Turtle in the Sea

By Jim Arnosky

Book Overview

A poignant story of a sea turtle mother who lays her eggs late one night, this is also a subtle story about how important it is for mothers to take care of themselves for their children's sake. Dramatic and perfect for beginning readers, this book tells of near misses with sharks, boats, storms and nets-all the things a turtle mother must battle in order to stay alive. The turtle mother will not stay to see her eggs hatch, because that is the turtle way. But by ensuring her own survival, she gives her children the gift of life.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399227571
• ISBN13: 9780399227578
• Release Date: July 2002
• Publisher: Putnam
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.4" x 0.4" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Awesome sea turtle book by Jim Arnosky!

Turtle In The Sea is a great children's book on sea turtles. The illustrations are first rate, the biology is accurate, and the story is engaging. What more could you want? The focus of this story is on the hazards of being an adult sea turtle. In this case, the sea turtle is a loggerhead, but the hazards apply to all species. These hazards include shark attacks, boat and propeller strikes (a boat strike is pictured), and by-catch (being caught in a net is depicted). There is a hint that storms are hazardous for sea turtles in shallow waters; I am unaware of the importance or impact of these events on turtle condition. This is not a "Teddy the Happy Turtle" type of book, with the turtle talking to his friends in the sea. This is a biology book for children. Very nice, and recommended for the younger sea turtle enthusiast.

Great Illustrations

This book has great illustrations. The story tells about the life of a female sea turtle from birth until she lays her eggs on a sandy beach.

Good for kids

The first time I read this I didn't think my 3 year old would like it. It is not written simply and I thought it might scare him because of all the misfortunes the turtle encouters. But he really loves it and asks for it every night. I think it is good because it shows everyone faces problems in life. The pictures are great too!

A TOUCHING PICTURE OF LIFE IN THE SEA

Opening with a midnight scene lit by a piercing lighthouse beam readers see a large turtle laboriously pulling herself onto the beach in order to dig in the sand and lay her eggs. As the light illuminates her shell we see scars and marks, maps of the battles she has fought to survive. Once, when she was very young, a shark had surprised her, nipping at her from beneath. Another time as she grazed for jellyfish, which she loved, she was plowed under the surface by a large boat. Life is not easy for denizens of the sea, whether the danger is found in a sudden storm or a hidden net. Nonetheless, this mother turtle persevered to lay her eggs. Mr. Arnosky has painted a touching picture of life in the sea, and of the new life that is born there....