A Surprise for Mrs. Tortoise by Paula Merlan - ADVISABLE

A Surprise for Mrs. Tortoise by Paula Merlan, illustrated by Sonja Wimmer.  PICTURE BOOK.  NubeOcho, 2018.  $17. 9788494633348

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Mrs. Tortoise looks at her reflection on the pond one day and realizes that she is getting old and wrinkly.  Her best friend, Birdy, comes up with all kinds of ideas to help pretty up the shell, but each idea leaves Mrs. Tortoise feeling low. What can Birdy do to help her?

You really need to get your hands on this and checkout Wimmer’s whimsical illustrations!  I had fun pouring over each to page to see what delightful surprises she included.  It almost outshines Merlon’s story about friendship and good intentions.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian