Sweet, sweet book for a small child (ages 3-5). Teaches them about self-esteem and loving themselves as they are! ( )

This little box turtle was born without a shell. His parents give him a nice cardboard shell that the box turtle loves until someone tells them it is “weird”. A journey to find a new shell ensues, but nothing is quite right. This book is lovely. The pictures are what really make this story. It has been told many times in many ways. You are you, and you are special. That is it, but the illustrations are what makes a reader keep turning the pages. ( )

box turtle without a shell
being unique
being different
being an individual ( )

Terrance the Turtle was born without a shell, but his parents didn't bat an eye; "They gave him a name and a shell, both of which fit just right." The shell in question was a cardboard box. It worked well and he loved it - until some other turtles told him "Your shell is weird!"

So Terrance goes on a hunt for a new shell. In the end, predictably, he realizes that his old shell was perfect - and with the help of some friends (a raccoon and a hermit crab), he spruces it up so it's even better than before.

See also: Truman by Jean Reidy; Spots in a Box by Helen Ward; Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima ( )