First sentence: It was the first day of school, and Tally Tuttle's stomach hurt.

Premise/plot: Tally Tuttle is anxious about starting her new school. (I believe the family has recently moved.) She doesn't know anyone, and, well, she'd rather not be the center of attention. She wants to make new friends, but, is nervous about that whole process too. So much *might* go wrong. What Tally Tuttle never expected in a hundred million years was that her new classroom has a BIG, BIG, BIG, BIG secret.

It wouldn't be a spoiler to say that involves human students TURNING INTO or transforming into animals. And, you guessed it, Tally Tuttle turns into a turtle! (Big shock, I know.) This becoming-a-turtle gives Tally a whole new perspective on life. If she ever wants to be human again, she'd better learn a significant life lesson.

My thoughts: This is the first in a new chapter book series for lower elementary grades. Personally, I loved, loved, loved the illustrations and thought they were super cute and adorable. The story is silly but relatable. (If that makes sense.) It is silly in that it has humans magically transforming into animals. It is relatable in that who hasn't been nervous when starting a new school or new class? Change--even little changes--can feel ENORMOUS.

Very cute early chapters series. Perfect for fans of The Critter Club, Super Turbo or Magic Animal Rescue.

This was great! Entertaining, informative, and helpful for kids entering a new school. I loved all the turtle facts! And I really don’t like spiders, but her spider friend was delightful. I can’t wait to read more of this series. As soon as my library gets it I’m going to recommend it like crazy! I wonder what other animals the other kids will become? :)

Tally is nervous about her first day at a brand new school. The day goes from bad to worse when everyone in the class makes fun of her name and she wishes she could be invisible. Her wish turns her into a TURTLE! She strikes out on an adventure to turn back into herself while learning confidence and self-love no matter the circumstances she finds herself in.

The author guides the reader on a journey to self-actualization, the heavy-handed imagery, and purple prose might turn off some early chapter book readers, but the humor and what-ifs of Tally's situation will keep fantasy-loving readers moving forward.

The turtle facts at the end of the book are interesting and add to the content of the story. This book is a solid choice for beginning chapter-book readers who like a little bit of fantasy and magic in their books. Most kids will relate to the nervousness and fear Tally expresses being the new kid. All characters are presumed white.

I received an electronic ARC from ABRAMS Kids through NetGalley.
The start of a new series from Holmes. Tally is starting second grade in a new school. She's anxious and wishes to be somewhere safe and protected. For reasons that may be revealed in later books, the classroom grants her wish and she becomes a turtle. Much of the book is written while she's in this state. Love the facts about turtles slipped into the story. After making two new friends, a spider and a squirrel, and plenty of adventure in and outside the classroom, Tally meets the class pet. After talking with Bagel, she gains confidence in herself and lets go of her worries. Changing her attitude and believing in herself transforms her back into herself as a human.
Holmes encourages elementary level readers to have confidence and take risks in new situations. Great read aloud for families with nervous lower elementary level students. Looking forward to more adventures in this classroom.

A sweet and magical story about a girl starting a new school and changing into a turtle! Tally has just moved to a new school and is extremely anxious about starting a new class and meeting new friends. Suddenly she finds that she has turned into a turtle and begins to explore throughout the day and meet new animal friends who help her get her confidence back. It’s a sweet and fun story and helps kids who are starting at new schools. The artwork was super adorable too!

*Thanks Netgalley and ABRAMS Kids for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*