Two first-graders decided to steal a turtle from a living corner in order to put it under the tank tracks. But their classmate Tanya, who has attracted both children and adults to the rescue of the turtle, cannot allow this to happen.

Set in 1970's Soviet Union, the story follows a group of young children and a pet turtle. When one of the children becomes ill and taken to hospital, his turtle falls into the hands of two mischievous boys who test the turtle's indestructible shell. A group of girls spring the sick boy from the institution and a race ensues to rescue the poor creature out from under the treads of a Soviet tank!—Cyril Klopper (South Africa)