‘Myrtle the Purple Turtle’ is one of the most striking, original children’s books released in recent years.
I was immediately drawn in by the welcoming cover of Myrtle proudly striding along and quickly became engaged with this wonderful character.
As a purple turtle, Myrtle has never considered herself any different from the other turtles and is happy and confident in her life. Until one day a rude turtle laughs and taunts her for even daring to consider herself a turtle.
What follows next is a touching and tender story to which we can all relate when faced with inconsiderate hurtful comments. As Myrtle sets out on a journey of self-discovery and understanding…with some help from her mother and friends along the way, she learns to accept herself and others.
I quickly lost myself within Myrtle’s world and empathised with her hurt and confusion … cheering her on as this feisty creature sought deeper understanding.
The language of the book flows with ease and it is well written in brief sentences, which are kept lively with the use of direct speech. Children and adults alike will be enraptured by Myrtle and captivated by her story.
The illustrations are the crowning glory of this book – they are superbly and deftly drawn with a huge emotional impact and are visually appealing. The drawings, which are vibrant and luscious, are fun and often cheeky; I couldn’t stop giggling at the image of the two head-butting turtles. The illustrations and story blend seamlessly together to lift the story onto a deeper level, exploring the themes of what makes us unique and ultimately learning to embrace ourselves and others. As Cynthia Reyes herself says ‘Love Your Shell’.
I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Myrtle the Purple Turtle’ and it is an entertaining and uplifting book which deserves to be on every child’s bookcase…it is one they (and you) will happily return to time and again.
I received a free no obligation preview copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
RATING: 5 out of 5
PUBLISHER: Weaverback Press
AVAILABLE: Amazon UK (Paperback) Amazon UK (Kindle)
Amazon US (Papaerback) Amazon US (Kindle)
Annika Perry 
What a cool cover!
In my daughter’s favorite book “The Adventure of Thomas the Turtle”, the mother turtle is also called Myrtle!
I agree the cover is adorable!😀 There had been an option of two covers and the children chose this one!
I like the cover. For a list of award winning children’s turtle books, see https://www.pinterest.com/stewartallen0/award-winning-childrens-turtle-books/
Many thanks for the link, Stewart … it was interesting to see these covers! Who knew turtles were so popular!
What a lovely cover!
Many thanks! 😀
Pingback: #MYRTLETHEPURPLETURTLE: A #BOOKREVIEW — Annika Perry’s Writing Blog @thewritealice – thewritealice MLS – Let Us Write You The World In Our Eyes.
This sounds like a great read for any kid struggling to come to terms with an obvious difference. 🙂
Very true…so often one feels alone and set apart…hopefully it will help many children feel better about themselves whilst enjoying the tale!😀
I hope so, too, Annika. A lot of parents just don’t have the time to spend helping children with these issues, unfortunately. It’s dismissed as they’ll get over it. Books like these help to fill those gaps. 🙂
What a wonderful blog post! I love reading children’s books that have teachable moments — it’s very important as a parent! In fact, I wrote a blog like that on my website here: http://bit.ly/2zPh8jF
Thank you very much for your lovely comment, Yul – children’s books are a wonderful teaching resource whilst enjoying a colourful enriching entertaining story. Thank you so much for sharing some through your link – they all look terrific but I particularly like the look and depth of ‘The Invisible Boy’.
Aww, this sounds like a sweet story. I like purple and turtles, I like the rhyme, and most of all, I’m interested to find out how Myrtle copes after dealing with the mean turtle.
Shae, I can see how this would be an instant hit with you!! Purple and Turtles!! 😃 It is a wonderfully sweet and heart-warming story…and it is lovely the way Myrtle deals with the situation of the mean turtle. Enjoy!
After reading your review, I downloaded “Myrtle the Purple Turtle” and gave it another five stars. This excellent children’s story with gorgeous illustrations is one that readers and little listeners will adore! :0 xo
Bette, that is wonderful! 😀😀 So glad you enjoyed it as well and one that will be treasured by adults and children alike. Hugs xx
This looks adorable! Definitely going to have to get a copy for my kids to read 🙂 Great review!
