When is a box turtle not a box turtle? When he’s born without his ‘box’! Can he truly be a box turtle without his box? What’s a young, shell-less turtle to do? 

Terrance, the shell-less box turtle, experiences a variety of emotions but perseveres through the ups and downs as he tries on a variety of possible shells. After discovering that each one has its own problems – a boom box was a little too loud; a pirate’s chest was a little too dangerous – he finally realizes that “…this little box turtle was so much more than his shell.”

Cartoonish illustrations contain enough detail for the reader to ‘see’ what is happening, but not so much detail that the reader is distracted. Some pages hold up to 4 small frames (that help build up the frantic pace), or maybe a double-page spread (that draws out the suspense).  End pages show the various ‘boxes’ Terrence tries.

To introduce this story, the reader could try to name possible replacements for a turtle’s shell. Recommended for sharing 1:1, or small group read alouds to allow time to examine the illustrations and discuss Terrance’s options to try to find an appropriate shell. Using the end pages, a compare/contrast activity could follow the reading to further comprehension by telling the pros and cons of the various shells he tried.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town