Can I Come to School in Your Backpack?

Truman
Written by Jean Reidy & Illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
Age Level: 2-5 Years
Published July 9, 2018

Truman, the bravest turtle in the city

It’s Sarah’s first day of school, but her beloved pet turtle Truman wasn’t informed. Nonetheless, he knows today is different, and he knows that something big is happening. He picks up on the details - Sarah’s gigantic new backpack on the floor, the blue bow tucked neatly into her hair, and the extra green beans tucked into his dish. With a kiss to his shell, Sarah whispers to him, “Be brave,” and she’s off. 

From his perch on the windowsill, Truman sees Sarah and her mother board the number 11 bus going south. Therefore, that is what Truman must do, as well! Forget the fact that he’s never left the safe walls of their apartment, never been exposed to the dangers and the chaos of the city. For his sweet Sarah, Truman can and will do anything. 

“He would go after his Sarah. He would catch the number 11 south. Even amid the honking and the growling and the shrieking. Even if it seemed … impossible!”

In expressive, colorful, and charming illustrations, we watch Truman embark on his own adventure as he frees himself from his tank and makes his way to the front door. Just when he’s about to take his final steps towards the threshold, the door flies open and in comes Sarah, back from her first day at school. You’ll cheer at their joyful reunion and feel proud of both of them for taking on big journeys that day. 

As he prepares to start a new school year, my son likes seeing Sarah put on a brave face and head off to school without looking back. But my daughter and I feel this book more deeply, identifying with Truman, the one left behind. Caroline and I are excited to go off on our own adventures during the day, but we will be happiest in the afternoons when Teddy flings himself back through the front door and we are all together again.