Tadeo Turtle Reviews
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Click on the highlighted words to read the entire review. Short excerpts are found below each review.
This short book has a lesson for children and adults alike. How often do we wish we were like someone else or had things that others have? Tadeo Turtle is a simple rhyming story for the young. Janis Cox illustrated the animals and scenes in luscious, colorful watercolors. They are so beautifully painted. It is a delightful book to read and to look upon.
Amazon.com (to see the full review – click on the name of the reviewer)
Janis Cox’s delightful tale of wanting to be someone else will resonate with young children, especially those who crave a change of some sort. It reassures the child, first of all, that such thoughts are not unusual, then goes on to gently point out that becoming someone else may be impractical. The message that God created us perfect just the way we are comes shining through. …
The pictures, drawn by the writer herself, are done in soft colours which tend to soothe.
This book will appeal to children of various ages. …
The curriculum guide which accompanies the book is free for the asking on Ms. Cox’s website….
As a former elementary school teacher myself, I would have been delighted to use this book with my younger students.
by Dawnita Fogleman Rating:
Would make a wonderful gift!
The theme of the story is learning to accept God’s unique design. Poor Tadeo can’t run and jump like the squirrel can but a dream helps him realize God had a special purpose for his heavy shell. It’s a good lesson for all of us, but would especially resonate with special needs children. … For moms homeschooling young children, Janis has a whole unit study curriculum. She gives lots of options for further study, vocabulary development, math, and more. It would also make a wonderful Bible Study tool for children’s classes; a great way to learn about God’s Creation & His special design and purpose for each of our lives. (You can read more on Dawnita’s blog.)
by B. Henricks Rating:
Perfect little turtle for all ages!
I love Tadeo Turtle. 🙂
Tadeo’s shell also called to mind devices that help the disabled (since I am disabled), like wheelchairs, leg braces, etc. Those are things that we may feel self-conscious of, as children and as grown-ups, but they are God’s blessing to us to help us be all that we can be. This would make a perfect book marketed for special-needs children, as well as a great self-esteem book for all.
by J. Viola Rating:
A Most Delightful Tale!
This morning I was delighted to read a children’s book – “Tadeo Turtle” by author Janis Cox. This is a tale of a turtle who struggles to accept himself as God created him to be. Janis tells the story so simply, with words that weave and rhyme, which will draw a child in and hold their attention. She has included her own illustrations, which are both compelling and precious.
Having read this on the heals of Thanksgiving, I found the book also drives home this truth: we should be thankful for who God created each of us to be. Janis has based her tale on the truths found in Psalm 139:13-14, NLT.
Violet Nesdoly Rating:
Lovely story, luminous watercolour illustrations November 30, 2013
Through easy-to-read rhymes we discover Tadeo is unhappy with his shell. Cox’s luminous watercolour illustrations add so much to this story about learning to accept the way God made us. Activity and craft suggestions at the end of the book give it added value. A perfect gift for the little person in your life.
Rev. Patricia Anne Elford Rating:
Tadeo – A Tiny Traveller worth accompanying.
Janis Cox’s Tadeo (praise), a delightful children’s picture book, with age-appropriate vocabulary, is worth acquiring just for its lively water-color illustrations…. The colored font which identifies the creatures’ names is a nice touch.
The story of God’s love and purpose for each being as uniquely created, is, itself, a very important reminder for child and adult alike, yet is never presented in a heavy-handed manner.
End-of-book bonuses are the related craft ideas and references.
Lorilyn Roberts Rating:
A Delightful Book That Will Leave You With a Warm Fuzzy Feeling
Tadeo Turtle” is a one-of-a-kind children’s book with a wonderful message–God has made you perfectly just the way you are. In addition to being entertaining and imparting a strong spiritual message, Ms. Cox’s illustrations will capture the heart and mind of a young child. …
The endearing image of Tadeo and his “problem” will make this a favorite story for young and old alike–a story with which we can all identify. The craft activities included will broaden inquisitive young minds to explore God’s creation further. “Tadeo Turtle” is the best children’s book I have read in a long time.
Shelley Hitz Rating:
Great book for children & includes activities!
I also love the creativity of the author who includes 4 different turtle craft activities to do with the children that are not too complicated and bring the story to life.
Recommended!
Elizabeth Lampman Rating:
vibrantly gorgeous
Tadeo Turtle is a wonderful children’s parable that left me in awe of Janis’s abilities as both a writer and artist. The artwork in Tadeo Turtle are vibrantly gorgeous water-painting, illustrated by Janis herself.
Michael Marinelli Rating:
best turtle book ever
My grandma gave me this book and I like it. Everyone loves the crafts!!! The lesson is learn to love yourself.
Laura Davis Rating:
A Good Lesson for Adults and Children
Tadeo Turtle by author and illustrator Janis Cox is a must have for any child who struggles with who they are.
