Truman
What’s inside...
After his best friend Sarah leaves for school, a tortoise named Truman embarks on a brave adventure across the living room, confronting his fears and anxieties. Living high above the city, Truman has never worried about the world below until he sees Sarah board a bus. As he waits for her return, his concern grows until he decides to take action, despite the seemingly impossible task before him. This heartwarming picture book explores themes of bravery, heroism, and devotion, making it a favorite among children and critics alike in 2019.
Age
3-5
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Truman
Sarah
Discussion points
Why do you think Truman decided to leave his tank?
How do you think Truman felt on his adventure? Can you think of a time when you felt the same way?
What do you think the city outside looked like to Truman?
Why is the bond between Sarah and Truman important?
What does this story teach us about bravery and friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Truman’s journey, relating it to their own experiences of trying something new or being brave.
Highlight the significance of Sarah and Truman’s relationship and discuss with your child the importance of caring for and supporting friends.
Ask your child what they would do if they were in Truman’s place, fostering empathy and decision-making skills.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to help your child imagine the setting and ask them to describe how they visualize the city.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of what they think Truman’s adventure looked like, boosting their creativity and connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience and Perseverance
Explanation: Truman, the turtle, waits patiently and perseveres in his quest to find his owner, Sarah, after she goes to school. His journey around the apartment is slow but determined.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of waiting patiently and persistently working towards a goal, which can be applied in completing school tasks or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Courage in New Situations
Explanation: Despite being a small turtle in a big world, Truman bravely ventures out of his tank, facing the unknown to find Sarah.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face new environments or changes, such as starting at a new school or trying out a new activity, with bravery and optimism.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The bond between Truman and Sarah highlights the importance of caring relationships and loyalty.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to cherish and maintain their friendships, showing loyalty and care in their interactions with friends.
Example Lesson: Observation and Exploration
Explanation: Truman's journey is filled with observations and discoveries as he explores areas beyond his usual confines.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to observe and explore their own environment, encouraging curiosity and learning.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Separation
Explanation: Truman experiences anxiety and sadness when separated from Sarah, but he manages to cope and await her return.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it is normal to feel uneasy about separations but that they can find strength and reassurance in their routines and environment while waiting to reunite with loved ones.