest berries because the little turtles are on their backs eating them all. The Littlest Turtle notices this and wants to help make a change to make things fair for all the turtles.
This is a story about sharing, having empathy for others, helping others, and seeking fairness. I liked the illustrations but had a minor issue with the story because The Littlest Turtle didn't seem to be the main character or as important to solving the issue. It seemed like the big turtles could've solved it on their own and didn't need the Littlest Turtle as much. If he didn't help, they still would've been able to talk to the other turtles to see their side on their own.
Thank you Netgalley for the ebook!
This is a story about sharing, having empathy for others, helping others, and seeking fairness. I liked the illustrations but had a minor issue with the story because The Littlest Turtle didn't seem to be the main character or as important to solving the issue. It seemed like the big turtles could've solved it on their own and didn't need the Littlest Turtle as much. If he didn't help, they still would've been able to talk to the other turtles to see their side on their own.
Thank you Netgalley for the ebook!
March 20, 2023
The Littlest Turtle is a must read! The littlest turtle and the biggest turtle work together to educate all the turtles on what always was shouldn’t always be and what’s fair is fair. Educating kids on empathy and equity is so important and this book does that.mi loved that the book provided a reader’s note to further educate. I can’t wait to add this to my child’s library!
Thank you, Netgalley and American Psychological Association , for the advance reading copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you, Netgalley and American Psychological Association , for the advance reading copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 6, 2023
It is all about the berries! Little Turtle could not reach them. With the help of his turtle community and coming together, the turtles became aware of their differences. What is fair and what is right.
These are questions for children. Do you know a child that is aware of what is fair. Probably when life is against them, they might lament- "That's not fair!" or "that's not right". This book helps put solutions to those questions.
A special thank you to Magination Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
These are questions for children. Do you know a child that is aware of what is fair. Probably when life is against them, they might lament- "That's not fair!" or "that's not right". This book helps put solutions to those questions.
A special thank you to Magination Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
May 4, 2023
The Littlest Turtle is an inspiring story of teamwork and cooperation to achieve equity for all. The Littlest Turtle invokes change in their society and as a result, everyone benefits. I enjoyed this message and thought the illustrations were beautifully done.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
August 31, 2023
***Note: I received a free digital review copy of this book from NetGalley and Magination Press, the children’s book imprint of the American Psychological Association, in exchange for an honest review. I have not received compensation for the inclusion of any links for purchase found in this review or on any other page of The Voracious Bibliophile which mentions The Littlest Turtle, its author(s), or its publisher.***
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
What a delightful little book! The Littlest Turtle tells the story of a community of turtles of various statures and sizes who live and work together. There’s a division of labor in which the smaller turtles climb on the backs of the larger turtles to pick the ripest and most delicious fruits from the trees. What the smaller turtles are largely unaware of is that while they are getting to eat the best and most delicious fruits from the trees, the larger turtles have to make do with the fruit that falls on the ground and is often rotten or otherwise spoiled.
One day, Littlest Turtle hears the larger turtles grumbling among themselves about how unfair the whole situation is. Without the value of their labor (i.e. literally allowing the smaller turtles to climb on their backs to reach the fruit), the smaller turtles would not be able to eat. However, they always have to eat food that’s not as good. This gets Littlest Turtle to thinking.
Littlest Turtle consults one of his fellow smaller turtles and asks why the larger turtles don’t get to share in eating the best fruits that are picked. Littlest Turtle immediately gets shut down by his peer who claims that that’s just the way things have always been and there’s no sensible reason to change anything. Littlest Turtle mulls over the unfairness of the whole system and starts to concoct a plan to change things for the better. Feeling emboldened by a newfound sense of justice, Littlest Turtle sleeps in preparation for putting his plan in motion.
The next day, Littlest Turtle approaches Biggest Turtle and tells them that the whole system is unfair, that they want to help rectify the inequality and ensure all turtles have access to the best and freshest fruits. Biggest Turtle says that the larger turtles have been talking amongst themselves about a plan to enact change. Littlest Turtle volunteers to help, and so off they go.
