Two competitive turtles end up in a literal race to the bottom in this fourth-wall-breaking picture book. In the midst of their latest contest, Frank toppled over a cliff. He then challenged Terrence to beat him to the bottom, so Terrence jumped after him; the only way to break their fall is to convince them to work together. Amusing illustrations make ample use of white space as the turtles fall, while other pages are devoted entirely to the flower-speckled cliff face they zip past.
—Foreword
Terrence and Frank are two very competitive turtles who are in a predicament. They are both falling from a cliff. Just before the fall, they were comparing to see who could fit the most things into their shell. When Frank fell off the cliff, Terrence jumped so the two could race to see who would reach the bottom first. The narrator reveals that if the two turtles work together, they can both survive. The question is whether Terrence and Frank can put aside their rivalry and combine forces to save their lives. The illustrations capture the drama between the two turtles, highlighting their wide, fearful eyes and the smirk of a challenge accepted on Frank’s and Terrence’s faces. Teachers may find this book a good read-aloud that prompts discussion about competitive spirit and sportsmanship. Children may like to brainstorm and suggest ways for the two turtles to resolve their conflicts.
—Children’s Literature
