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Old Crabby Turtle’s Big Rescue
Old Crabby Turtle‘s Big Rescue by Cynthia Olsen and Michael Stark is a delightful children’s story about teamwork, bravery, and friendship. The story follows Little Fishy and his seaweed forest friends as they embark on a rescue mission to save their friend Starry the Starfish and his companions, who have been captured by humans. Guided by Old Crabby Turtle, the group journeys through the ocean, led by Dolphin’s remarkable hearing, until they finally reach the ship where their friends are being held. The story takes an exciting turn when Octopus, with her cleverness and the help of a kind boy, frees the captured starfish and saves the day.
I found this children’s book both charming and engaging. One thing I liked most was how it subtly emphasizes the importance of each sea creature’s unique abilities. Dolphin uses his exceptional hearing to guide the group, and Octopus, with her many brains, cleverly unlocks the container holding Starry. This kind of storytelling gives children an encouraging message that everyone has something special to contribute, which is a beautiful way to teach teamwork.
The authors also skillfully capture the tension and excitement of the rescue mission, making it a fun and adventurous read. The writing flows smoothly, and the dialogue between the sea creatures is both lively and easy to follow. The character of Old Crabby Turtle, despite his name, is wise and caring, showing the children how to remain calm and plan carefully. I particularly loved the part where Octopus takes charge, knowing she is the only one capable of the daring task. Her persistence in trying to open the locked container is one of the most engaging moments in the book and demonstrates to young readers the power of determination.
Nathalie Kranich’s illustrations truly bring the story to life. The vibrant and detailed artwork complements the narrative, making each scene more immersive. The sea creatures are illustrated with warmth and charm, and there’s plenty for children to explore visually on each page. One of my favorite illustrations shows the moment the kind boy helps Octopus free Starry and the other starfish, a touching reminder that kindness and cooperation can come from unexpected places.
Old Crabby Turtle‘s Big Rescue is a lovely story with themes of bravery, teamwork, and kindness that would resonate with young readers. It’s perfect for children who enjoy adventure tales and stories about the ocean.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0DBVV53DK
Old Crabby Turtle
Old Crabby Turtle by C.L. Olsen is a charming and heartwarming children’s book about bravery, trust, and friendship. It follows the journey of a little fishy who lives with his mother in a seaweed forest as he gets caught by the grumpy Old Crabby Turtle after wandering too far from home. The turtle, known for his bad temper, threatens to make little fishy his dinner. However, instead of giving in to fear, little fishy offers to help the old turtle by bringing Mr. Swordfish to remove the painful, rusty fishhook stuck in the turtle’s foot. In doing so, the characters learn valuable lessons. Little fishy learns about bravery, Mr. Swordfish learns about helping others, and Old Crabby Turtle learns about trusting again.
One thing that really stood out to me was how well this picture book communicates important life lessons without feeling preachy. The author uses the story to teach children that even those who seem mean or distant, like Old Crabby Turtle, might be hurting inside. When little fishy remembers what his mother told him about bullies, it’s a pivotal moment in the story. The message that helping others, even those who may not deserve it at first glance, is a powerful one, and I love how it’s woven into the plot in such a gentle way.
The illustrations by Nathalie Kranich are absolutely delightful and elevate the story even further. Every page is vibrant and full of little details that make it visually engaging for young readers. I particularly loved the image of the old turtle sighing with relief after the fishhook was removed. These bright, detailed images complement the story’s whimsical tone, and they keep young readers immersed in the underwater world while also making the lessons more relatable.
What I also appreciated is how the story encourages emotional growth for each character. Little fishy’s bravery is tested, Mr. Swordfish is convinced to help despite his reluctance, and Old Crabby Turtle learns to trust after years of isolation. It’s a layered story that works on different levels, offering children not just a fun adventure but also gentle reminders about kindness, forgiveness, and friendship. The final celebration with all the sea creatures is a fitting end to a story that is as uplifting as it is instructive.
Old Crabby Turtle is an engaging and beautifully illustrated children’s book that is perfect for young children, especially those who might be dealing with the complexities of friendship or learning how to face fears. Its heartwarming message, combined with its colorful art and light humor, makes it a great read-aloud option for parents and educators.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0BJYMGRDK
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