The Littlest Turtle - Lysa Mullady

The Littlest Turtle by Lysa Mullady is a picture book that teaches children about equity, empathy, and the power of a community in a healthy and creative way.

Understanding equity is essential for young children because it lays the foundation for a fair and just society. When children are treated equitably, they learn the value of fairness, kindness, and empathy. It helps them develop a sense of respect for others and fosters a positive attitude toward diversity in a community. The Littlest Turtle shows children an example of different members of a community. Some are big, some are small, and some are young or old. Despite this, not everyone was able to enjoy fresh fruit, even though they were working together. They all accepted that things had been like that for a long time, and they were complaining, but not looking for a solution. The smallest turtle of the bunch was the one who decided to change the way its community was doing things, by getting all of them involved and introducing the concept of "sharing".

Sharing is an important social skill that helps young children learn how to interact positively with others in their community. It teaches them the values of cooperation and generosity. By sharing, they learn to take turns, compromise, and work together towards a common goal. It promotes a sense of belonging and inclusiveness to develop stronger relationships with their peers, as they learn to communicate and negotiate. This skill is essential in building trust and friendships, which are vital components of a child's social and emotional development.

Another very important teaching tool this book offers is the idea that your voice is strong and important no matter how small you are. Every child must learn how to speak out and make themselves heard, but also, they have to learn and respect different opinions and needs. A community always encompasses a wide array of members who have different opinions and preferences, and accepting these differences can be the perfect foundation for healthy debate.

The illustrations created by Erica Salcedo are colorful and fun, and perfectly depict the story.

The story of The Littlest Turtle shows how even the smallest member of a community can make a big difference and teaches children the value of speaking up for what is right. An excellent addition to any child's book collection and a valuable resource for parents and educators to teach important life lessons.

Digital review copy provided by Magination Press @ NetGalley

Publisher: ‎ Magination Press; 1st edition (August 15, 2023)

Language: ‎ English

Hardcover: ‎ 32 pages

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1433840760

Reading age: ‎ 4 - 8 years

Grade level: ‎ Preschool - 3