They’ll love it! 😀 Have a great time reading it together and so glad you liked my review!
My copies (for two children’s birthdays) arrived a few days ago. Delightful. – Oscar
That’s wonderful, Oscar and hope the two children enjoy the book! It will make a lovely birthday present and know a few people who’ve bought it for this purpose! 😀
Thank you, Oscar. That is so kind of you to buy my book, and to blog about it too! Wow.
A beautiful review – what an adorable story. Thank you so much for sharing. And isn’t that cover just stunning?! I’ll make sure I order a copy 😊
Hayleigh, thank you so much for your bubbly comment and so glad you like the review and book. The cover is incredibly striking and will catch the eyes of adults and children alike in a bookshop! 😀Only too happy to share here on my blog.
Thank you for your generous comment, and for intending to buy the book. I’m honoured.
Reblogged this on Cynthia Reyes – Author and commented:
Thank you, Annika, for this generous review!
You’re very welcome, Cynthia – it was a joy to review and a book that stays with you for a long time afterwards! 😀
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A wonderful review!
Thank you so much…I’ve just seen your lovely post about Myrtle…brilliant. 😀
Thank you, Annika. It’s wonderful we are all enjoying Myrtle so much. I smile every time I think about her.
This sounds like a really lovely book for children, Annika. I have shared to my Facebook page.
Robbie, many thanks for your lovely comment and for sharing! 😀
Thank you, Robbie, and thanks again for sharing on your FB page.
This sounds like a cute and inspiring book. I love illustrations and the cover is adorable. What a treat for kiddos!
Lana, thank you so for your lovely bubbly comment – I known, children are in for such a treat with this one! 😀😀 I wonder if us adults don’t miss wonderful inspiring illustrations a bit in literature and perhaps why photographs are so popular here on WP?
Oh, I think we do love illustrations, I know I do. There are some incredibly beautiful children’s books where both the writing and pictures are so gorgeous. I was lucky to have a talented artist (via the publisher) to illustrate my children’s books. I am just in awe at people who are so gifted with that skill!
Thanks for that kind comment, Lana. My best wishes to you.
You are welcome, Cynthia. Best of luck to you!
This sounds a delightful book to read, and one I am sure my 6 yr old granddaughter would love to read. Many thanks for sharing..
You description sound just the sort of book my Granddaughter would love to snuggle down into bed to read.. 🙂
Ahh…Sue, those are precious moments with young children and yes, Myrtle would be the perfect bedtime read! Snuggle close and settle down for a delightful book! 😀
She comes for a sleep over often.. and we love nothing better to do just that.. 🙂 Thank you
Hi Sue: Thank you for the vote of confidence.
Would you please consider doing what several other parents and grandparents have done this week — take a photo of your granddaughter snuggled up and reading Myrtle? Those photos are the sweetest thing. I’d also love to put it on my blog, if you think that’s a good idea.
I really like how you captured the story and illustrations so well in your review. I recently read the book, loved it, and am planning to introduce it to our school’s younger grade teachers as part of our “safe & healthy environment” goals for our school. The color and illustrations are sure to delight the children!
Thanks very much, Bonnie, for buying and reading Myrtle, and for your plan to introduce it to the younger grade teachers. This is great news.
Yep, it’s a great book and I loved reading how it came about. I think the little kids will love it. I even read it to my 12 year olds. They’re very tweeny and not sure which world they belong in (kid or teen) but they gave it a nod 🙂 Namaste
Thanks, Bonnie. Please thank the kids for allowing themselves to be read to, and giving Myrtle the nod. Much appreciated!
Many thanks, Bonnie and a warm welcome to my blog! 😀 I love how you’ve not only read Myrtle but also planning to introduce it to your school…wow! The children will fall for Myrtle immediately and learn so much about being themselves and how to be to others. A force for good which will be a hit for the children and teachers alike! 😀
Looking forward to exploring more here and following your musings!
