won’t someone help Harley,
the poor, shell-less turtle?
In Harley the Homeless Turtle, a heartfelt story about a turtle with no shell, readers follow Harley as he overcomes being different and finds a place he can call home.
Life is hard for Harley the turtle. Without a shell, there’s no shade from the sun or shelter from the rain. All the other turtles laugh and call him Homeless Harley!
Harley the Homeless Turtle is an epic picture book, perfect for kids ages 4-8, that teaches young readers about the trials and tribulations of being different. The book includes teachable moments about bullying, the power of helpers, and finding a place that feels like home.
Bullying is a very serious and growing problem. It comes in many forms. Harley was teased and called names, which are types of verbal bullying. A great resource for better understanding bullying, why kids/youth bully, who is at risk, the effects of bullying and much more is StopBullying.gov. Parents, teachers and other caregivers can have very effective conversations with children from an early age about treating others with kindness. It is our responsibility and privilege to help them develop into individuals who understand the impact of their actions and who value and respect others. These are lessons that will have a lifetime impact on our children and those around them.
Although a turtle’s shell isn’t really it’s home (in fact, a turtle couldn’t live without one!), in this make-believe story, Harley was born a little different than other turtles. He was born without a shell (without shelter…safety…home). Like bullying, homelessness is a very sad and growing problem. According to this heart-tugging video from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, “On a single night in January, 120,819 children slept outside, in a car, or in a shelter because they were homeless.” That was 7 years ago. With the economy and other factors, the numbers are even higher today. The video, in which parents who’ve experienced homelessness asked their children what it feels like for them, was a real eye-opener for me.
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to help build a house with Habitat for Humanity for a single mother and her children. Tears filled everyone’s face as the mom received keys to their new home. It was a feeling I’ll never forget.
I encourage you to reach out where you feel led and inspire your children to do the same as they grow. Build a home. Serve a meal. Donate a toy. Spread some hope. My daily goal is to see — actually “see” those around me, including seeing their pain even when it’s uncomfortable.
We always have a choice of how we treat others. Always, always…choose2Bkind. We never know what someone else is going through.
