Review by Booklist Review
This survival story stars a new-to-the-world turtle whose innocence plunges him into deep water before he is saved by his friends. On a tiny island in the middle of a wide river, a storm is brewing. The sounds of the storm (wind blowing, waves crashing, thunder rumbling) and the rapid, threatening buildup of the clouds are vividly portrayed. While Heron, Frog, and Otter know to flee, Turtle-Turtle is oblivious, just staring at a flower. He is thrown into the river, spun around and dragged under, until the other animals give him an emergency swimming lesson. As his instincts come to his rescue, Turtle-Turtle also discovers that he can hold his breath and keep his eyes closed underwater. The wordplay throughout, including rhymes, rhythms, sound-alikes, opposites, and joyously active words like "Splash! Splash!" and "Smash! Smash!" make this a boisterously fun read-aloud. The illustrations have a tactile quality that will make readers feel they, too, are in the storm and underwater in this fun, exciting friendship story.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The married creators Hillenbrand (What a Treasure!) return with another sweet, simple, and wise take on the value of friendship and self-discovery. As huge gray storm clouds swiftly roll in, all the creatures on a river island know how to react--except for young Turtle-Turtle, "too new to know what to do," who smilingly regards a pink bloom. Despite the warnings of Heron ("Skedaddle!"), Frog ("Slip away!"), and Otter ("Swim!"), Turtle-Turtle tucks in tight ("Stay") as "the rain pelted down, down, down,/ and the wide, wide river rose up, up, up." Swept underwater with a big "SWOOSH," flailing Turtle-Turtle finds his self-preservation instincts kicking in--he can "hold his breath in, in, in/ and keep his eyes open wide, wide, wide." And in addition to this moment of experiential learning, other island species coach him on how to paddle and kick to high ground. Deft use of repetition and onomatopoeia make this a lively readaloud, while kinetic digital images of the roiling river and ominous skies evoke a just-right dose of suspense (and relief) among the cast of bright-eyed critters rendered with thickly outlined shapes. An author's note concludes. Ages 3--6. (Mar.)
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Review by Horn Book Review
A big storm threatens a small island in the middle of a wide river. Most of the animals -- heron, otter, frog -- recognize the warning signs and know what to do. "But Turtle-Turtle did not. He was too new to know what to do." Washes textured with splatters and ribbons of color create the feel of volatile island weather. Turtle-Turtle, with his wide eyes and green shell outlined in rainbows, appears particularly small and vulnerable on the page. As the other animals hurry away, he tries to find refuge within his shell. "'Stay,' whimpered Turtle-Turtle, tucking in tight." The force of the darkening storm grows with every page-turn, especially in contrast to the small protagonist, whose concerned yellow eyes peek out from the shell. When waves and wind finally cast him into the river, he spins and struggles underwater across a dynamic double-page spread. Eventually, he recovers enough to hold his breath and open his eyes. From there, the other animals return to help, offering swimming strategies and encouragement ("Paddle," "Kick away") until Turtle-Turtle makes it to land. The crisp text with its repetition and onomatopoeia pairs well with the colorful digital art full of pattern and movement, making this a rewarding and exciting adventure for even very young listeners. The story closes with an appreciation of friendship and an especially bright rainbow. Both the dedication and an author's note from Will Hillenbrand offer insight into the story's origin. Julie RoachMarch/April 2024 p.68 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Help comes in unexpected ways as a lone baby turtle battles a storm-tossed river. Heron, Frog, and Otter all know the signs: "The reeds rustled. / The waves crashed. / The lightning flashed. / The thunder clapped, / and the rain pelted down, down, down." Turtle-Turtle, however, is too young to understand what's happening. So while the others run for cover, he cowers under his shell on their small island. After a climactic double-page spread in which the little reptile is tossed this way and that in the water, he learns that he can hold his breath underwater and keep his eyes open--qualities he didn't know he had. With the support of the other animals, Turtle-Turtle reaches land once again. The authors' use of alliteration, onomatopoeia, and internal and end-of-line rhymes makes this story flow effortlessly and dramatically when read aloud. These elements, as well as the repetition of words and a refrain, will encourage even the youngest listeners to participate. Will Hillenbrand's digital scenes employ diagonal lines, signs of motion, and a darker palette to signal the danger, whereas the aftermath depicts a return to calm and a gradual brightening, leading to a rainbow. The book's dedication suggests that the inexperience and resilience of children during the pandemic--and the support of helpers--were inspirations. The target audience will appreciate this tale of getting by with a little help from one's friends. (author's note from Will Hillenbrand) (Picture book. 2-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
