Turtle Tears
Turtle Tears
Turtle Tears is a tender and heart-warming children's picture book by Kalkadoon woman Megan Albany, beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist Paul Seden.
Ruby's Nan is grieving after the death of Pop. She cries all the time, and Ruby isn't quite sure what to do when someone she loves is so sad.
Nan remembers a special holiday she and Pop took to South America, where they saw turtles crying tears that butterflies drank. She explains that turtles share their tears, and Ruby begins to understand that crying and sharing feelings can be part of healing.
Through Ruby and Nan's story, Turtle Tears gently explores grief, loss, love, family, sadness, healing and emotional wellbeing.
The story reassures young readers that it is natural to cry when we are sad and that grief can include both difficult moments and moments of happiness. It provides a gentle starting point for conversations about what happens when someone we love dies and how families can support one another through grief.
The book also introduces children to the fascinating natural phenomenon of turtles crying tears that are consumed by butterflies — a real behaviour known as lachryphagy.
Why You'll Love It
A gentle story about grief: Helps children understand that sadness and crying are natural responses to loss.
Supports emotional conversations: Gives families and educators a gentle way to talk about feelings and grief.
Celebrates family memories: Shows how memories of someone we love can bring both sadness and happiness.
Beautifully illustrated: Paul Seden's artwork brings warmth and lightness to a sensitive story.
A hopeful read: Reminds children that healing can include moments of connection, laughter and joy.
Book Details
Title: Turtle Tears
Author: Megan Albany
Illustrator: Paul Seden
Author's heritage: Kalkadoon
Illustrator's heritage: Wuthathi and Muralag
Publisher: Magabala Books
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781922613943
Published: 26 May 2026
Age: 4–10 years
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Themes: Grief, loss, family, healing, emotions, love, memory and emotional wellbeing
Turtle Tears is a thoughtful choice for families, educators and libraries looking for children's books about grief, loss, healing, emotions and family.