Doris, The Polka Dot Tortoise
by Teena Haywood
Category: Juvenile Fiction

Doris is a land-dwelling tortoise, which means that her species cannot swim. Doris has a purple shell with large white polka dots and five limbs instead of four. Doris has no true friends. Ravens are tortoises' worst enemies, so tortoises are taught to avoid them. Doris' playmates make fun of her shell and tease her constantly. Bertha, her mother, tells her that she was born with physical defects because GOD has given her special gifts. However, Doris' only wish is to find a true friend that will love her in spite of her physical appearance. One day Doris meets a new tortoise named Mable. Doris and Mable are playing along the river when four mean tortoises appear. Beth the tortoise dares Doris to swim. As she is thrown into the river, Doris turns into a large Black Raven.