A Day Away

A book by Gefen Lamdan

Illustrated by Gefen Lamdan | Translated by Yonatan Ohana

A restless turtle, an itching shell, and a search for the perfect home.

The Story

When the sun shines bright like a hot desert spell, Mr. Turtle feels an itch under his shell. Convinced that it’s time to move out, he packs his bags and sets off on a whimsical journey to find a new place to live.

From a jagged doghouse to a dusty radio, and even a perilous dip into a birthday cake, Mr. Turtle tries it all. But he quickly learns that the world is full of strange fits—soups that burn, woodpeckers that peck, and clouds that float a little too high.

Written in delightful rhyming verse and brought to life through visual exploration, A Day Away is a story about curiosity, adventure, and the surprise of returning home.

When Mr. Turtle finally rushes back to his “stiff little shell,” he discovers he isn’t the only one looking for a change. A surprise roommate is waiting, proving that the best home isn’t a place—it’s who you share it with.

Why You’ll Love It

Unique Backstory

Originally written when the author’s son was four years old and left in a drawer for a decade, the story was recently translated into English by that same son (now 13), creating a heartwarming multi-generational collaboration.

Visual-First Origins

Created by a Product Executive and artist, the narrative was born from a process of ‘visual exploration’ rather than text, resulting in a unique, art-driven storytelling style.

Themes of Resilience & Friendship

A gentle, humorous tool for discussing dissatisfaction, curiosity, and the value of existing relationships with children ages 4–8.

Rhyming Format

Written in rhythmic verse, making it an ideal choice for read-aloud storytimes and early readers.

About the Author

Gefen Lamdan

Gefen Lamdan is a visual storyteller, a product innovator, and a proud mother of two turtles. Blending her career in technology with a lifelong love of art, she approaches every project through a lens of curiosity.

A Day Away, her debut as an author-illustrator, has a journey as unique as its creator. Originally written when her son was just four years old, the draft sat in a drawer for a decade, until that same son, now thirteen, translated it into English. This heartwarming collaboration brings a story of observation and wonder to life.