Book Review of Cool Turtle’s Important Life Lesson
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The Children’s Book Review
Cool Turtle’s Important Life Lesson
Written by Janell L. Jordon
Illustrated by Eleanor Loseby
Ages 4+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: Cherish Editions (2023) | ISBN-13: 9781915680075
What to Expect: Friendship, self-esteem, and emotions.
Cool Turtle seems to have it all—good looks, intelligence, lots of friends, toughness— in short, he’s a cool turtle. However, one day, Cool Turtle forgets his shell. Cool Turtle doesn’t feel very cool without this vital part of himself. He doesn’t feel smart, good-looking, or tough, and he even forgets to be kind and caring to his friends. Luckily, the guidance counselor, Miss Beautiful Butterfly, is there to save the day—she has an important reminder for Cool Turtle about what it means to truly be oneself. It turns out Cool Turtle had his true shell with him all along!
There are plenty of books about self-esteem out there for people who feel shy or unsure of themselves, but Cool Turtle’s Important Life Lesson is a valuable reminder that even the people who seem most confident sometimes feel insecure, too. The story invites readers to see themselves reflected in the animal characters through simple, beginner-friendly text and equally simple illustrations in bright, cheerful primary colors. The tale also normalizes help-seeking and professional therapy, helping to break the stigma around emotional support.
Cool Turtle’s Important Life Lesson is a fantastic resource on self-esteem for young readers, perfect for shared and classroom reading.
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About the Author
Janell LaFaye Jordan, a dedicated writer, believes deeply in the ability of stories to inspire hope and destigmatize the challenges children and adults encounter in their mental well-being. In addition to her literary pursuits, Janell is the proud owner of Salem Mental Health Associates, PLLC, in North Carolina. She holds licenses as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina, an LPC in Virginia and Georgia, and an LMHC in Hawaii. Her academic journey includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Johnson C Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, and a master’s degree in counseling from Argosy University Atlanta in 2009. She is currently working towards her PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision.
With over two decades of experience, Janell has served diverse populations, providing individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, and group therapy across various settings, including military populations, community outreach, educational institutions, private practice, and inpatient facilities. Janell champions the influence of self-perception, as expressed in her own words: “What you believe yourself to be, you become.” This profound concept is artfully captured in her compelling tale about a “cool” turtle.
For more information, visit www.coolturtlesimportantlifelesson.com and www.salemmha.com.
About the Illustrator
Eleanor Loseby is a freelance illustrator from Leicester, UK. She specializes in mixed-media work that combines colorful watercolor, fun textures, and digital painting. Her work often focuses on mental well-being, and she uses bright, inviting illustrations to spread positive messages. After graduating with a first-class honors degree in illustration and animation from Coventry University,
Eleanor now works with clients on a one-to-one basis to create whimsical and creative illustrations for projects worldwide. By focusing on the fun, she harnesses a childlike charm that can only be achieved through playful, artistic mess. When inspiration hits, Eleanor will use anything to paint with, including her favorite – cold coffee!
For more information, visit https://www.brushandbrewillustrations.com.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Cool Turtle’s Important Life Lesson. Learn more about getting a book review …
