Nellie’s Big Splash

Tiny, wide-eyed sea turtle Nellie watches her hatchling cohort head rapidly to the water, but the huge wall of blue, white-capped waves is just too scary for her to follow. She opts to head in the opposite direction, but her first two choices for refuge—inside a pink shell, atop a large sea mammal—both end up in the waves as well (the first is swept away, the second proves an avid bodysurfer). Desperation lands Nellie on a rocky plateau, only to recognize the presence of even stronger feelings: “She was cold, lonely, and missed the other turtles more than ever.” The waves are a big obstacle, but Nellie realizes that if she can “make it through,” what appears beyond—a turquoise sea full of all kinds of creatures—will welcome her. Working in friendly cartoons with sponge-textured, pastel hues, Doerrfeld (Goodnight School) imbues the sentiment that “the only way out is through” with deep empathy, proof once again of her exceptional talent in buoying characters—and readers—in the face of turbulent emotional waters. Ages 3–7. Agent: Rachel Orr, Prospect Agency. (Mar.)