Tortuga in Trouble

by Ann Whitford Paul, Ethan Long (Illustrator)

Yum! Tortuga is bringing a delicious supper to his abuela of ensalada, tamales, and flan. No wonder his amigos--Iguana, Conejo, and Culebra--are following him. But they aren't the only ones after the tortoise. Coyote has his own dinner plans for Tortuga and his grandmother. Can the three amigos warn them in time,in this variation of Little Red Riding Hood? A companion to "Manana, Iguana"; "Fiesta Fiasco"; and "Count on Culebra".

Genres: Picture Books, Spanish Literature, Childrens, Animals, Fairy Tales

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 5, 2009

About the author

ANN WHITFORD PAUL, author of 'TWAS THE LATE NIGHT OF CHRISTMAS has always been crazy for Christmas, but overwhelmed by it, too. Afterwards she is worn-out and dreams that someone like Mrs. Saint Nick could help her out with the resulting chaos and mess.

Ann graduated from the University of Wisconsin and Columbia University School of Social Work. She became inspired to write picture books after years of bedtime reading to her four children. She's published 19 different award-winning books. Now she gets story ideas from her three grandchildren. For ten years she taught picture book writing through UCLA Extension. She still enjoys teaching how to write picture books. When she isn't writing or teaching, she loves listening to her cat purr, watching spiders spin their webs and following snails' trails.

You can learn more about her, download writing tips and classroom activities, and contact her through her web-site: www.annwhitfordpaul.net

Reviews

[Westminster Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this witty adaptation of the Little Red Riding Hood story set in the American Southwest, Tortuga arrives at his grandmother's house to bring her supper only to find that something is off about his grandmother but he just can't figure out what. This book also includes some Spanish words woven into the text and provides context clues to help readers decipher the meaning of the words.


Find Tortuga in Trouble at the Westminster Public Library!

For other books in this series check here

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book by Paul about the four friends Iguana, Conejo, Culebra and Tortuga. Tortuga is bringing a lunch of ensalada, tamales and flan to his grandmother in this combination of "Little Red Riding Hood" and "The Bremen Town Musicians." Along his way, Tortuga encounters his friends, who have designs on his basket of food, but even worse he encounters Coyote who has plans to eat both the basket of food as well as Tortuga and his grandmother. Luckily, Tortuga's friends have followed the food (and him) and scare Coyote away by making a combination of loud sounds that convinces Coyote that monsters are surrounding the house.

Ethan Long's illustrations, done in gouache and colored pencil, are brightly colored in a palette evocative of the Southwest desert setting of the tale. His characters' large eyes and expressive faces add to the story's humor. The compositions are nicely varied with double page spreads, full single pages, and close ups of the characters used alternately.

This is a great way to introduce some basic Spanish vocabulary to grade school children. The familiar story, copious repetition, and the illustrations all provide hints to decode the meaning of Spanish words like ojos, amigos, and adios. The story is also funny in its own right and works well as a read-aloud, particularly if the reader can come up with individual voices for each of the characters. I think this might even work well as a reader's theater for a small cast with a little adaptation.

Used for Tons of Fun Fiesta program May 2009.

[Anna Nesterovich · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a very talented retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood. I didn't see anything new or interesting in this book that would justify raping the story. A mix of Spanish and English words is another awful touch. Contrary to the prevailing opinion, it doesn't help a child to learn another language in a "fun and easy way". Have you ever met a kid speaking several languages as one, mixing grammar and words from two or three languages in one sentence? I have. Believe me, that's not what you would like to hear from your own kid.

[raccoon reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute picture book with just enough Spanish words without feeling overwhelming, this book has elements of Little Red Riding hood. Super cute and fun. We love Ethan Long. Everything he illustrates is worth a read.

[Megan Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the connection to the little red riding hood! I would use this book for free time

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tortuga in Trouble is an engaging SouthWestern adaptation of the Red Riding Hood story. Tortuga the tortise has made a tasty and nourishing meal for his grandmother, a meal that is coveted by both his friends and the crafty Coyote. Enticed by their hope that they can somehow share in this delicious meal, Iguana, Conejo and Culebra follow Tortuga through the desert and are rewarded for averting trouble at Abuela's house.

