Manuelita the Lost Turtle

    By Adriana Costa

    Manuelita the Lost Turtle cover image

    11 Mar, 2024

    a painting of a turtle in a forest with lots of leaves and butterflies flying around it's head, photorealism, a digital painting, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    Manuelita, the little turtle, was happily exploring the forest, fascinated by the different sights and sounds.

    a turtle in the middle of a forest with birds on its back and a bird on its head on top of it, photorealism, a 3D render, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    Suddenly, Manuelita realized she had strayed too far from her family. She looked around, but her family was nowhere to be seen.

    a painting of a girl sitting on a rock next to a turtle in a pond of water with lily pads, magical realism, a storybook illustration, Brothers Hildebrandt, storybook illustration

    Feeling scared, Manuelita met Bella, a beautiful butterfly. Bella assured her that she would help her find her family.

    a painting of a girl sitting in a river with a turtle in her lap and a butterfly flying above her, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Anne Stokes, kinkade

    They started their journey, looking for any signs of Manuelita's family. Manuelita felt a little less scared with Bella by her side.

    a painting of an owl sitting on a branch in a forest with butterflies and flowers around it, with a butterfly in the background, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    They met Oliver, the wise old owl. Oliver had seen Manuelita's family and directed them towards a path lined with blueberries.

    a painting of an owl sitting on top of a turtle in a forest with butterflies around it and a bird on the back, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    With renewed hope, Manuelita thanked Oliver and continued her journey with Bella. The path was long, but she was determined.

    a painting of a turtle and butterflies in a forest setting with blueberries and blueberries on the ground, magic realism, a detailed painting, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    Manuelita and Bella followed the path, spotting blueberries along the way. They knew they were on the right path.

    a painting of a turtle and butterflies on a dirt road in a field of blueberries and blueberries, magic realism, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    Suddenly, Manuelita spotted something familiar in the distance. It was her family's favourite picnic spot by the hill!

    a group of children sitting under a tree with a turtle in the foreground and a group of butterflies flying above, magical realism, a storybook illustration, Don Bluth, storybook illustration

    There, under the large tree, was Manuelita's family! They were looking for her too and were relieved to see her safe.

    a painting of a turtle in a field of flowers and butterflies with a tree in the background and a butterfly flying overhead, photorealism, an ambient occlusion render, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    Manuelita was overjoyed to be reunited with her family. She introduced Bella to everyone and thanked her for her help.

    a painting of a group of children sitting on a turtle in the woods with a woman smiling at the camera, magical realism, a storybook illustration, Brad Kunkle, official art

    That night, Manuelita promised never to wander off again. She had learnt her lesson and was grateful for her adventurous day.

    a painting of a turtle sitting on a log in the woods with a candle in front of it and a green light shining on the ground, magic realism, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    Snuggled with her family under the starlit sky, Manuelita fell asleep, her heart filled with love and gratitude for her forest friends.