The English-language tortoise picture book by Frauke Hustinx
In brief
Anna and Mona is a children’s book about tortoise care.
Anna is overjoyed: for her birthday, she is given a little tortoise. She names her Mona and loves her dearly. But without the right knowledge, Anna gets a great deal wrong – the enclosure is too small, the proper lighting is missing, and the food is unsuitable. Only when Mona falls seriously ill does Anna realise that love alone is not enough. Together with her father, she begins to learn what Mona truly needs – and, step by step, uncertainty grows into real understanding.
What it’s about
Encouraged by their vet, Anna and her father read books about tortoises, build a species-appropriate enclosure with a greenhouse in the garden, and gradually come to understand what modern, responsible tortoise care involves. Unfolding over many years, the story shows young readers how mistakes can turn into knowledge, how we can put things right, and what it means to take responsibility for an animal for its whole life.
Themes
Responsibility, care, a willingness to learn, and friendship – told through a child’s eyes and carried by one gentle but important message: caring for a living creature is not a single decision, but a lifelong journey of learning.
Who it’s for
A warm-hearted picture book for children aged 3 and up – perfect for reading aloud, exploring together, and opening up first conversations about the thoughtful care of animals.
What makes it special
Factually sound and rich in gentle lessons, the story weaves accurate knowledge about the species-appropriate keeping of European tortoises into a heartfelt tale – and is a direct contribution to tortoise conservation. As with every Taschendinos book, 100% of the proceeds go to the voluntary rescue project schildkroetensuche.org.
Coming soon…