I love this review, Annika. When I worked in my friends’ bookstore, I always read the children’s books before shelving them. Illustrations are crucial, and this cover is outstanding; as well as is the book’s message. I’m sharing this on my children’s book FB page ❤
Thank you for sharing on your FB page, Tina.
And I’m tickled to hear you read the children’s books before shelving them. I’d do the same!
Most welcome, Cynthia. I’d love to be your coworker in a bookstore! ❤
Ya think? The poor customers would fend for themselves while we’re reading the children’s books!
Not a chance! I’d have to share my enthusiasm 🙂
Well, one of us would be doing the work for which we are paid!
No worries, my friend; I’d cover you 🙂
Many thanks, Tina! 😀 I’m smiling at how you read the children’s books before shelving them…there is something wonderfully tactile in holding a good children’s books, the illustrations always uplifting and like Myrtle, many with such an important message. Did you have to come into work early to read them all before you put the books on the shelves?!😀
Most welcome, Annika. The books didn’t arrive until later in the day. Fortunately, most were a quick read, which gave me the opportunity to promote them to our customers 🙂 ❤
Reblogged this on Mary Clark, Writer.
Many thanks, Mary! 😀❤️
Thank you, Mary, for reblogging.
This looks and sounds like a lovely and important book, Annika. I first heard of it on Andrea Stephenson’s blog, Harvesting Hecate. It teaches such an important lesson for children and adults alike.
Thank you very much for your lovely comment, Jennifer. 😀 I’ve been following Cynthia for quite a while now and was so excited when she first mentioned the book and on seeing the cover – it’s wonderful how a story to comfort her young daughter as seen the light of day in this book here. Andrea wrote a stunning post around the book, relating to her own personal experience. A very important book indeed! 😀
Thanks for your kind comment, Jennifer. I hope Myrtle will be read by children and adults alike too.
You are very welcome!
Awesome review, Annika. I just love the cover and the story sounds endearing. “Love your shell.” That’s wonderful and a lesson for adults too. Congrats to Cynthia. ❤
Many thanks, Diana…the book is wonderful and I fall for the cover more each time I see it! 😀Furthermore, the ‘Love Your Shell’ motto is inspired – this story can touch and affect so many lives! ❤️
Thank you, D! I love Annika’s review too, of course.
She’s a wonderful reviewer – I always get sucked right in. 🙂
😀😃
What a fantastic review Annika. I love the cover on Cynthia’s book, and now love even more that she is sending positive messages to children through Myrtle’s story. I will be getting this for my niece. 🙂 xx
Yeah, Debby – I’m sure your niece will love this story…and come back to it again and again The positive message of the book resonates strongly throughout as the story unfolds…a joy to read. 😀
Thanks for the great review. Seems like good lessons for kids and adults alike. 🙂
Thanks Debby, for your comment. I’m honoured that you will get Myrtle for your niece. That’s a vote of confidence right there! Some parents and grandparents sent me photos of their young ones reading Myrtle. I’d be glad to see one of your niece reading the book too. But only if you wish.
🙂 🙂
Annika, as a new grandfather, I need to keep an eye out for good children’s books. And because of your excellent review, this one will most definitely be on my list. Thanks… jc
JC, congratulations! 😃 How exciting to have a new grandchild in your life and this book will be perfect when they’re a little older. What a good idea to create a list of books you want to buy them in the future…this is one to treasure. 😀
Thank you, JC! I’m honoured that Myrtle will be on your list.
What a great book for kids–and adults! The drawings are amazing.
Jacqui, I find the best children’s books are ones adults can enjoy and be inspired by as well…this one ticks those boxes. The drawings are delightful, full of life and joy!
Thank you, Jacqui!
Great review, Annika! This sounds like a wonderful children’s book. I’ll have to take a gander at it myself (even though my kids are too old for this, my nieces and nephews might enjoy it).
Julie, thank you so much! 😃 I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as your nieces and nephews! Don’t you miss those days of when the children were young and you could browse through the children’s section of bookshops with them, spending ages buying that perfect book – bliss. This is one I’d have picked up straightaway! 😀
Great review, Annika! Seems to be a very special book. I am familiar with Cynthia’s previous work and have ordered it for my grandies already.
