Thomas the Tortoise

Slower than Fido the dog or Tibby the cat, Thomas the turtle takes so long to move around William's garden that he is often left out by his friends. This makes him so sad that he retreats inside his shell. William, a gentle farmer, takes Thomas to the potting shed. There he builds him a cart and, after that, Thomas can roll around at a good speed, if one of his friends will push him. At first glance this is simply a sweet and endearing tale, but a second look reveals that some of the undercurrents need a bit of explanation to readers at the youngest end of the age range. To sacrifice one's independence, no matter how limited that independence, may seem extreme. But the whimsical ink drawings, washed with sunny watercolors, smooth away such concerns and keep the glow in this garden tale. Ages 3-6. (Sept.)