Turtles In My Sandbox (Arbordale Collection) - Hardcover

Jennifer Keats Curtis

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 097688237X ISBN 13: 9780976882374

Publisher: Arbordale Publishing, 2006

Synopsis

Imagine finding turtle eggs in your sandbox! When a mother diamondback terrapin lays eggs in a young girl's sandbox, the girl becomes a "turtle-sitter" to help the babies safely hatch. She raises the teeny hatchlings until they become big enough to fend for themselves in the wild. Then, with the help of experts, she releases them. Along the way, she learns about these unique animals and that she has made an important contribution to their survival. The "For Creative Minds" educational section includes terrapin fun facts and a turtle habitat craft.

About this title

From the Publisher:

"Turtles In My Sandbox" was featured in the Baltimore Sun (Oct. 2006) and is part of the Accelerated Reader program used in over 57,000 schools.

FROM THE ILLUSTRATOR:

"I have been an illustrator for many years, creating art for varied projects. Although I have enjoyed most, there are favorites. My current favorite is the book 'Turtles In My Sandbox.' I find its message of kindness and conservation important in a world of increasing turmoil. This charming book helps introduce children to the world of terrapins and the kind-hearted little girl who helps us discover just how special they are. Jennifer Curtis, the author, writes with conviction and a passion for an increasingly endangered species.

I have illustrated children's books, artwork for most of the major magazines, newspapers including the New York Times, posters for PBS Masterpiece Theater and was a member of the prestigious Push Pin Studio. I am quite proud to have worked with Sylvan Dell on this beautiful book. To see examples of my artwork please visit my web site. I believe my work speaks for it's self.

Thank you very much,

Emanuel Schongut"

From the Author:

Although I grew up in Maryland, the closest I ever got to a diamondback terrapin--Chesapeake Bay icon and state reptile--was when I rubbed the shiny nose of the statue Testudo, University of Maryland's mascot, for good luck before taking exams.

I'm not alone. Although terrapins are found throughout the Eastern seaboard, they are no longer abundant. Rarely are they seen swimming through the water; nor are they seen sunning themselves on rocks and sand bars in bays and rivers. If you've seen one in the wild, consider yourself lucky.

When I learned about the fate of this intelligent and tough species, and the remarkable work of some of the plucky experts trying to save it, I leaped at the chance to write about it.

The terrapin is a beloved and historical animal, but one that is in danger of becoming scarce because there is less of its habitat than there used to be.

Maryland children are among those giving baby terrapins a head start by protecting them so that they are more likely to survive when they're returned to their own habitat. What a delightful premise for a children's story!

Turtles In My Sandbox is the story of how one little girl makes a big difference in her own backyard. After raising turtles and releasing them into their natural habitat, she learns about these unique animals and the important contribution she has made to their survival. Who couldn't learn a lesson from that? Warm regards,

Jennifer K. Curtis

About this edition

• Publisher: Arbordale Publishing
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 097688237X
• ISBN 13: 9780976882374
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Emanuel Schongut