The little purple turtle returns!
Myrtle — who lived in our family’s hearts for 28 years, captured the imagination of S. African illustrator Jo Robinson, then, in the last year, charmed thousands of children and adults around the world — is on the move.
First, she returns this autumn as “Vertu”, in French. The text was translated by Myrtle-lovers Jean Long and Jessica Charnock, that creative duo whom you’ve met on this blog.
Here’s Jo’s draft of the cover:
Then Jessica emailed: Would Jo and I permit her to make a wall hanging of Myrtle?
Jo and I were giddy with excitement, of course, and Jessica proceeded to hook the Myrtle the Purple Turtle rug.
And what-do-you-know? Her wall hanging won “honourable mention” at the huge show and conference of the Ontario Hooking Craft Guild last May in our nation’s capital! Congrats, Jessica!
In the just-released Autumn issue of the Guild’s magazine, Myrtle’s story and wall hanging merit a whole page of their own.
Jo’s joyful response:
“I was blown away the first time I saw that fabulously-made Myrtle wall hanging. It is awesome that the Purple Turtle part of Cynthia Reyes’ lovely and loving family is honoured in such a way and by such a talented artist – Myrtle is a great and brave little purple soul and deserves it. Huge thank-you to Jessica and congratulations on placing in the competition! It will always be first with me!”
There’s a Myrtle sequel already written. Daughter Lauren joined me this time to write it, and Jo, despite a challenging year, is doing her part again — she’s well on her way with the illustrations and we expect the book to be published within weeks.
It appears that when Myrtle seizes the heart, inspiration strikes. Jessica, Jean, and our entire family are cheering Jo on as she approaches the finish-line with her part of the story.
Will keep you updated!
Cynthia Reyes 
Can’t wait for the next Myrtle adventure. Congrats on her ‘movements’. No surprise.
Thank you, Paula! Myrtle is a developing story!
Go Myrtle. May your turtle tribe prosper.
I love that! Thanks, on Myrtle’s behalf.
Congrats on the wonderful news Cynthia. It sure sounds like Myrtle is touching many lives and hearts. May she travel widely and flourish!
That’s a kind wish, Brad. Thank you. I hope she will too.
Go girl. 🙂
Well done and congratulations on all your Myrtle successes.
Thank you!
Great news, Cynthia! I am happy Myrtle, who also captured the hearts of my grandkids, is on the move and is in for new adventures too!
Thank you, Tiny. And thanks again for your support of Myrtle. I’m honoured.
Congratulations to both you and Jo, Cynthia 👍😃❤️
See what you helped get started? Thanks again, Chris!
I only gave you a second opinion, Cynthia – your husband gave you the first one ❤️
You are both guilty!
As charged M’Lady 😂
Purple Power!
Great news all around, Cynthia (and Jo). What a treat to have so many avid and creative fans, and in two languages. You must be thrilled. 🙂
We really are thrilled! Thanks for your kind reply.
What great news. Congratulations! Jo has had a challenging year? Is that why she hasn’t been blogging? I’m sorry to hear that. That’s how I got to know you and Myrtle, through Jo and her blog.
Thanks, Jane. Glad to see you also went over to Jo’s blog. She’s a survivor.
More Myrtle tales to come? Wonderful!
Thanks, Sharon!
Breaking down barriers globally – well done Cynthia and team!!
Well said! We sure are trying.
Can’t wait!
Thank you, Hilary! I hope all goes well with you.
How exciting! Congratulations, Cynthia and Myrtle!
Thanks, Jill. And with a new book out, you know the feeling at this time, right?
Reblogged this on Jo Robinson and commented:
Exciting times ahead as the gorgeous and wise Myrtle returns with her fabulous friends. In the meantime they’ve all learned French and are about to share their new adventures.
How exciting! Congratulations
, Myrtle, Jo and Cynthia!
Thank you!
I’m sure this is just early days on a world-wide journey. Great translation. Excited for you
Thank you for that, Derrick. I hope so too.
Very exciting. Congratulations to you both!
Glad to see the Purple Turtle making tracks! Congratulations, Cynthia. –Curt
Ooh la la –Tortu Violette sounds so very chic:). Almost better than the rhyme in English!
Thank you, dear K. I like the idea that it sounds chic.
Love the wall hanging! So happy to hear that adorable Myrtle is having so many wonderful adventures!
Thanks, Jessica. Myrtle is trying to keep up with you and your own many adventures! (haha)
Magnifique! and I love the wall hanging. Aubergine Power?!
You are so funny. Love it! Is that hurricane anywhere near you.
Thanks, I am bad at French..the Hurricane is at least 500 miles away, however, we are still feeling the heat of the tropical humidity and the wind.
This is all really cool! It’s exciting that a new book is on the horizon and I really love the hooked wall hanging!
Thanks, Kerry. Glad you like the wall hanging, especially being a textile whiz yourself.
Reblogged this on Have We Had Help? and commented:
An annoucement from Cynthia and Jo 😉
Thanks very much, Jack. We are honoured.
Congratulations!!
The hooked rug was awesome, too.
Blessings~
Wow! Congratulations to all concerned in this wonderful project! I love the wall hanging and the rug.
Congratulations and best wishes for Myrtle’s new adventures. 🌼
Myrtle is getting more famous by the day and rightfully so. Congratulations on the new book.
Awesome! ❤
Great news – expansion is wonderful!
So wonderful! Congratulations!
Congratulations, Cynthia! It is good to see Myrtle in French now. The hooked rug is beautiful!
How lovely–and unique! Congratulations, Cynthia!
Thank you!
That’s good news to hear, congratulations!
Thank you!
How wonderful that Myrtle is en Francais AND a multi-media, wall-hanging sensation. I know you must be beside yourself with happiness. I look forward to Myrtle’s next adventure!