Book excerpt: Adventure jumps off every page in this esteem-building children's novel. Cecil's Magnifico Adventure is a triumphant tale about a tortoise named Cecil who is burdened with a cracked shell and low self-esteem. An injured bluebird comes into his life and changes it forever with her infectious positive attitude and loyal friendship. Throughout this inspirational story, Cecil and a band of critters find themselves facing all sorts of challenging situations. Embracing these situations help each of the critters grow stronger as individuals and closer together as a group. The story is interwoven with social and emotional learning (SEL) including making a plan to achieve a goal, recognizing that bullying is wrong, developing compassion for others, accepting yourself and others as unique, and much more!