This book is on the Notables list for the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book of the Year Awards 2025-Early Childhood.
From page one, readers are plunged into hair-raising drama. A turtle is plummeting from a high cliff… wait! is that TWO TURTLES? Little by little more of the story is cleverly revealed. In this page turner of a picture book, we readers soon realise that we are witnessing a competition to the death. Bold illustrations with plenty of turtle expression and emotion draw us into the story.
Why is this happening? we ask. Can a horrible end be avoided? Perhaps not… is this really a children’s book?
Yes, indeed it is!
Frank and Terrence are known for their relentless rivalry. They compete in everything, from slow-walking races to shiniest-shell contests. But one fateful day, they take things too far, with no way out but to work together. Two Turtles is a hilarious and irreverent story that explores cooperation, communication and teamwork. The surprising ending will tickle readers and spark endless discussions about complex friendships and conflicting feelings – can you be fiercely competitive and still be a good teammate?
Kiah Thomas’ Two Turtles may in fact remind us of children (of all ages) who we know. Her book lets us start conversations about cause and effect, action and consequences, competition and cooperation. A silly twist at the end makes the raised heart rate, the sweaty palms and the fear factor all worthwhile.
This is the perfect book for the little (or big) supercompetitive people in our lives and for all those with a wicked sense of humour.
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