Many thanks and so glad you enjoyed the review! Yeah…so glad you’ve ordered it for your grandchildren – I’m sure they’ll love it! 😀It is a very special book and I’m not surprised it is selling well on amazon, I can seriously see this being a big success. I haven’t read Cynthia’s other books but have come across them on her blog and WP – thanks for the reminder and I’m putting them on my list!
I’m honoured, Tiny. When a blogger orders another bloggers work – that’s a huge act of support. Thank you and my best to you and the grandies!
Sounds like a great book with a great lessons for Kids. Annika. –Curt
It definitely is, Curt – a wonderful story with an important inspiring message…the best type of children’s books! The artwork is fantastic too! 😃
Thank you, Kurt.
You are very welcome, Cynthia.
I know your name is Curt. I’ve visited your blog. My fingers and I apologize for writing that K!
Not to worry, Cynthia. 🙂
I love the bright colorful cover and the theme of self-acceptance. A delightful review, Annika. 🙂
Carol, many thanks! 😃 The cover is an instant hit, isn’t it – draws young and adult in alike and the main theme of the story is so important in life!
Thanks for your kind comment about Myrtle, Carol!
A lovely review of a wonderful book, Annika! There are no young children in my family so I’ll probably have to buy it for me!
Clare, that sounds perfect!! 😀😃 Why not treat yourself to this book…I’ve read it many times since this and savoured the drawings! Enjoy! ❤️
Well, parents and grandparents have been sending me photos of their sweet little ones reading Myrtle. So I dare you to curl up on a couch and get richard to take a photo of yourself reading the book. Preferably in bright, fun pyjamas or some such thing! We’ll pretend you are 8 years old. (Tee hee!) Thanks for your warm support, dear Clare.
Hehehe! Very funny!!
If I second that idea will I have to send a photo, too? 😀
It is a terrific idea and I know Cynthia has been very happy people are sharing these photos, no musts at all though! 😀
Yes, you do!
Hmmm…….I’ll put on my jammies and sleep on that one.
Tee hee…
What a beautiful review Annika. I am all hooked on the the Purple Turtle who is happy and confident in her life. The charachters sound great and the cover itself is irresistible.
Cynthia has with certainty written a beautiful book and I have already ordered the book after seeing your review Annika.
I love the saying by Cynthia “Love your Shell”
Miriam 💕🦋 .
Miriam, warmest thanks for your lovely comment! 😃 I’m so happy you’ve been inspired to buy the book and I can promise it is one that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike! You’re right, the cover is ‘irresistible’ and Myrtle and her friends so welcoming and personable. Enjoy this touching, delightful and moving book and yes, we can all need the reminder of ‘Love Your Shell’! 😀❤️ An important motto for us all in life. 🌻
Thank you for ordering the book, Miriam. I’m delighted. I’m also glad you love the saying Love Your Shell. Lauren – the same daughter I wrote Myrtle for — came up with it.
Myrtle the Turtle is a fabulous book, I’m glad to see you enjoyed it too Annika 🙂
Oh, how can one not fall for Myrtle and her story! 😀 Fabulous is definitely the word!! I remember your post about the book very well, Andrea. It was superb and your personal angle related perfectly to the book. One to treasure.
Thanks again, Andrea. Your blog post and review of Myrtle moves us all – as you can tell from the responses to your powerful post.
Thanks Cynthia.
This is a lovely review Annika and many thanks for highlighting this book. I would like to buy it for my grandchildren who are eager to look at new books but skip away when you try to read them. Bedtime is the best time to read to children as they enjoy the warmth of the bed as well as the parent’s sweet voice, creating eternal memories.
The book reminds me of the story of ugly duckling, the time tested tale that conveys a subtle moral. I think this one must be as good as that one. 🙂
Balroop, I love how you conjure up the magic of bedtime for children…I found it the sweetest time of the day with my son and also recall bedtime reading when I was young. Eternal memories indeed – your poetic touch to your comments is wonderful.
