Author: Michelle Cuevas
Illustrator: Catia Chien
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018
Age: 3-7
Themes: loneliness, home, community
Opening: Turtle lived in a part of the world as empty as a bird’s nest in December.
Summary: (from my library catalog) Lonely Turtle’s only friend is his shadow until he decides to build a deck, then a garden, then houses and other buildings until, while he naps, new friends arrive.
I like this book because: when I think of the things that compel me to pick up a book usually one element suffices (Easy to please? Not really). This one offered three on the cover alone: the intriguing title, the name of an illustrator I already admire, and the cover design and rendering itself. And I was not disappointed by anything I found inside. A beautifully, poetically, and perfectly told story (that opening line!), artwork that makes me wish Catia Chien could render my dreams, and the whole of it is what makes this so stellar. And believe it or not, I have not even included the most mesmerizing spreads!
Resources/Activities: design your own dream home including anything you want; discuss the importance of community and friendships in your neighborhood; think about neighbors who you have not yet met, who might need some help, or a new friend; have a neighborhood tea party!
For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.
I own this book and love it! In fact, I love all of Cuevas’ work! And Cátia Chen gets my vote for fabulous illustrator!
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I love her writing and will look for more!
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Make sure you check out her middle grade novels, too. THE CARE AND FEEDING OF A PET BLACK HOLE is a favorite, as is CONFESSIONS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND: A MEMOIR BY JACQUES PAPIER. Also, BEYOND THE LAUGHING SKY. And another picture book, THE UNCORKER OF OCEAN BOTTLES.
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That is a fabulous opening line! Thanks for sharing, Julie.
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There are so many great lines and phrases in this book!
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Another one of your picks, Julie, that I just added to my library list! Thanks for a great recommendation.
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Thanks for being such a cheerleader of books – a tweetleader!
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Definitely have to find this one – our neighboring town has a section called “turtle town”! The artwork looks luscious.
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Wow! Would love to hear more about it!
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Enzo fell in love with this book. (He also loved the 7 cats book you mentioned).
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YAY! That kid has such good taste! Haha!
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Certainly an interesting title. Great choice.
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The cover is stunning, as are the illustrations. There is so much appeal to this book that I will put it on hold. Thanks!
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I hope you love it too!
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The cover and the first line are indeed captivating. I look forward to reading this one. Thanks for featuring it.
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The illustrations look stunning! I will have to check this one out.
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