Thomas, Kiah. Two Turtles. Jake A. Minton, Illus. Charlesbridge, 09/2026. [30]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-840-7. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.
Turtles Frank and Terrence turn everything into a competition, even who can fall off a cliff and reach the bottom first (which just may end badly). This Australian import (2024, Little Book Press) features comically drawn turtles, with serious competition eyes, in differing shades of green and white, plus a small, puffy bird as their audience. Narrative text primarily speaks to the audience by describing their competitiveness to the reader, rather than the turtles (or bird) having direct speaking lines. Although the ending is a bit didactic (everyone is a winner when we work together), the overall suspense of the fall keeps the reader’s attention.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library