I think that this is a very good book for young readers. The illustrations in the book help to captivate the attention of the reader and help them to keep reading the book. The illustrations are very detailed and help to enhance the story by painting a picture of area where the boy lives and the type of park that he goes to. I like that Castillo shares the feelings that the boy is going through throughout the book, when he doesn’t have a pet to when he finds Melvin- the turtle, and when he returns has Melvin. Castillo shows that the book shows the variety of pets that people may have (not just a dog or cat), but also show that not all pets are good pets (such as a turtle you find in the park), which is something that I like. Even though the book is a simple read, it is not predictable as you do not expect the boy’s pet to become a turtle he finds in the park. The overall message of this book is that even though you may want a pet, some animals are best staying in the environment that you find them. ( )

age: 5
Summary: The boy wants to have his own pet, so he brings turtle to his house. However, the turtle, Melvin, looks so sad and bad. Thus, he decides to return the turtle to the pond because he understands the turtle’s feeling.
*Children can make inferences about the feelings and intentions of others. Also, they can judge the appropriateness of specific behaviors and predict the possible consequences of particular behaviors.
Source: Pierce library

This book was about a little boy who really wanted a pet but his parents didn't want anything to loud, too big or too much work. After the little boy came across a turtle living in a pond at the park, he asked his parents if he could keep him. His parents agreed and the boy named him Melvin. After a few days the little boy decided to return the turtle to his home because the turtle was missing his friends and would always hide in his shell. After the little boy set the turtle free, the turtle came out of his shell and was happy. ( )

The boy in this story appears to feel lonely. All he wants is a pet. He is constantly asking his parents if he can have one, and they always tell him no. One day while at the park, he sees a turtle and decides to ask his parents if he can keep it as a pet. His parents agree as long as he can care for it. The boy names the turtle Melvin. There's only one problem with this pet- it never wants to come out of its shell. The turtle only comes out of its shell at bath time. Finally the boy realizes that the turtle belongs in the pond at the lake, so he brings him back. ( )

A boy want to have a pet, but his parents say, "no." One day, he find a turtle and it's not too noisy, too big, and too much work. His parents say, "OK", so he take care of it. However, a turtle, called Melvin, is very shy and he thinks that Melvin is not enjoyed in his home. He talks to parents and he returns Melvin to river where a boy find it. Source: Pierce College Library