Space Tortoise

Tortoise lives all alone in an old abandoned park. He enjoys his life but often feels very lonely, as he never sees any other animals. At the end of the day he gazes up at the night sky, by candlelight, and imagines that he might find companionship with the other animals gazing back at him, by the light of their own candles. He determines to reach for the stars, in an effort not to feel so alone, and sets out in pursuit of a rocket ship. Tortoise's journey across the park takes tremendous effort; the sand box feels like a desert, the pond like a magnificent, wide ocean. Finally he reaches a clocktower 'spacecraft' and Tortoise takes to the air in a hot air balloon in order to reach the 'rocket's' tip. On closer examination Tortoise realises he is mistaken, the clock tower will not jettison him into space. He is also kindly informed by the clocktower mouse that whilst it will not help him reach the stars, it is a wonderful location to view them from. The disappointed Tortoise is broken-hearted to realise that the night sky is not in fact full of animals looking down on him by candlelight. However, when he discovers that the woodland beyond the park is inhabited by hundreds of creatures, his little heart soars. The text for Space Tortoise, written by Ross Montgomery, is sentimental and endearing and reminds us not to seek too far for the companionship of others, as good friends may be closer then we think. David Litchfield's illustrations are the crowning feature of this book, in his trademark style, where glowing light meets the darkest dark. There are beautiful double page spreads throughout the story, where the light of the moon and the stars shines down on home of Tortoise. This is an incredibly sweet picture book and will appeal to readers who enjoy a gentle bedtime story. Picture book / Ages 4+ / Reviewed by Emily Beale, school librarian.

Suggested Reading Age 3+