4.0 out of 5 stars
Endearing; Needs Work on Execution, September 13, 2008
This review is from: Templeton Turtle Goes Exploring (Hardcover)
From Andrea Deeken of Indigo Editing:
"While the theme of helping one another is an important one, its execution needs some work, particularly where the characters are concerned. In general, the rhythm and sequencing of Templeton's adventure feels out of sync in places. Repetition is important in books like these--in which the main character encounters different animals and situations--in order to give it a powerful hook for children. While Templeton's walk is varied, there are no repeating sequences or sentences to give it further meaning or to increase the tension. What's more, every animal Templeton meets has a name except the snake, who slithers away without a word. This interaction felt choppy because he was able to interact on some level with all the other animals, who not only have names, but are more developed as well. These kinds of details are important for uniformity and consistency."
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5.0 out of 5 stars
An adventurous young turtle discovers the joy of community, August 29, 2008
This review is from: Templeton Turtle Goes Exploring (Hardcover)
Templeton the turtle is an adventurous young tyke. A real go-getter, he's barely hatched when he asks his mother if he can go exploring. She consents with the condition that he remains nearby so that she can keep an eye on him. Like many youngsters he soon strays beyond his mother's surveillance and is off on a solitary journey.
On this maiden voyage he encounters many of the residents of the pond that he calls home. Some of the local wildlife are stand-offish, others warm and friendly while still others are large and threatening to a tiny turtle. When the day is done Templeton is returned home to his mother with his shell intact by a helpful pond dweller. This brings the tale to the conclusion that those who dwell in the pond make up a tightly knit community who look out for one another.
Pridmore's innocent prose brings this delightful story of exploration and community to life in a simple way that young children will resonate with. Though Templeton's adventure has moments of tension they are all resolved when his friendly neighbour comes to the rescue. While the concluding statements about pond community life are not accurate from a strictly biological point of view - "Whether we have fur, feathers, flippers, wings, scales, or shells, we all watch over each other down here by the pond" - children will certainly find the lack of predation reassuring and non-threatening.
Illustrator Michele-lee Phelan's watercolours are both realistic and stylistic. Each painting is framed with a green, leafy border, providing a lovely but somewhat redundant element throughout the book. The illustrations are already very uniform in their colours - greens, browns and blues - nothing too vibrant, all nature-toned. Templeton's world is small, so there is little variation from scene to scene in the colour palette. While the colour choices are few, many varying shades are incorporated to produce depth and a feeling of realism.
While I found myself longing for some diversity within the illustrations, I must praise Phelan for her gorgeous, detailed work. My favourite aspect of the book is the turtle's she has created; Templeton is absolutely adorable with his chubby baby cheeks, stubby frame and swirly shell designs. Phelan also excels in her work on the eyes of various pond denizens; they are wonderfully mysterious and expressive. The realism with which the characters are portrayed will definitely appeal to all nature and animal lovers.
Pridmore and Phelan's work melds together to create an oasis of calm where a tiny turtle can embark upon an adventurous expedition while never leaving the watchful eyes of the pond's community. Here we find the axiom "It takes a village to raise a child" applied to a situation quite unlike those it is normally employed in. Templeton the Turtle Goes Exploring proves to be a mild story, perfect for sensitive children like my own oldest daughter, who become distressed when too much tension is present. All is well.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Children's Book, August 13, 2008
This review is from: Templeton Turtle Goes Exploring (Hardcover)
Templeton Turtle Goes Exploring is a children's picture book for children ages 4 to 8. A hardback book with a cover that is beautifully illustrated with a turtle and his mother on the cover.
A delightful tale involving a baby turtle who is allowed to go exploring around the water's edge in sight of his mother. Templeton turtle finds no hospitality or friendship until he comes upon Mr. Longlegs. Templeton continues his exploring when he happens to come upon some raccoons, he meets Mrs. Racoon who suggests that Templeton return to his mother's side as there are many dangers at the pond, Templeton agrees due to the creatures who had been so unfriendly. On his way back to find his mother a loud noise and shaking of the ground scared Templeton to seek refuge in the grass, suddenly his was swooped up and flying, when he opened his eyes he was by his mother's side and safe. The book is engaging and a pure delight and offers a wonderful cast of characters.
The pages are filled with bold and vibrant imaginative illustrations, the art work is superb to ignite the child's imagination. I highly recommend this children's book, both you and your children will enjoy reading this story together time and time again all while delivering a great lesson of caring.
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