Customer Reviews

Christmas Turtles

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4 star:		(1)
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Written by award-winning author Sara Ann Denson and illustrated by Tara McMillen, Christmas Turtles is a picturebook not about live turtles, but rather about a tasty Christmas candy treat made of pecans and chocolate - and the years of tradition that go behind making and sharing it. Written to be read aloud, or for children who are just old enough to be on the cusp of graduating from picture books to chapter books, Christmas Turtles is a delight for the family to share as the holiday season approaches. The final page gives the recipe for making Christmas Turtles in one's own kitchen.

This is an endearing story about a grandmother's love for her family. This book is not only appropriate for grandmothers and grandchildren but also, aunts, uncles, parents, older siblings or anyone who makes sacrifices to show the love they hold for others. We can all relate to this book. What a "sweet" story!

Christmas Turtles takes you back to the smells, sights and sounds of Grandma's kitchen. I was immediately transported back to the warmth and love my grandma shared with me through her holiday cooking.

A great book to share with your children and grandchildren. The story brings back memories of going to grandma's house at Christmas and playing with cousins you only see once or twice a year. There is also a great turtle recipe to make with the kids (or not) at then end of the story.

I purchased this book because it was written by my one of my best friends of 20 years. She was always an excellent writer. I believe this was her first attempt at a children's book. I may be biased, but it is an excellent story. I am making it a family tradition to read this book every Christmas.

Christmas Turtles is a wonderful book about a grandmother's love for her grandchildren. It teaches about giving....even when it hurts. It's about love, dedication, and sacrifice. If you're looking for a book with good family values and an original story, this is the one to get. Our kids love it!

Christmas Turtles (Purple Sky Publishing, October 2006, hardcover, 32 pages) by Sara Ann Denson is another wonderful story of a grandmother's love and a special holiday tradition.

In the story, with adorable illustrations by Tara McMillen, four young children engage in their annual tradition of enjoying Christmas turtles at Grandma's house. Many families have these special, food related traditions. At Grandma's farmhouse each year, the children race to find the turtle treats that they think have been magically prepared by elves. One year, they learn that it has in fact been Grandma who has lovingly prepared the treats, despite the physical pain she must endure to prepare the turtles.

A wonderful "Christmas Turtle" recipe is included at the end of the book so that you can start the tradition of making this treat with your children.

Christmas Turtles teaches that the best gifts are those given in the spirit of love.

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (10/06)


This delightful story will warm the hearts of the whole family. "Christmas Turtles" celebrates the true meaning of Christmas when one grandmother demonstrates her love for her family through her actions and self-sacrifice.

A pecan tree was planted behind the barn when each grandchild was born. As the children grow, so do the trees. Every fall Grandmother bends over and gathers the small brown nuts in her skirt. Then the worn Christmas tin and the silver nutcracker are brought out. The grandchildren help assist preparing the nuts. The golden halves are stacked in the faded tin and placed in the freezer. Each Christmas morning the pecan halves have disappeared only to be magically replaced by delicious chocolate turtles. But how did the turtles get there, did an elf make them? One mother explains, "Someone who loves you more than an elf made the turtles."

This book demonstrates self-sacrifice. Grandmother must bend over to collect the nuts. Her hands hurt when she cracks them open. She must spend much time standing before the stove on tired legs. All this for a candy she cannot eat. Grandmother's greatest pleasure is seeing the delight on her families face as they eat the turtles she so lovingly prepared.

This book was obviously penned in love. The illustrations are delightful, adding much to the story. The plot is beautifully written. I suspect it is based on a memory. The author is generous in sharing a recipe for "Christmas Turtles." I look forward to making these for my grandchildren. What a marvelous tradition it will be to watch their eyes as they bite into a Christmas Turtle. It is with great honor that I highly recommend this book to parents and grandparents. The story is a pleasure to read and the meaning behind it is a treasure to hold deep in your heart.

Book received free of charge.

Christmas Turtles is a sweet story that will touch your soul - and the souls of your kids. I got it as a gift for my friends' kid, and I must say it's a great gift idea for younger children. Lovely illustrations, too.

From many children's books available on this site, I would recommend it.

A heartwarming story about the real purpose of Christmas: CANDY! I think there's stuff about family too.