Magabala Books Australia’s leading First Nations publisher

We respectfully caution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers that this website contains images of people who have passed away.

Close

Turtle Tears

This heart-warming picture book gently reassures children that it is both natural and healthy for adults and children to cry when they are sad.

Narrated from the voice of a child, Ruby, it centres on her no-nonsense Nan who is grieving for her late husband. She tells the child about the turtles she and Pop saw, while on holiday in South America. They cry tears as humans do, and butterflies drink their tears (factual). 

The author uses this magical phenomenon as a metaphor for how important it is for both adults and children to share their grief. Gently ignoring stereotypes, the story ends on a beautifully hopeful note. It also reminds the reader that, even if you or someone you love is very sad, that doesn’t mean you can’t also have moments of joy and chase butterflies!

$27.99
Megan Albany

Megan Albany is a proud Kalkadoon woman. Megan lives in the Northern Rivers of NSW. Her debut black comedy novel, The Very Last List of Vivan Walker (Hachette 2022), was one of four works shortlisted for The Banjo Prize. Megan...

Read more

Paul Seden

Paul Seden is descended from the Wuthathi and Muralag people of North Queensland. He grew up in Darwin and he loves to draw and tell stories.

Paul works as a Fisheries Officer and he is inspired by the adventures...

Read more

Other titles by Paul Seden