"Tommy the Timid Turtle"

Tommy the Timid Turtle
Author: Neva Swartz
Illustrated By: Larry Steinbauer
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Folktale
Theme: Being Shy, Friendship and Perseverance
Primary/Secondary Characters: Tommy the Turtle/Forest friends of Tommy
Date of Publication: Year 2004
Publishing Company: Mayhaven Publishing

Summary: Tommy the turtle was very shy, and hid in his shell all day. He did not want to come out and play with his friends that wanted to spend time with him. He was too shy, worried, alarmed, fearful, insecure, and had other negative feelings. Sammy the sun shone one day, and Tommy stayed in his shell. But Sammy did not give up on Tommy, and shone everyday until Tommy grew the courage to come out of his shell. This teaches children that there is no need to be shy and lack courage, and that no matter what the sun will always shine.