The Brave Little Turtle

    By Rana Wajid

    The Brave Little Turtle cover image

    13 May, 2024

    a turtle is sitting on a lily pad in a pond with lily pads and water lilies surrounding it, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    Once upon a time, in a peaceful pond, lived a timid little turtle named Tilly. She was smaller than the other turtles and often felt scared of venturing far from her cozy hiding spot.

    a painting of a turtle on a lily pad in a pond with lily pads and water lilies surrounding it, environmental art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    One sunny morning, Tilly's friends, Tommy and Tallulah, invited her to join them on an adventure to explore the far side of the pond. Tilly hesitated, her tiny shell quivering with nervousness.

    a turtle and two bees are on a rock in a pond with lily pads and water lilies and a dragon fly overhead, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    With a deep breath, Tilly decided to be brave and join her friends. The trio swam across the pond, dodging dragonflies and darting fish, until they reached the far shore.

    a bird standing on a rock in a pond with lily pads and a duck swimming in the water behind it, naturalism, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, storybook illustration

    As they explored, a rustling noise startled them. A large, majestic heron emerged, its wings spread wide. Tommy and Tallulah froze in fear, but Tilly remembered her promise to be brave.

    a painting of a turtle and a bird on a pond with lily pads and water lillies and a heron, hudson river school, an illustration of, Dan Mumford, golden ratio illustration

    Tilly stepped forward and spoke in a clear voice, 'Hello, Mr. Heron! We mean no harm. We're just exploring.' The heron blinked, surprised by Tilly's courage, and chuckled, 'What brave little turtles we have here.'

    a turtle sitting on a rock in a forest with a stream of water and butterflies flying around it,, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    Tilly's friends gazed at her in awe, grateful for her bravery. Emboldened by her newfound courage, Tilly felt a surge of confidence. The trio continued their adventure, encountering friendly frogs, colorful butterflies, and singing crickets.

    two turtles are swimming in a pond at sunset or dawn, with lily pads on the water and a sun setting in the background, american scene painting, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, official art

    As the sun began to set, they returned to their side of the pond, hearts filled with joy and accomplishment. Tilly's friends cheered for her bravery, and she beamed with pride.

    a turtle is sitting on a lily pad in the water at sunset or dawn, with lily pads in the foreground, environmental art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, storybook illustration

    From that day on, Tilly became known as the Brave Little Turtle. She learned that being brave didn't mean never feeling scared—it meant facing her fears with courage and determination.

    a girl and two turtles are sitting on a rock by a pond with lily pads and lily pads on the ground, environmental art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, josan gonzales and dan mumford

    And whenever Tilly's friends wanted to embark on a new adventure, they knew they could count on the Brave Little Turtle to lead the way, inspiring them all to be brave in the face of the unknown.

    a turtle is sitting on a rock in the water and floating in the pond with lily pads on the rocks, environmental art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, storybook illustration

    And so, Tilly the turtle discovered the courage that had always been inside her, teaching her friends—and young readers—about the power of bravery and the rewards of stepping outside one's comfort zone.

    a turtle is sitting on top of a turtle in the water with lily pads around it and a pond full of water lilies, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    Tilly's story is a testament to the power of courage and the importance of friendship. Even the smallest creature can make a big impact if they believe in themselves and face their fears with determination.

    a painting of a turtle and some people in a forest by a pond with lily pads and a waterfall, environmental art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    The adventures of the Brave Little Turtle continue, reminding us all that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the ability to face it. Tilly's story is a lesson for us all, encouraging us to embrace our fears and step out of our comfort zones.