Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Summary:  Truman is a turtle, “”the size of a donut…and every bit as sweet” who is inseparable from his friend Sarah.  But one day Sarah eats a big breakfast, gives Truman some extra green beans, straps on an enormous backpack (it could fit 32 small tortoises!) and with the parting words, “Be brave”, boards the number 11 bus.   Truman is determined to wait bravely, but after waiting “a thousand hours”, he decides it’s time for a search. Using three rocks in his tank, he makes a break for freedom, and is plodding across the living room rug when Sarah finally returns.  She is amazed to see him, and puts him safely back in his tank. As they share a bedtime story that night, Truman dreams of a day he might go with Sarah on her bus, perhaps as part of Show and Tell. 48 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  This little gem would make another great back-to-school book.  Truman will win your heart, and Sarah is pretty darn likeable as well.  Kids going off to school for the first time will be reassured that their pets will be okay…even if they miss their humans.

Cons:  As the mother of a former turtle fan, I’m pretty sure that small turtles like Truman carry salmonella and are illegal to buy.  Sorry, kids.

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