Why the Turtle Walks So Slowly

In this retelling of a traditional Cuban folktale, readers learn how Tortuga, and other turtles around the world, got their shells.

Long ago, turtles did not have shells and were fast. In fact, Tortuga the turtle was one of the fastest runners in his village. But he was not quite as fast, or respected, as the leader of the village, Mabella. When Tortuga sees a sorcerer gift Mabella a mysterious, magical drum, he hatches a plan to steal it from her. But his jealousy will have disastrous consequences.

Why the Turtle Walks so Slowly is the perfect introduction for young readers learning about folklore, with this story specifically from Cuba. Educators and parents are going to enjoy reading to young children as well as they become immersed in this specific culture's way of explaining real-world scenarios in a playful manner.

In many cultures around the world, folktales have been passed down from generation to generation. After reading Why the Turtle Walks so Slowly, students can compare stories they've heard from their own past and see how different cultures from around the world explain life lessons to each other.

Sandra Martín Denis was born in Cienfuegos, Cuba, and raised in California on a healthy diet of library books, museum visits, and performances at the Music Center and the Hollywood Bowl. Contrary to popular belief that no one walks in Los Angeles, she walks everywhere. That's when she discovers different neighborhoods and gets new ideas to write about. Besides writing full-time, traveling and reading are her passions. She reads everything including food labels. This story is based on one her Abuela, a magical storyteller, used to tell Sandra.

Arístides E. Hernández Guerrero (ARES), was born in Havana, Cuba. A self-taught artist, he is a doctor specializing in psychiatry. Ares currently creates cartoons, children's book illustrations, posters, paintings, and 3-D pieces. He has won international awards, among them the World Press Cartoon Grand Prix and The United Nations Ranan Lurie First Award.