Truman

Truman is a tortoise, a very small tortoise, who lives with Sarah in an apartment overlooking a busy street filled with people, taxis, noise, and the number 11 bus. Truman can see all this from his aquarium by the window. Truman loves Sarah and she loves Truman. But one day, Sara has a big breakfast, gives Truman extra green beans, puts on a HUGE backpack, and leaves the apartment. Truman sees her get on the number 11 bus and ride away. Truman waits and waits and waits until he can’t wait anymore. He knows what he has to do, and it will take all the courage he can muster to do it.

Author Jean Reidy has written a lovely, quiet book that looks at the first day of school and the courage it takes from an entirely fresh perspective. It is clever and smart and it will give comfort to little ones worrying about starting school. The illustrations by Lucy Ruth Cummins are perfectly charming and complement the text with quiet colors and lots of sweet details to keep little ones’ eyes on the pages. This is sure to become a favorite.