Marching to the brambles, the larger turtles (along with their comrade-in-arms Littlest Turtle) stop in their tracks while the smaller turtles make their way to the fruit. They stop, and see that the larger turtles have not joined them to allow them to climb on top of their backs to pick the fruit. Biggest Turtle announces their stance, stating that they want to eat the freshest berries too. Littlest Turtle chimes in to say that they won’t be moving until a change is made. Who doesn’t love solidarity among turtles and peaceful sit-ins?
The turtles start having conversations together and exploring how the old system was wholly unfair. The smaller turtles have to face the fact that they’ve unfairly benefitted from a system that’s exploited the labor of the larger turtles while not providing for their needs. They all work together to create a new system that ensures every turtle among them has access to the freshest fruits.
I think The Littlest Turtle is the perfect book for introducing children to ideas of fairness, equality, division of labor, and access. Children develop empathy by having conversations about what’s fair and by ensuring everyone in a given community’s needs are provided for. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
The Littlest Turtle was released on August 15th, 2023 by Magination Press, the children’s book imprint of the American Psychological Association. It is available to purchase or order at your local bookstore.
***Note: This review also appears, in a slightly different form, on my blog at https://thevoraciousbibliophile.com/2....
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review
What a delightful little book! The Littlest Turtle tells the story of a community of turtles of various statures and sizes who live and work together. There’s a division of labor in which the smaller turtles climb on the backs of the larger turtles to pick the ripest and most delicious fruits from the trees. What the smaller turtles are largely unaware of is that while they are getting to eat the best and most delicious fruits from the trees, the larger turtles have to make do with the fruit that falls on the ground and is often rotten or otherwise spoiled.
One day, Littlest Turtle hears the larger turtles grumbling among themselves about how unfair the whole situation is. Without the value of their labor (i.e. literally allowing the smaller turtles to climb on their backs to reach the fruit), the smaller turtles would not be able to eat. However, they always have to eat food that’s not as good. This gets Littlest Turtle to thinking.
Littlest Turtle consults one of his fellow smaller turtles and asks why the larger turtles don’t get to share in eating the best fruits that are picked. Littlest Turtle immediately gets shut down by his peer who claims that that’s just the way things have always been and there’s no sensible reason to change anything. Littlest Turtle mulls over the unfairness of the whole system and starts to concoct a plan to change things for the better. Feeling emboldened by a newfound sense of justice, Littlest Turtle sleeps in preparation for putting his plan in motion.
The next day, Littlest Turtle approaches Biggest Turtle and tells them that the whole system is unfair, that they want to help rectify the inequality and ensure all turtles have access to the best and freshest fruits. Biggest Turtle says that the larger turtles have been talking amongst themselves about a plan to enact change. Littlest Turtle volunteers to help, and so off they go.
Marching to the brambles, the larger turtles (along with their comrade-in-arms Littlest Turtle) stop in their tracks while the smaller turtles make their way to the fruit. They stop, and see that the larger turtles have not joined them to allow them to climb on top of their backs to pick the fruit. Biggest Turtle announces their stance, stating that they want to eat the freshest berries too. Littlest Turtle chimes in to say that they won’t be moving until a change is made. Who doesn’t love solidarity among turtles and peaceful sit-ins?
The turtles start having conversations together and exploring how the old system was wholly unfair. The smaller turtles have to face the fact that they’ve unfairly benefitted from a system that’s exploited the labor of the larger turtles while not providing for their needs. They all work together to create a new system that ensures every turtle among them has access to the freshest fruits.
I think The Littlest Turtle is the perfect book for introducing children to ideas of fairness, equality, division of labor, and access. Children develop empathy by having conversations about what’s fair and by ensuring everyone in a given community’s needs are provided for. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
The Littlest Turtle was released on August 15th, 2023 by Magination Press, the children’s book imprint of the American Psychological Association. It is available to purchase or order at your local bookstore.
***Note: This review also appears, in a slightly different form, on my blog at https://thevoraciousbibliophile.com/2....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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