The Turquoise Tail

Self-love, self-acceptance, and individuality are three themes from author Rachel Bate's Turquoise Tail. The book invites readers into coyote pup Cielo's world as she discovers she physically does not resemble the rest of her family. They all have brown tails; hers is blue and stands up straight. Not understanding why or how this could have happened sends her family into a whirlwind of sadness and has them confused. It is already a trying experience for Cielo to accept that she is different, but her siblings and other acquaintances she meets along the way make matters worse by teasing her. 

This book shows that it is okay to be different and to accept who we really are. Being different brings a superpower and uniqueness that set us apart. The writing is clean, clear, crisp, and enriched by a colorful rhyme scheme. The illustrations by Rebecca Jacob help translate the actions and emotions of the protagonist, bringing more depth and clarity into the story. Turquoise Tail by Rebecca Bate is a fantastic short story for readers of all ages! Readers will resonate with this book as it deals with themes that are universal and emotions that are real. Bate celebrates Cielo's identity in this book and reminds people to be kind to one another because we never know what someone is facing, and kindness goes a long way. This is a book that instructs, inspires, and entertains.