Templeton Turtle Goes Exploring: 09/02/08

Templeton Turtle Goes Exploring by Ron Pridmore is designed to teach children "the importance of community" as the book follows Templeton's first adventure around the pond.

Templeton Turtle is a hatchling. On his first day out of the shell his mother gives him permission to walk the perimeter of the pond to meet the neighbors. He meets a great blue heron, a snake, a frog and a family of raccoons. Although Mr. Blue (the heron) comes off as a grumpy neighbor, he ends up being one of Templeton's most important friends.

Michele-lee Phelan's ornate illustration helps bring the story to life. It's a nice balance between ornate illustration and realism.

As this is a children's book aimed at ages 4 to 8, I read it with my six year old son. He enjoyed the story but worried throughout that Templeton was going too far from his mother. When Templeton does ultimately run into trouble, Sean's reaction was "I told you so, Templeton."

Templeton Turtle Goes Exploring reminds me most of Are You My Mother? by P. D. Eastman except without the initial separation anxiety faced by the young chick.

Comments (2)

Comment #1: September, 25, 2008 at 14:28:15

meredith

I'd love to purchase this book can I do it through you? Well at least when Sean reads the story he will be close to HIS mommy.

Templeton's link is here. It will take you to the store where you can purchase the book. I'll get a small percentage from the referral.

Happy reading.