WHAT NEWT COULD DO FOR TURTLE

A story of friendship and reciprocity that teaches without preaching, from London (Old Salt, Young Salt, p. 901, etc.). Vivid illustrations by Voce transport readers to a swamp in spring, where birds chirp, and Newt, crawling out of the sun- warmed mud where he has been hibernating for the winter, is stuck. He calls for help from his friend, Turtle, who promptly extricates him. Grateful Newt wonders how he can repay Turtle, who saves him next from a snake and then an alligator. When a curious bobcat flips Turtle on his back, readers will learn what Newt, with a simple lever, can do for his friend. These oversize pages are full of small, refreshingly simple lessons on how friends help each other; with a rhythmic telling that may have readers chanting along, the story is perfectly delightful. (Picture book. 3-7)