Turtle Pond - by James Gladstone (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

A delightful tribute to turtles and turtle-watching, from a young child's perspective.

What is it about turtles that fascinates us? Is it how they hide inside their patterned shells, their wizened faces, their slow determination?

In Turtle Pond, a child and his parents visit their local public garden throughout the year, observing the turtles as they play, dive, feed, bask, climb, hide and doze. James Gladstone's lively prose poem reveals the pleasure and curiosity that come from spending time with the turtles. Karen Reczuch's stunningly beautiful illustrations accurately portray these extraordinary creatures, both in and out of the water, surrounded by lush plants and the changing seasons beyond the greenhouse windows.

An author's note provides more information about turtles, including the Red-eared Slider featured in the book.

Key Text Features
scientific illustrations
author's note
further information

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.7
With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear (e.g., what moment in a story an illustration depicts).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.7
Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting)

Review Quotes

". . . illustrated in striking watercolors . . . The wonder and excitement of seeing turtles as they live through all four seasons emphasizes the curiosity people feel about this ancient species." -- Lolly Gepson, Booklist

". . . the book evokes curiosity as well as a sense of wonder and respect for these long-surviving reptiles." -- Literacy Daily

"[A] beautiful book . . . It would be a wonderful gift for any child." -- Resource Links

"A pleasant time in the company of turtles." -- School Library Journal

"A poetic yet informative introduction to the lives of turtles that will motivate children to find out more." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Turtle Pond is a delightful, quiet book that is perfect for sharing with youngsters always curious about the animal world." -- CM Magazine