Truman; Jean Reidy, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins

Truman the tortoise lives with his Sarah high above a busy street that bustled with life. Cars, taxis, bikes, people, garbage trucks, workmen and buses all contributed to a cacophony of noise. Unlike the street, Truman and Sarah were quiet, peaceful and pensive. Truman and Sarah love spending time together, he would watch as she played and coloured. One day, several strange things happened…Truman got extra food, Sarah’s hair was extremely pretty, she had an unusually large banana for breakfast, put on a backpack and then…boarded the number 11 bus. Truman was confused and when Sarah does not return, he knows exactly what he needs to do…

Truman is a sweet story about a tortoise’s adventure to find his Sarah who he believes has gone and may not be coming back for him. The read is full of devotion, loyalty and bravery as one tiny tortoise sets out on one big adventure to find his Sarah. Everything is gigantic in the world of a tortoise and the house is full of all sorts of dangerous and scary looking things that are shown with much humour and charm through Truman’s view of things - the never-ending rug that needs to be crawled across and Sarah’s toys that are “truly unsettling!”. This is all excellently illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins whose illustrations are colourful and will delight young readers.

Just as Truman is about to slip under the front door Sarah returns from school and expresses her amazement at what she sees and we are left with that warm, fuzzy feeling as hugs are given and kisses are planted on shells and Truman is left to be peaceful, pensive and proud.

A sweet story that is big on friendship, devotion and bravery, and shows the extraordinary lengths that we will go to for the ones we love.

Recommended for 4+.