Book Review: Tadeo Turtle by Janis Cox

Tadeo loved to laugh and play…

… until he met Sam Squirrel one day.

Janis Cox’s story Tadeo Turtleis a delightful tale of a turtle who becomes discontented with carting his shell around after he makes a new friend who can do things he can’t do.  Tadeo dreams that he loses his shell and can do everything that Sam Squirrel can do—until Cat shows up.  Then Tadeo learns that “God had made him perfectly.”

Janis’ beautiful watercolour paintings accompany her rhymed story about Tadeo.  Together, the pictures and story show children that each of us is unique—and that’s a good thing.  The story is a lovely illustration of Psalms 139:13-14 (NLT), “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knite me together in my mother’s womb.  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!  Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it!”

At the end of the book, Jan includes activities about turtles for children to do after reading Tadeo’s story. There’s also a page of links to more information on turtles for curious children who want to find out more about Tadeo.  Jan’s background as a teacher shines through, making this book a great resources for teachers and parents alike.  My girls love crafts and Sunshine is always asking questions about what we read, so I appreciated all the extra resources Jan included.

Janis Cox is a poet, retired teacher, member of Inscribe, wife, mother, and grandmother.  Tadeo Turtle is her first children’s book.  To find out more about Jan, drop by her website.  You can also find Jan on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

I received this book for review courtesy of the author; all opinions expressed are my own.