The story of a little turtle who lives a lonely, solitary life on a desolate planet in a far off part of the world. He dreams of a better home and some company to go with it. He sets off to “make some renovations to his shell” and keeps building until “the last drops of sunlight and paint.” One thing leads to another, and before he knows it, he’s built a library, a school and an ice-skating rink, all on the back of his shell! Can you imagine what happens next? Yes, something magical. The Town of Turtle is of the most gorgeously ethereal, tenderhearted stories we’ve encountered in a while and it will leave a beautiful, indelible mark in your mind and heart.
The Town of Turtle was written by Michelle Cuevas, illustrated by Catia Chien and published by HMH Books for Young Readers. It’s out on April 10.