Stick-in-the-mud Turtle

A parent might reach for this book when their child starts comparing your family's home, possessions, or lifestyle to those of their friends. It's for the moment a child first says, "But so-and-so has one!" or feels their own family is a bit old-fashioned. In this gentle chapter book, the quiet Turtle family's life is disrupted when a flashy, modern Frog family moves in nearby. The turtle children, especially Fred, become envious of the Frogs' motorboat and other gadgets, making them feel like their own family is boring. The story beautifully explores themes of social comparison, jealousy, and family identity. It's a perfect, reassuring read for children aged 6 to 9, offering a sweet reminder that the newest things aren't always the best and that there is strength and joy in a family's unique traditions.