The Box Turtle book cover
Pre K - 3

The Box Turtle

By Vanessa Roeder

An irresistibly cute story about finding the confidence to be yourself, starring a turtle in search of the perfect shell.

Terrance the turtle was born without a shell, so he uses a cardboard box instead. Terrance loves his box. It keeps him dry on soggy days, safe from snooping strangers, and is big enough to cozy up with a friend. But when another turtle points out that Terrance’s shell is, well, weird, he begins to wonder whether there might be a better shell out there…

Eventually, and through much trial and error, Terrance learns that there’s nothing wrong with being different–especially when it comes to being yourself.

State Awards

Recommended reading lists from your state's teacher or librarian associations!
  • Nebraska
    • Golden Sower Book Award
  • Wisconsin
    • Picture This!
  • Minnesota
    • Star of the North Book Award
  • North Carolina
    • North Carolina Children's Book Award
  • New Mexico
    • Land of Enchantment Book Award
  • Indiana
    • Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award

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