Turtle Slept In

A freshly hatched sea turtle stares at the already empty shells around her in this work that comically pairs a confident new arrival with a seasoned companion. Realizing that her siblings have already set out and striking an assured, hands-on-hips pose, Turtle declares, “Well, I’ll just have to meet them in the sea!” Brown-feathered Bird, knowing the perils of a busy daytime beach, appoints herself chaperone. But “every time Bird pointed to the sea,” writes Grant (Umami), “Turtle found more and more to slow them down,” and bustling oil pastel monoprint and colored pencil cartoons depict wide-eyed Turtle shrugging off Bird’s guidance and making fascination-fueled detours to people, pets, seashells, and more. Finally reaching the edge of the vast, turquoise ocean, Turtle momentarily panics, realizing that she’s now on her own. In turn, Bird offers the reassurance of a wise and empathic caretaker: “If you want to stay, there will always be room by my nest. But after the wild beach trip you made it through today, I know you will find your way.” And Turtle isn’t solo for long. Taking the scenic route to independence doesn’t make the journey any less triumphant, hints this emboldening picture book. Ages 3–7. Agent: Steven Chudney, Chudney Agency. (Apr.)