A good bedtime story is one that's both cute and has a lesson attached. This endearing book by Cynthia Reyes follows a purple turtle who longs to be green—and learns to accept herself just the way she is.  

For those of us who want to teach the children in our lives about acceptance and friendship comes this charming tale of a purple turtle longing to be green that’s perfect to pop into your beach or overnight bag for bedtime reading to little ones. When Myrtle realizes that she’s not the same colour as her playmates, she tries to reinvent herself as someone different. It takes a few humorous attempts to reinvent herself and some help from her friends before she realizes that she’s wonderful just as she is. Inspired by the experience of one of her own daughters, Canadian writer Cynthia Reyes has penned a story with delightful characters and an ever-important message: every one of us is different, and we’re all extraordinary. 

Myrtle the Purple Turtle (Weaverback Press) by Cynthia Reyes, $14.