My girls and I have recently been introduced to Tadeo Turtle. Have you heard of him? Tadeo Turtle is a picture book written by Janis Cox about a cute painted turtle who dreams he’d like to be anything but a turtle with a shell on his back. In the end he realizes that God made him special just the way he is, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
5 Reasons We Love Tadeo Turtle
- The painted illustrations are beautiful!
- It’s a story based on scripture (Psalm 139:13-14) and is intended to give spiritual encouragement to children wishing they were different.
- It introduces new and big words. Do you know what a carapace is?
- Activity ideas to go along with the book are realistic and included at the back! Our favorite is the paper plate turtle. If you need a cut-out template, you can always check out this printable.
- Janis provides a curriculum to go along with the book available upon request (email her) that is amazing. She provides LOTS of detailed ideas for curriculum integration–everything from math, science, and art to scripture study, music and physical education.
You can learn more about Tadeo Turtle and even read an excerpt on Janis Cox’s website. Seriously, check it out. I can’t speak highly enough of the illustrations and cross-curriculum connections. She did a wonderful job.
Turtle Bread for Tadeo Turtle
This week as our regular school studies concluded I decided to get this turtle book out, and the first thing the girls wanted to do was create turtle bread so that’s what we did. The girls have deemed it their favorite bread from here on out. Ha! All that to say, if you are looking for a tasty addition to Tadeo Turtle or want a fun editable turtle craft, then give this a try. It’s easy and wonderful with fresh jam!
Turtle Bread for Tadeo Turtle
Course: Breads
Prep Time: 45 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Total Time: 1 hr 10 min
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 2 1⁄2 c. flour
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1⁄2 c. water
- 1⁄3 c. milk
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1 egg
- 2 raisins
Directions
- Mix 1½ cups of the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in mixer with dough hook.
- Heat water, milk, and butter in microwave for 1 minute. Stir to melt any unmelted butter.
- Pour butter mixture and egg into mixer. Still until combined.
- Add remaining cup of flour and knead at medium spead for 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rest 30 minutes.
- Create 4 walnut-sized balls of dough for the feet, 1 walnut-sized ball rolled slightly into a cylinder for the head, and 1 nickle-sized ball rolled into a cone for the tail. Shape the remaining dough into a large ball for the body.
- Place the large ball of dough onto a lightly greased cookie sheet. Arrange head, feet, and tail under the large ball to resemble a turtle. Press down slightly to flatten the ball. Press down the edge of the large ball to secure the head, feel, and tail into place.
- Deeply press two raisins into the head for eyes.
- Cover and let rise 20-30 minutes.
- Make criss-cross cuts in the body ¼ inch deep to look like a turtle’s shell.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 or until golden brown. Enjoy!
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