Based on a true tortoise.
A children's coloring book series about a real Russian tortoise who lives in a handbuilt garden kingdom in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Every adventure is real. The dandelions were not harmed.
Free Download
Six pages featuring art from Books 1 & 2, a peek at Book 3, and one very real tortoise. Straight to your inbox. Print as many times as you like.
No spam. Just Tertl. Unsubscribe anytime.
The Series
Every adventure is based on real tortoise behavior. Tertl isn't a character. She's a real Russian tortoise who lives in a hand-built garden kingdom in Saint Paul, Minnesota. These are her stories.
Available Now
Coming July 1, 2026
From the Garden
"My kids love the coloring book! Such cute pictures and good space to draw your own pictures too!"
— Alex C. · Verified Amazon Purchase
"We just got our copy in the mail today and our family loves it! The pictures are super cute and all the info about Tertl is adorable."
— S. · Verified Amazon Purchase
Sampler · Book 1
Full book includes 25 pages of Tertl and her garden kingdom.
"She has never once been impressed by a cat."
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Books, prints, stickers, and puzzles. All Tertl, all the time.
Coloring books on Amazon. Book 1 available now. Book 2 arrives July 1, 2026. $11.99 each. (She went outside. She found a dandelion. This was a great day.)
Buy on Amazon →
Three full-color high-res art prints on Etsy. Available in 8×10, 11×14, and 16×20. $17.99–$37.99. Printed by Printify and shipped direct. Confidence: Immense.
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Die-cut sticker sheets in character, garden, and accessory packs. 6x4" sheets. Use as-is or cut apart. 30-45 stickers per sheet. Prices vary as tagged on Etsy.
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Tertl puzzles in 30, 252, and 520 pieces. Crayon-style illustrations featuring art from The Great Garden Escape. Prices vary as tagged on Etsy.
Shop on Etsy →
The real Tertl, on patrol in her kingdom — Book 1 propped up for scale. Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Meet Tertl
Tertl is a real Russian tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii). She lives in a hand-built garden kingdom in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where she spends her days investigating dandelions, roaming her kingdom, and ignoring the squirrels entirely.
Every story in this series happened. Mostly.
All adventures are real. The dandelions were not harmed.
...The strawberries were.
Your Turn
Did Tertl make it onto your refrigerator? Tell us about it.
Wholesale & Retail
"She went outside. She found a dandelion. This was the best day."
We work with reptile shops, nature centers, zoo gift shops, and specialty children's retailers. If you think Tertl belongs in your store, we'd love to talk.
