Truman
Truman is a peaceful and pensive turtle, who lives in the city with his Sarah. Each day, Truman watches the bustling streets below from his window high above the city. When Sarah unexpectedly boards the number 11 bus one morning, awaiting her return becomes unbearable. Truman makes the decision that he must find Sarah, but that means Truman must step out of his comfort zone…and his tank! Truman’s dedication to his Sarah and his courage throughout his adventure are bound to pull reluctant readers out of their shells and into a world filled with new sights, sounds, and thoughts.
*Enjoy a virtual reading of Truman by our Assistant Director, Ellysa Stern Cahoy.*
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Adults can use materials from home or school to create an indoor or outdoor obstacle course for children. Obstacle courses do not have to be elaborate – they can include simple materials that instruct children to crawl, jump, zigzag, slide, or balance. If materials are limited, use masking tape or chalk to mark a path that children must follow to get from beginning to end. Children will enjoy taking turns pretending to be Truman on an adventure from his tank to the front door.
It might be helpful for adults to talk with children about the characteristics of Truman prior to reading this story. Is he big or small? Slow or fast? The author describes Truman as “peaceful and pensive,” which means calm, conflict-free, reflective, and deep in thought. Adults can share this new vocabulary with children and apply it to how Truman must have felt during his journey climbing out of the tank, scaling the rocks, pillows, and boots, and moving across the “endless” rug. Adults will recognize that while the story focuses on Truman’s courage, there is another character called to bravery as she navigates her first day of school.