Where’s Speedy is a delightful book about a turtle named “Speedy” who shows up one day in Rachel’s backyard. Rachel speaks out loud to Speedy, and Speedy replies in his inner thoughts (in italics). Speedy likes Rachel’s yard and explains that he is an adventurous turtle who loves to travel.

​

After trying to find Speedy’s owner, Rachel takes Speedy to a pet store. But she quickly takes him out of the store when she starts to miss him.

​

Speedy does not want to be in boxes or cages. He wants to be free.

​

And he is! “Where’s Speedy?” is not only the book’s title but a constant question that people in the book are asking. Speedy decides where he wants to be, and for how long.

​

Speedy’s thoughts are lyrical—about the delights of nature, the different creatures he meets, and the sheer joy of travel and seeing new things. So besides being a clever story, Where’s Speedy has a message about beauty and tolerance to convey.

​

The author’s style is clear and the plot is adventure-filled and engaging. Besides being an enjoyable read, we come away knowing more about turtles and the fabric of Nature.

​

My hat is off to the author for writing a terrific book!
 

​

​REVIEW FROM:

Jennifer Mims

English IV, AP & Dual Credit

Senior Sponsor

Huntsville High School 

​

Sonya Cogan’s Where’s Speedy?: A True Turtle Tale breathes fresh air into the world of children’s literature.  The hero, Speedy, grants the reader insight into his perspective so beautifully.  As an educator, this is one of the first books I will be grabbing for my readers.  Speedy’s rich vocabulary reveals how he “thinks,” “recalls,” “questions,” “notices,” “insists,” “grumbles” and so much more.  Strong verbs build the foundation for enhanced comprehension and writing skills in students.  The repetition of “Where’s Speedy?” will delight the reader, as children love to be in on the joke! What adds even more charm to this book is that it’s a true story; children will respect this authenticity.  The illustrations ice the cake!​​