Did you know that May 23rd is World Turtle Day?
No? That's okay - we've got you covered with a selection of books to read this year.
All books that I have done a review of will open in a new tab if clicked so you don't lose your reading spot
Meanwhile. click to jump to the section you're most interested in
Fiction
Snail and Turtle are Friends
Author: Stephen Michael King
Type: Picture Book
This simple worded books shows how friends don't have to be completely the same or completely different. All they need is to get to know each other and accept them for who they are. You can read a comprehensive review by clicking Snail and Turtle are Friends: Book Review.
I also have a page fully of teaching ideas available for use with this book.
Little Ruby (series)Author: Roofia Roofchaei
Type: Picture Books
Little Ruby is a small red turtle who is extremely curious. In the first book of the series, Little Ruby, he decides that instead of being on the ground he wants to fly in the sky with the clouds. In the second of the series, it's all about learning what it means to be helpful and how it makes the giver and receiver feel.
A Turtle's Magical AdventureAuthor: Wanda Luthman
Type: Transition Book (longer than a picture book but not a chapter book)
This is the story of Tad, a turtle who isn't too keen on his shell. You see, Tad thinks that it is his shell that is slowing him down and he wants to be a fast turtle! Then he comes across a snake who says he knows of a wizard in the Magical Timberwood Forest who can make his wish come true. So off Tad goes to find the wizard...but will he get his wish or be eaten as turtle soup?
The Turtle Ship
Author: Helena Ku Rhee
Type: Picture Book
Okay so this one isn't released yet, but I'm really looking forward to it so please indulge me!
Long ago in Korea, a young boy named Sun-sin spent his days playing with his pet turtle Gobugi and dreaming of sailing around the world. As a poor villager, though, his dream to travel seemed impossible. Then one day, the king s court announced a contest to find the best design for a new battleship to defend the land from invaders. The winner would sail the ocean with the royal navy.
Determined to win, Sun-sin attempts to build an indestructible battleship with a few found items. Each attempt fails miserably against the powerful sea, and with it Sun-sin s dream also sinks to the bottom. Turning to Gobugi for comfort, Sun-sin notices how his pet turtle is small but mighty, slow but steady, and impossible to sink. Suddenly, Sun-sin has a great idea.
Non-Fiction
Sea TurtlesAuthor: Gail Gibbons
Type: Children's non-fiction
I love books by Gail Gibbons as they always pack a lot of information in there and are well presented. This book has the life cycles of 7 (advertised as 8 but genetics have since proved two are the same turtle - another bit of learning there!) turtles and also discusses their behaviour and anatomy. I highly recommend this one especially for homeschooling families.
National Geographic Readers: TurtlesAuthor: Laura Marsh
Type: Early Reader non-fiction
National Geographic books always have the most amazing photography! There are a couple of books about turtles in the series but I picked this one because it's at the level 1 range which is great for engaging young children who are beginning to read basic words and sentences.
The Green Sea TurtleAuthor: Isabel Müller
Type: Non-fiction written in narrative form
This is a non-fiction book but written in a story-type style. It follows the turtle from birth right through until it returns home to lay eggs and start the cycle again. Lovely illustrations that add a lot more to the life cycle.
Thank you for including my book on your list for National Turtle Day!
ReplyDeleteWho knew there were so many books about Turtles? I find them fascinating but know relatively little about them so would love the non-fiction books. And please let's hope Tad doesn't find his way into turtle soup. Eek!
ReplyDeleteI do love turtles and my friends kids do, I think I feel some idea extra gifts for them x
ReplyDeleteWow what a lot of books about turtles. My son is turtle mad and he'd be over the moon with one of these books, thanks.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise there was such a thing as World Turtle Day but what a great idea and a great collection of books. Turtles were laying eggs on the beach when we were in the Maldives and there was actually one swimming behind us once!
ReplyDeleteThey sound like delightful books. Our son is starting to get intrigued with marine life and turtles are certainly on of the species that catch his attention. One of the early-learning books would be better for him. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI have not read any of these books but what a lovely roundup. I see a few that i could get for my nephew
ReplyDeleteI never knew there was a national turtle day! What a lovely selection of books, my son wanted a book about sea creatures last time we were in the library, I’m sure he’d find the non fiction ones you’ve listed really interesting. I like the sound of the magical turtle adventure, I hope the turtle doesn’t get turned to soup!!
ReplyDeletewow! I didn't realise there were so many books about Turtles! I only know the ninja ones lol
ReplyDeleteSome great inspiration of books to read about turtles! I think I may have hunt down some of the non fiction ones to show my toddler. x
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