With lots of craft activities in the back of the book to reinforce the lesson, Tadeo Turtle is a great book to pick up for your little ones this Christmas.
Lynn Dove from Word Salt Rating:
Great for Toddlers and Preschoolers
A delightful picture book with a great message of “being yourself” because God made you for a special/unique purpose. Definitely a book for toddlers and preschoolers – I gave this book to my grandson who thoroughly enjoyed the brightly coloured pictures and easy-to-read rhyme as I read the book to him.
The water-colour pictures by the author/illustrator are visually pleasing and I also appreciated the “turtle crafts” at the back of the book too!
Naila Moon Rating:
You Are Perfectly Made!
What I really liked about this book was that it shows children that no matter what they look like that they are here are this Earth and have a purpose in life. The books helps kids to understand they are perfectly made and to be happy with who they are.
Janis Cox’s watercolor paintings are bright and cheerful. She basis her book off of Christian principles and any homeschooling family or Christian family would certainly love this book.
Kimberley Payne Rating:
A librarian’s treasure
Tadeo Turtle is love at first sight. The artwork is beautiful and the rhyming is fun. As a supply Library Support Specialist, I look forward to bringing this book to the school library and reading it to the kids. I’m sure the teachers will appreciate the extra activity ideas too.
Karen Stauffer Rating:
A beautiful children’s book
This is a beautiful book! Young children will love the many animal images done in water-color by the author/illustrator. The story is fun, and carries gentle message that you are special just the way you are. I also love the craft ideas at the end of the book!
Diane Stortz from Christian Children’s Authors
Reviewed by Diane Stortz
Rating:
…in Tadeo Turtle, author and illustrator Janis Cox presents a well-put-together package of text, art, and extra activities that make the familiar plot line worth a look…
I especially like the watercolor illustrations, the overall design of the book, and all the extras the author provides. You’ll find photos and directions for making four different story-related crafts plus a page with fun facts about turtles and links to kid-friendly articles with more information.
I love Janis Cox’ new book, Tadeo Turtle. This poetic picture book tells the story of a youngster who wishes he could be rid of his heavy shell and play like other forest creatures. I totally identify with Tadeo because I longed to join in the games of the neighbourhood kids and students at school. My poor vision always got in the way of my desires, as did the attitudes of children and grown-ups alike.
As I’ve finally have done, Tadeo came to accept his shell and value it. What was once a distressing handicap has become an asset for the both of us. The message is simple but profound. God loves us and has made us the way we are for his good purpose.
The pictures in Tadeo Turtle are beautiful as well. Cox used water colours to give the scenes in the book a special quality. I’m impressed with their loveliness. It’s as if the scenes are almost real. Parents and pre-school children alike would enjoy this charming story and the evocative paintings in this book.
Homeschool Review and Interview
I have had the pleasure of reading her children’s book, Tadeo Turtle and it is a beautiful tale appropriate for pre-schoolers.
I have reviewed several children’s books and this one is no comparison to the others…it far outshines them!
It’s a very sweet story about a turtle who sees his limitations when he watches a squirrel doing things he can’t do. … It’s a great story for teaching our children the same lessons!
Canadian author and illustrator, Janis Cox, in her breathtaking picture book,Tadeo Turtle, weaves a classic tale of adventure and self discovery. The simple plot line is high paced and the water colour illustrations enchantingly beautiful.
Janis Cox’s story Tadeo Turtle is a delightful tale of a turtle who becomes discontented with carting his shell around after he makes a new friend who can do things he can’t do….Janis’ beautiful watercolour paintings accompany her rhymed story about Tadeo.
Tadeo Turtle is a wonderful children’s parable that left me in awe of Janis’s abilities as both a writer and artist. The artwork in Tadeo Turtle are vibrantly gorgeous water-painting, illustrated by Janis herself.
The story itself is written in a fun rhyming scheme that is sure to delight all children.
The message conveyed by Tadeo Turtle is something children should know early on – to accept how God has created each one of us. Through Tadeo, Janis conveys this message in simple terms that is sure to get across to little ones.
MadeinHaliburton Press Release
As the book progresses Tadeo becomes aware of the wonderful protective powers of the shell and learns to accept himself for who he is. It has a wonderful moral for any child, and even many adults, to learn in a fun and interesting manner.
Inscribe Writers OnLine – Ruth Snyder
Tadeo Turtle, written and illustrated by Janis Cox, is a delightful children’s book, which includes a captivating story, beautiful illustrations, four craft activities using various media, and research suggestions. …
My four-year-old daughter enjoyed the story and was enthralled by the pictures. I appreciated the rhyming text, the way Janis seamlessly teaches new vocabulary, and the variety of activities included.
Through easy-to-read rhymes we discover Tadeo is unhappy with his shell. Cox’s luminous watercolour illustrations add so much to this story about learning to accept the way God made us. Activity and craft suggestions at the end of the book give it added value.
Maranatha News – Thank you, Johanne Robertson and Ruth Snyder