When Turtle Grew Feathers by Tim Tingle

Tingle, Tim, and Stacey Schuett. (2007). When Turtle Grew Feathers: A Folktale from the Choctaw Nation. Atlanta, GA: August House LittleFolk. ISBN: 978-0874-86-773.

Brief plot summary:

This story is the Choctaw version of Aesop’s fable “The Tortoise and the Hare.” It begins with Turtle taking a nap, when Turkey accidentally steps on him and breaks his shell. Turtle forgives Turkey and they ask the ants to help mend the shell. Afterward, Turtle allows Turkey to try on his shell. While Turkey is still wearing it, Rabbit appears, ready for a race. Rabbit does not realize the situation and is (to his surprise) beaten by a flying turtle.

Critical analyses:

Overall impression: Interesting and fun version of the traditional tale.

Tingle’s rhyming narration and Schuett’s colorful illustrations present a fun version of the old tortoise and the hare tale. Because the only characters are animals, the cultural markers are not quite as present as would be otherwise. The main cultural attribute is that the tale originates from the Choctaw people. Its differences from the Aesop version highlight the values of the Native Americans. The moral of the Aesop fable is that slow and steady wins the race; that taking your time and doing your best is better than rushing through and only doing so-so. In this case, Tingle ends with “[Y]ou don’t have to be the biggest, or the fasted, or the best. But it sure is nice to be friends with those that are!” With this knowledge, kids might conclude that Native Americans (or at least the Choctaw) value everyone; that everyone doesn’t have to be the greatest because everyone is good at something and we can all help each other to achieve success. (Also, bullies will not win in the end).

With the help of Schuett, Tingle presents this story in an entertaining way. The illustrations are colorful, bold, and expressive. It is easy to tell what the characters are thinking by their facial and bodily expressions. Kids will enjoy following the story using the pictures. These fables aren’t meant to be taken as truth, but rather as a fun way to present a moral that is important to the people/culture who created it.

Review excerpts:

“...Tingle [], a member of the Choctaw Nation, proves once again that he’s a vivid and generous narrator; the mesmerizing cadences of oral storytelling transfer seamlessly to the written word.”

--Kirkus, 2007

“Use this book as a variation to a common folktale, an introduction to Native American lore, or as a fine read-aloud all on its own.”

--School Library Journal, 2007

Connections (related books, activities, children’s responses, etc.):

I just wanted to mention that my library’s copy of this book is signed by Tingle and he wrote “Read this book in funny voices!”

Activities: compare the Aesop version with this one (Why are there different versions? How do the differences reflect the different cultures?); with guidance, kids can check out this website (http://www.native-languages.org/legends.htm) and learn more about the many different Native American legends and folklore.