The story follows little Turtus as he hatches and makes his way towards the sea along with the other little turtles. However, he does not feel that he is like his brothers and sisters and this is confirmed as his journey continues. Eventually, he encounters his mother who explains that his father was in fact a giant land tortoise and assures him that he will meet him one day. This is a charming picture book using an effective, fairly natural and simple rhyme format which tends to appeal to young children. The illustrations are varied and appealing and match the text extremely well. Intrigue draws us in at the onset with the mystery of what is a 'Turtus' and reappears at the end of the tale when the reader is left with the expectation of eventually meeting Turtus' father in the next book. The story is also effective on other levels with its educational value and as an introduction to the fact that we are all different and can have a variety of different family situations. My granddaughter is 7 and really enjoyed this story and wants to know what happens next!
Val Rowe, A LoveReading4Kids Ambassador
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My two granddaughters aged 6 and 8 read this and really enjoyed it, but would also suit much younger children.
A deceptively simple book about finding your place in the world and discovering who you are. Fergus is different from all the other newly hatched turtles, desperately trying to avoid being eaten by birds, fish and sharks. He discovers why he is different and that it's ok to be different. It's told in charming rhyme, easy for little ones to understand, and suitable for early readers. The pictures are simple and clearly illustrate the story.... Read Full Review
A great opportunity to have a conversation about how we are all the same but different.
Fergus the Turtus was a lovely book to read to my grandson aged 6 and we both enjoyed that it was written in rhyming text. When Fergus emerges from his egg he doesn't know what he is or who he belongs to. This story tells of the dangers he encounters on his way to look for his parents. The thing that saves him from predators each time is that he is different until he is accidentally swallowed by a whale. The story continues and Fergus eventually finds his Mum who explains why he is different. A great opportunity to have a conversation about how we are all the same but different.... Read Full Review