I had to be really careful not to sound like the "Yo Quiero Taco Bell" Chihuhahua when I was reading this aloud.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book by this author and illustrator that introduces Spanish vocabulary. It echoes Little Red Riding Hood in that turtle is going to visit abuela and coyote takes the place of the big bad wolf. Luckily, iguana, rabbit, and snake are following along behind because they would love a taste of the picnic turtle is bringing to his grandmother. Their wish comes true after they save turtle and his grandmother from the coyote. They do it by scaring coyote and that reminded me of Bremen Town Musicians.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good way to introduce children to Spanish and this is a fun take on the Red Riding Hood story. The only glitch in the matrix is when the animals are thumping on the house, to sound like monsters, to get coyote out. This could have been foreshadowed a bit better or built upon, as this resolution seemed to come out of nowhere. Furthermore, the notion that the coyote would even be afraid of monsters doesn't fit in the genre of this story either. (?)

[Briere Lohnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tortuga in Trouble: a piece of Traditional Literature published in 2009, essentially this book reminds me of Little Red Riding Hood, with a twist. The Tortuga wants to deliver food to his grandmother, but the coyote wishes to eat both the food, and the Tortuga. Through the unique take on a classic story, the Spanish language has been added, and various Latin American foods are incorporated. Overall, it was an entertaining read, and would potentially be very enjoyable for young readers.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that when I read this book to my son, some sort of Mexican accent creeps out. Not that I speak Spanish, because I don't and it's probably a terrible accent when I actually use the Spanish words in the book. Anyway, it's entertaining and has great illustrations. It's a version of the old red riding hood story.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my absolute favorite books to read to my daughter. It is a telling of the well-known story Little Red Riding Hood, featuring the turtle Tortuga. He is taking a delicious dinner of tamales, ensalada and flan to his abuela, but the coyote wants to eat his dinner...and eat Tortuga! Can his friends Iguana, Culebra and Conejo save him in time?

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think kids would most enjoy the bright colors in this Southwest-themed retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. They'll learn a few Spanish words, as well, in this "friends look after each other" story.

[Danie P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hispanic twist on little red riding hood. Tortuga the turtle is taking lunch to his grandmother. The big bad coyote tries to steal it from him. Incorporates spanish into sentences instead of one spanish then one english sentence.

[Christine Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Tortuga arrives at Abuela's house to bring her supper, Abuela looks suspiciously like Coyote. Includes a glossary of Spanish words used.
www.hcpl.net

I greatly appreciate the glossary of Spanish words! I do not speak Spanish and this tool is very helpful.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Spanish take on Little Red Riding Hood. This book allows for inferencing of Spanish words, as they are quickly followed by English or easy to see in the picture. It would be a good book to compare versions of stories.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. The illustrations are not my favorite, but the book consistently uses certain words in Spanish. The repetitiveness could help even a non-Spanish speaking parent figure out which words mean what. Good idea for supplemental curriculum.

[Joe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the illustrations and the blend of English and Spanish, but what did not fulfill my expectations was the way the amigos solved the problem. I wanted a little more depth, but until that point, I enjoyed this altered Red Riding Hood-esque story.

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not too long. Introduces and uses Spanish words as well as their English counterparts. Very simple words to pronounce, and can help with diversity, culture, and inclusion of all cultures in the classroom.

[Tarina Nye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a Mexican retelling of Little Red Riding Hood that uses Spanish vocabulary. This would be a great book to grab the attention of the readers while teaching them some Spanish vocab along the way!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's like Little Red Riding Hood, except that LRRH is a turtle and the wolf is a coyote. Also, they eat flan!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious! I love the intermingling of the Spanish words. My four year old granddaughter was not at all confused. Also, the desert setting is a wonderful twist on the usual Red Riding Hood setting.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute, little red riding hood retelling with Spanish words thrown in

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun re-telling of Little Red Riding Hood with a desert theme and many Spanish words.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let your friend help you.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great variation of Little Red Riding Hood. Also, I like that it's a dual-language book.

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy)]

Think little red riding hood, with a turtle and a coyote. The bright cartoon-like illustrations are fun. Need to practice your Spanish prior to reading it out loud.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book with lots of Spanish words for my students who speak Spanish in the home. Tortuga is a turtle. Loved the colorful illustrations, too.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The children caught on that this was a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did not know this was a Red Riding Hood story at first ... love this new take!

[Winta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has words in Spanish. It is similar to "The Little Red Riding Hood." I love the illustrations! I read it to my Kindergarten and first grade students and both classes enjoyed it.