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Never Give Up
Talent Show Troubles follows a sea turtle as he tries desperately to find a talent for the upcoming talent show. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Well, it all started with some doodles in church. My mom taught me how to draw turtles, and so I drew a turtle named Crush Sir Turtletin, the third. Then I drew three more until I had 4 generations of the royal Crush Sir Turtletin family. I wanted to write a series that featured each of the turtles as an introduction and then wanted to expand the series to show different adventures.
For this first book, I thought it would be a fun story to have this great-grandpa tell about a time when he was younger and asked his son to help him learn to dance. The dad knows how much his son loves to dance and thought that would be a great talent for the talent show. Sometimes, I help my grandfather learn how to play games, so that was part of my inspiration for having the younger generation help the older generation.
What scene did you have the most fun writing?
My favorite chapter is the “Shell-Shaking Dancing King.” I think it’s a very entertaining and comical chapter in the book.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to show that it’s important to try new things, even if you aren’t good at it. We aren’t all good at everything, but there is something we can all do if we just keep trying. The king wasn’t afraid to try new talents and didn’t give up when he failed at some of them. He kept trying new activities until he found something he was good at and I think that’s an important lesson for everyone. Try new things and never give up.
Where will Book 2 in this series take young readers? Can you give us a peek inside?
Book 2 introduces Crush Sir Turtletin, the 2nd. He starts off gathering a group of young turtles and tells them a tale of when he was young and wanted to take a vacation. His dad was against vacations, so Crush Sir Turtletin, the 2nd, sneaks off to have a grand adventure but instead finds himself facing mishap after mishap. It is a funny adventure that you won’t want to miss!
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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
Hop’s Case of Being Different
Hop’s Case of Being Different is a heartwarming and poignant children’s book that tackles the themes of diversity and self-acceptance through the eyes of a frog named Hop. Written by Noah Bella Michaelis at just eight years old, the story follows Hop as he navigates life in Frog Jumping Lake, where he feels out of place due to his unique features. Despite his differences, Hop eventually learns that being different is not only okay but something to be celebrated. The book, enriched with colorful illustrations by Angie Savoy, brings to life Hop’s journey in a way that is both accessible and deeply meaningful for young readers.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is the way it addresses complex themes in a manner that children can easily understand. Noah’s writing is simple yet powerful, and it’s evident that she drew from her own experiences and challenges in life. The story’s narrative is engaging, with Hop’s struggles and eventual triumph resonating on a personal level. What stands out is Noah’s ability to convey the idea that diversity is a strength, and this is done with a sincerity that only a child could bring forth. The illustrations by Angie Savoy complement the text beautifully, adding a visual depth to the story that enhances its emotional impact. Each character is vividly portrayed, and the colors used are both vibrant and inviting, making the book a visual treat for its young audience. The imagery of Frog Jumping Lake, with its diverse inhabitants, serves as a perfect backdrop to the story’s message. What makes Hop’s Case of Being Different truly special is the context behind its creation. Knowing that Noah, a young girl living with Congenital Heart Disease, penned this story while facing significant health challenges adds an extra layer of depth and poignancy to the book. The foreword, written by her mother, gives readers insight into the love and determination that went into bringing Hop’s story to life. It’s impossible not to feel moved by the knowledge that this book was written by someone who, despite her own challenges, had a profound understanding of what it means to feel different and the courage to share that understanding with the world.
Hop’s Case of Being Different is more than just a children’s book—it’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. I would recommend it to parents, teachers, and caregivers who wish to introduce young children to the concepts of diversity and self-acceptance. The story of Hop will undoubtedly inspire and comfort any child who has ever felt out of place or different, reminding them that their uniqueness is something to be celebrated, not hidden.
Pages: 36 | ISBN : 1732525404
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