I am sure this is one your grandchildren will adore…and keep their attention for the whole book, before skipping away to play! Ahh…yes, it is very much in line with the Ugly Duckling and its subtle moral story – wasn’t Hans Christian Andersson the most fantastic children’s author. I still have my hardback book of his tales, but it’s falling apart at the spine alas.
Thank you, Balroop. You’re so right about bedtime for story-reading with the young ones. I have great memories of those times in my children’s childhood. Thanks for intending to buy Myrtle for your grandchildren. And for referencing Myrtle the Purple Turtle to the Ugly Duckling. Many people are doing so, but would you believe that’s a surprise for me? I would be honoured if Myrtle is seen in the same calibre as that beautiful story.
This sounds wonderful! Thanks for the review
It is wonderful, Lynz – one for your grandchildren perhaps when they’re a little older? 😀
yes!! It sounds amazing, I like the message
Thank you, Lynz. If you ever get the book for the grandies, I’d love to hear from you and them!
Fabulous review, Annika! I’ve definitely got to read Myrtle the Purple Turtle. Sharing… 🙂 xo
Bette, you will adore it…I thought of you whilst reading this and came across the most beautiful butterfly drawing on one of the pages! Delightful – I’m sure you’ll love it just as much. Thank you so much for your comment and sharing. 😀❤️
Downloaded to my kindle and looking forward to the read, Annika! 🙂 ❤
😀😃
I’m honoured, Bette. Thank you for buying the book. I’d love to get your response to it when you’ve read Myrtle.
Wow! Thank you very much, Annika. I had no idea you were doing this and so it comes as a most welcome surprise. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you enjoyed Myrtle’s story. I wrote this book for my daughter Lauren when she was 4 years old and felt rejected by her classmates. It’s still amazing to us both that Myrtle is now an illustrated book, and we are thankful for Jo Robinson’s beautiful work.
Thanks again for this kind review!
Cynthia, I’m so glad you liked this morning’s surprise!! You’re very welcome! 😀 After a week of no-wifi I wasn’t sure I’d be able to post, finally sorted on Friday!
I just love how a story you told to your daughter has become this wonderful children’s book – it deserves to be widely read, its message spread far in order to give reassurance and help to many other children who suffer from rejection/bullying etc. It is a fantastic tale, brilliantly told and Jo’s artwork is moving and delightful. A great team effort! But it all started with a mother trying to comfort her little girl…heartwarming! ❤️
Sounds a wonderful book for children x
It definitely is, Shey…a delight for any child and luckily also for the adult readers! 😀
Always good to know. x
Thank you, Shey!
Cynthia has certainly written a special book, hasn’t she? I plan to order the paper copy. For me, I couldn’t imagine reading it on my Kindle. Plus, I’d want to have the cover on display. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Annika! xo
Jill, books for children this age just have to be the real physical copy! One to snuggle up and read with a child, slowly turning the pages, anticipating the story. I love how you’re going to have the cover on display…it is a work of art – delightfully colourful and fun.
I must add that I read the digital downloaded version of the book, however not on my black and white paperwhite kindle, but rather the lovely screen of my iPad so I could experience the book much better.
Thanks very much, Jill. I’m delighted with your comment — and further delighted that you plan to buy a copy. I’d love to hear your response to Myrtle the Purple Turtle.
Sounds a great book for children and adults alike. Love the title and the drawings look fantastic. Thanks for sharing this Annika. The book deserves to be a success
Mike
I totally agree, Mike and I just have the feeling Cynthia is onto a winner with this book!! It’s always wonderful when a children’s book appeals equally to adults and children – not an easy balance to achieve, I imagine! 😀
Thanks for this very kind response, Mike. I hope you are right and the book will be read by many children and adults.
Reblogged this on O LADO ESCURO DA LUA.
Many thanks for the reblog! 😀😀
Gracias! Thank you for reblogging.
This sounds like a delightful and uplifting book – something we all need right now.
How true, Sharon! 😀 I read it a few times and fell for it more each time…warmth, love and wisdom in every sentence and drawing!
Thanks for saying so, Sharon, and for having a great first name (smile — that’s my middle name).