Ron Maris

I think this book is a well created story for the young student struggling to be themselves. The book uses minimal text, clear imagery and simplistic language. A story of a turtle who wishes he could do everything his other animal friends can do, fly, run, dive and climb. After failing all the attempts it rains and the turtle is warm and dry in his shell none of the other animals and do that. A lovely story of accepting ones self for their capabilities. The text throughout the text is very appropriate for early readers using large bold writing, simple language and well designed illustrations that clearly display the action. In the story as the turtle says "I wish i could fly like you" the reader can look at the illustration and see the connection between the turtle attempting to fly and the text written below. The language utilized also helps create an understanding of the physical feeling. The turtle ends up snug, warm, cosy and dry, four descriptive words that are closely related in meaning however useful for an early readers development of vocabulary. I would likely use this book in my own classroom for both a social learning experience and a vocabulary developing tool.… (mer)