TRUMAN: STORYTIME ACTIVITIES & LESSONS

Best Users: Librarians, Educators, Early Childhood Educators, Home Learners
Best Audience: Children Grades 00-03

Looking for this book during lockdown? It is available as an e-book in select libraries, a Kindle edition, and is shipping from many independents.

READ ALOUD BY AN EDUCATOR

 

ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES & LESSONS

Truman may be stuck in his apartment all day, but his curious adventure opens a whole field of opportunities for learning and play. From finger plays to obstacle courses to discussion starters to story planners, educator Natalie Lorenzi offers up read aloud treats even sweeter than Truman’s beloved doughnut.
DOWNLOAD Truman: Storytime & Curriculum Guide (PDF)

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Truman
By Jean Reidy
Illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
ISBN-13: 9781534416642
Lexile: 560L
Age Range: 4 – 8 Years

Truman the tortoise lives with his Sarah, high above the taxis and the trash trucks and the number eleven bus, which travels south. He never worries about the world below…until one day, when Sarah straps on a big backpack and does something Truman has never seen before. She boards the bus!

Truman waits for her to return.
He waits.
And waits.
And waits.
And when he can wait no longer, he knows what he must do.

Even if it seems…impossible!

NPR Favorite Book of 2019
New York Times Best Children’s book of 2019
Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2019
School Library Journal Best Picture Book of 2019
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“Charming and humorous illustrations were created using gouache, colored pencil, charcoal and brush marker and finished digitally. Tiny Truman is endearing and his adoration, concern, and determination are reflected on his little face. VERDICT A heartwarming tale of devotion that will be enjoyed by children and their adults.”
—School Library Journal, Starred Review
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“Peaceful and pensive like Truman himself, this book charms; there’s just something uplifting and wonderful about the whole package. Never underestimate the feats an animal will brave in order to be reunited with their loved ones.”
—Kirkus Reviews
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“Utterly heartwarming … Children will be eager to hear what their pets go through while they’re away at school, and the uplifting story of friendship and bravery will satisfy widely. Using gouache, brush marker, charcoal, and colored pencil, Cummins has rendered in Truman a character so indisputably adorable that, coupled with Reidy’s soulful characterization, he will have readers of all ages falling in love.”
—Booklist
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“An enchanting tale of bravery, heroism and undying devotion….Cummins’s delectable art captures the warm, witty heart of the story.”
—The New York Times Book Review
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“Truman’s seemingly small accomplishment will give readers and viewers cause to celebrate and appreciate the things they achieve every day, no matter the size.”
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books