Rodney Was a Tortoise

One of CCBC’s Best Books for Kids & Teens (Fall 2022), Starred SelectionOne of Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids 2022“Wry, observational writing and loose, frequently funny vignettes by Kang give this tale of loss its own distinctive, endearing resonance.” —STARRED REVIEW, Publishers Weekly“Line breaks in Forler’s warm text slow the pace and focus on moments in time. Kang’s gentle watercolor and pencil illustrations touchingly depict this special relationship, making the inevitable all the more heartbreaking.” —STARRED REVIEW, The Horn Book“Bernadette’s happiness and grief both are conveyed through distinctive details in a narrative that adeptly balances a hard topic with moments of laugh-out-loud humor.” —Cooperative Children’s Book Center”… [T]his gentle book may resonate, bring comport, and help children work through their feelings.” —CM: Canadian Review of Materials“The firm directness here makes this more an authentic exploration of grief than an assured comfort, and the focus on Bernadette’s ongoing sorrow, especially as it contrasts with the bustle of an ongoing world, will resonate with readers who have suffered a recent loss or are still mourning one long past.” —Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books“This is a heartwarming book about love, loss, friendship, and restoration. Children … who’ve lost a pet will be touched by this sweet tale.” —Manhattan Book Review“This is a touching story with sweet illustrations that will speak to kids of all ages.” —Midwest Book Review

NAN FORLER is a writer and a teacher who lives in a house overflowing with music and books. She likes to write stories at an old wooden table in her kitchen, and some of those stories are made into books, such as Winterberries and Apple Blossoms, Bird Child and Trampoline Boy. Nan shares her home with her husband, her two children and a yorkie-poo named Alice. Nan is also the aunt of an ancient tortoise named Gus, who appears to have spent his entire life chewing on a single piece of lettuce.

YONG LING KANG is a freelance illustrator raised in Singapore and currently living in Toronto. She has worked in animation studios and a publishing company and has illustrated picture books including William’s Getaway, Tanna’s Owl and This House Is Home.

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