Toby is a painted turtle who lives in a marsh next to the little brown house on the hill. Douglas and Gina are the little boy and girl who live in the little brown house. Toby sets out one late spring night to explore. He needs a shady, cool, wet place with food to spend the hot summer months. During his exploration, Toby slips and falls. Doug and Gina come to his rescue. The three begin to talk, getting to know one another, and a friendship develops. Experience how this fateful encounter develops into a trusting friendship as the words come alive and the pictures enchant the reader's imagination in Toby the Trusting Turtle.