Tyrone: A Turtle Tale

Sue Foley
Robert D. Reed Publishers (2002)
ISBN 1885003889
Reviewed by Stephanie Rollins and Parish Rollins (age 3) and J.T. Rollins (age 9) for Reader Views (2/07)

Tyrone, a turtle, has to wear glasses.  His glasses are big and bright red.  He also wants to play “hide and seek” with his friends; however, he is unable to hide his head in his shell.  He discovers that he can do so if he takes off his glasses.  This makes him feel much better; now he can play with the other animals.

What did Parish think of “Tyrone: a Turtle Tale?”
She is fascinated with the illustration of a large snake.

What was her favorite part?
“She points to the frog and says ‘ribbit’!” Now she wants me to say “rabbit.”

Does she want to read it again one day?
She picks up another book to read. “You.”  She points to me, showing me that she gives me permission to look at the book.

Is there a funny part to “Tyrone: a Turtle Tale?”
She points to the snake again.

Do you like the pictures?
“Yes.”

How is Parish like the turtle?
I explain that the turtle wears glasses.  Because of his glasses he had difficulty playing “hide and seek.”  This made him sad.  Then, he figured out the problem.  Now he can play; he is happy.  “You wear glasses.  I do, too.”  She comes back with her Dora sunglasses on.

Maybe the turtle feels how you feel when your brothers do not want you to play with them.
“They’re mean.”  She stomps her foot.  I had to explain to her what it means to hurt someone’s feelings.

J.T., the 9-year-old, grasped the ideas of the book.  He thought it was easy-to-read.  He did not think his friends would want to read it.  He explains, “They are into dirt bikes and ninjas.”

I believe that “Tyrone: a Turtle Tale” is written for first and second graders.  It did not keep Parish’s attention well.  J.T. thought the storyline was too babyish for him.  The illustrations are wonderful.  The story is written in different colors and styles throughout the book.  This adds to the attraction of the book.  The font is large. 

The storyline is relatable to all children.  “Tyrone: a Turtle Tale” is a fun book for those in early elementary school.  I recommend it!

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