The Fairview Review: Virtual Book Tour The Magic Sea Turtle

ABOUT THE BOOK

Written by Kathleen Welton

Illustrated by Chau Pham

Ages 3+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Bookfox Press | ISBN-13: 978-1960157515

Publisher’s Book Summary: Once upon a time, Myrtle chased her dreams–dreams of being a queen with a crown that sparkled like the moon. One day, she tumbles down, down, down into the sea. Max helps rescue her and a magic carpet flies her to a place even more amazing than her sandcastle dreams and she discovers an entire ocean of possibilities! There are dolphins who welcome her and a friendly otter with the biggest smile. They can teach her to swim and enjoy the day. Another magical glow surrounds Myrtle when she decides to stay and wishes to be a sea turtle like Max.

And guess what? Myrtle’s fall may have been unexpected, but thanks to a touch of magic, it leads her to a place where her wishes come true. Myrtle becomes a queen AND a magic sea turtle too, ready for incredible adventures! Myrtle the Turtle learns that being a queen means having the best friends ever. And with her sparkly crown and a heart full of joy, she is the happiest queen the whole ocean has ever seen!

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MY REVIEW

Readers first see Myrtle picking apples on the hills above her town. While she is busy the clouds roll in and make it impossible to see the way home, then the wind blows her out over the sea. She cries out as she falls and Max, a sea turtle, hears her and calls for someone to save her. A group of gulls rescue her and bring her to Max. It turns out that Myrtle used to wish to be a queen, but now she wants to be a turtle - so Max grants her wish. They have a wonderful time swimming among all the ocean life. The rhyming text and brightly colored illustrations lead readers into a world of waving sea fronds, octopuses, starfish, dolphins, and other marine creatures. At the start of her adventure Myrtle wears a dress with a green-on-green design that resembles the pattern of a turtle’s shell. Once she becomes a turtle she can still be recognized by her big, blue eyes. All the ocean denizens she meets are friendly and helpful, from the gulls who catch her as she falls through the sky to the dolphins who invite her to swim with them. Each animal has a smiling face and invites her to play or makes her feel welcome. Just in time for World Ocean Day, this gentle adventure story of Myrtle and her new ocean friends will please young readers and encourage them to look at sea turtles as the kings and queens of the ocean.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen Welton advocates for beaches, birds, and wildlife; is an award-winning independent publisher; and writes picture books and screenplays. She began her book publishing career as a college textbook sales rep. Since then, she has served as senior editor for Dow Jones-Irwin, publisher for Dearborn Trade, vice president and publisher for IDG Books, director for H&R Block, and director of book publishing for the American Bar Association. As a book producer at aka Associates, she collaborates with authors and organizations on publishing projects.

She earned a BA in both English and Italian Literature from Stanford University as well as a Certificate in Feature Film Writing with distinction from UCLA Extension. When she is not writing, Kathleen enjoys meditating, reading, and exploring the Lake Michigan shoreline.

For more information, visit:
kathywelton.com