Tropical Terry
Filled with suspense and read-aloud fun, an encouraging picture book story to inspire confidence and courage in little ones
Age 3+
Picture Storybooks
Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year
Terry wants to stand out. But, in Coral Reef City, it's sometimes better to blend in...
Coral Reef City is home to the most dazzling shoals of tropical fish in ALL the ocean. And then there is Terry. Terry looks grey. Terry feels dull. And although he is the best at playing "Hide A Fish", he can't help but wonder: Just what would it feel like to be part of that dashing, flashing crew? So, with the help of his friends, he fashions a flashy costume and is ready to impress... “Hello-o-o everybody! Just call me TROPICAL Terry!” But will life as a tropical fish be everything he always dreamed of?
With his trademark humour and vibrant art, the award-winning Jarvis tells a heart-warming comedy of self-esteem; a story about learning to love your own scales and take pride in what makes you different.
"A story about remembering who you are." Daily Post (Wales)
“[…] the illustrations are beautifully psychedelic […] will make little ones rather keen to draw their own underwater world.” Grimsby Telegraph/Bristol Post
"Witty, warm and has a cast of characters made for doing funny voices." Gurgle
Creators
Jarvis is the author of many books for children. His illustrated fiction series, Bear and Bird, follows the funny mix-ups between a pair of best friends. His picture books include Thank You, Mr Santa, The Boy with Flowers in His Hair, which won the 2023 Oscar’s Book Prize and the Indies Book Prize, and Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth, which won the V&A Best Illustrated Book. He is also the illustrator of the Pick a Pine Tree, Pick a Pumpkin and Pick a Perfect Egg series written by Patricia Toht. Jarvis lives in Manchester with his wife and their dog Milo. Find him on Instagram at: @JarvisPictureBooks.
Reviews
It’s witty, warm and has a castof characters made for doing funnyvoices.
Gurgle
A story about rememberingwho you are (even if that’s onlytriggered by the prospect ofbeing eaten by an eel namedEddie), the illustrations arebeautifully psychedelic.
Daily Post (Wales)
“[…] the illustrations are beautifully psychedelic […] will make little ones rather keen to draw their own underwater world.”
Grimsby Telegraph/ Bristol Post
“Tropical Terry really explains how important friendships are and also, why you shouldn’t try to change just to ‘fit in’.”
MeHimTheDogAndTheBaby
“[…] a lovely picture book about appreciating what makes everyone unique and how we can undervalue individuals at first glance.”
SevenStories, HooksIntoBooks, Autumn Pack
“Themes of friendship, acceptance, as well as discovering and valuing one’s own qualities, are joyously explored through this vibrant picture book.”
Anne Walker, Carousel
