THE LITTLEST TURTLE

Even the tiniest turtle can help make a big change!

Smaller turtles climb onto larger turtles’ backs and eat fruit from the bushes while the bigger turtles eat fallen berries. But one day, Littlest Turtle overhears the larger turtles complaining that their berries are sour and almost rotten. Upon reflection, Littlest Turtle agrees that it isn’t right that the largest turtles don’t get to eat fresh berries. However, when she brings up the subject to another small turtle, she gets push back. “That’s just the way it’s always been.” “There’s no reason to change what works.” That attitude causes the large turtles to avoid the berry bushes so no one eats. Littlest Turtle stands in solidarity with the strike, and a serious communitywide discussion begins. Ultimately the turtles decide “what always was shouldn’t always be when you take the time to see things differently.” And Littlest Turtle has a new plan so every turtle eats the freshest berries. If Littlest Turtle can make a difference, so can a young child. With a simple problem and relatable characters, this allegory gently models fairness and change through communication. Lush pond scenes and turtles with shells that look like they’ve been cut from origami paper help create a community that is a model of cooperation. Backmatter offers adults suggestions for building empathy while also accepting differences. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An entertaining tale that will leave children eager to make the world a fairer place.