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Book Review Tuesday: Milton the Square Shell Turtle


Title: Milton the Square Shell Turtle
Author: MaryAnn Tatro
Illustrator: Diane Lucas
Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
ISBN: 978-1-61244-103-1
Publication Date: June 2013
$11.95

About the Book:
Milton is a story of a turtle. Unlike other turtles with round or oval shells, Milton has a square shell. One afternoon, and being new to the area, he decides to take a walk to the pond to relax.
Just when he thinks he finds the perfect spot, he can't stay. Not wanting to cause a problem, he goes further up the pond, only to discover, home is the best place to relax.

I Recommend this Book because...
When I read this story the first thing I realized was long gone are the days when neighbors all know each other. As a child, I remember knowing all my neighbors on my street and many times on the streets behind and in front of us as well. No, I didn't grow up in a small community. In fact, I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, which is part of Los Angeles County. This was of course during the 70's and 80's, but why does this type of interaction need to go away? It doesn't and that is what Milton taught me and my kids. 

The other animals in the book were judging Milton because of his square shell or were afraid of him. But what if they would have taken the time to get to know their neighbor instead of asking him to leave? What if they asked questions to get to know him, find out what he likes to do and how he likes living in the area? Maybe these animals, all very different from the other, would have learned them had something in common too. 

Since my children have read this picture book with me, we have taken the time when we go for walks in our neighborhood to wave and smile at those living on our block. We stop and say hi when someone is working in their yard and you know what...we have gotten to know a lot of interesting and fun people because of it.  

About the Author: 
MaryAnn Tatro attended Southern Ohio Business College and received a degree in Office Administration and Communication. She also attended Cooper School of Art for one year and took with her a love to create, design and color. She worked several years for a publishing company in Cleveland while raising her son Ryan.

Tatro grew up in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, but her heart is in the country. She currently lives in Wadsworth, Ohio with her husband Dennis of 20 years and their cat. She and her husband enjoy nature walks, antiques, yard sales and being with family.
 
You can find out more about MaryAnn Tatro, her book and World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/oz73p92
Places available for sale:
http://www.halopublishing.com/bookstore
Amazon.com

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