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