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Amy Johnson & Diane Madden

Children’s Book Co-Authors

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The Book

The Story of Neeps and Tattie

Neeps and Tattie are two tortoises who live in Scotland and were rescued near the shore of Loch Ness by young Annie McKay when they were babies. Neeps and Tattie live and play in a little hut in Annie’s garden.  Readers will be surprised to learn how she takes care of them during the winter!

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Who is Who

Meet the Characters

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Follow the Adventure
and See the Latest News

Fun Extras

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Games

Puzzles, mazes and fun stuff here!

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Parents & Teachers

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Tortoise Rescues List

Discover rescue centers we support.

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Meet The Authors

Amy Johnson
& Diane Madden

Children’s Book Authors

AMY JOHNSON a former teacher, raised her four children in Valley Forge, PA. Her husband has lost track of the number of rescue dogs Amy has brought home over the years.

DIANE MADDEN lives in Maine and is the former director of a statewide children’s health and literacy program. A lifelong bookworm, she is most likely to be found reading with her granddaughters, Leah and Sophie.

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Amy Johnson
Diane Madden
Reviews

What Readers Say


“The Story of Neeps and Tattie, a tale of two cherished tortoises, lovingly looked after by Annie McKay for five decades, is a book I wish I could have read to my own children when they were little.  It’s a delightful story, told in a catchy rhyme, with main character Annie modeling dedication, responsibility and thoughtful care. The illustrations are colorful and endearing and made me smile throughout. The ‘Words to Know’ at the end is helpful to engage and expand young minds. This is a charming book that I plan to gift to all of the children I know!”. 
Tammy Tiehel-Stedman
Producer – Kelly Corrigan Wonders | LinkedIn
“This charming book is equal parts sweet and educational. Who knew that a story about two adopted tortoises and their dedicated “mother” could steal your heart so completely?”
Sarah MacLaughlin
Author of the award-winning books:
 What Not to Say: Tools for Talking with Young Children 
and Raising Humans With Heart: Not a How-To Manual
“Amy and Diane tell a charming story of two native tortoises, Neeps and Tattie, who are lovingly cared for by their devoted Annie.  Authentic vocabulary and Abigail’s engaging watercolor illustrations made me feel like I had been welcomed to the Scottish Highlands. I loved my visit and I think kids of all ages will, too!”
Linda Martin

M.Ed., CAGS, OGA Read2me3,
LLC Tutoring Center Bedford, NH
“The story of Neeps and Tattie is heartfelt and the illustrations are just beautiful. I feel like my grand daughter and I travel to Scotland and are playing in the garden! The story is also educational as it describes hibernation and the importance of it in the tortoises lives. Such a wonderful book!
Margaret Johnson

Retired 6th grade and remedial reading teacher. South Dennis, MA
Blog

News & Articles

Tortoise vs Turtle
Writing a story about tortoises was quite an education for Amy and me!  One of the first thing we learned while writing The Story of Neeps & Tattie is that land tortoises can live a long time! In fact, many…
READ MORE Tortoise vs Turtle
Earth Day
To many Indigenous peoples the Tortoise and Turtle are the oldest symbol of Mother Earth. The Iroquois First Nation of North America believes they are descended from the turtle that got rid of its shell and that the earth rests…
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World Turtle Day
Neeps and Tattie will hatch officially on “World Turtle Day”. World Turtle Day was created as a yearly observance to help people celebrate and protect tortoises and turtles and their rapidly disappearing environments all over the world.   As Diane…
READ MORE World Turtle Day
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Help & Protect

Tortoise Rescues

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