Turtles

Children's Literature

Their size ranges from the three-inch speckled cape tortoise to the eight-foot leatherback sea turtle. Tortoises live on land, turtles live in fresh water, and sea turtles make their home in the ocean. Over 200 million years ago, they shared the earth with the dinosaurs. The horny scales (scutes) covering their shells are made of the same material (keratin) that makes up our fingernails. It seems there are enough interesting facts about turtles to fill a book! Learn why you will never see a turtle leave its shell. Find out which continent does not have turtles. For safety's sake, read about which turtles you should never handle. Many examples are given that show the turtle to be a well engineered animal that is wonderfully suited for its specific environment. Unfortunately, many types of turtles have endangered status because of humans. Historically, they have been killed for their oil, meat, shells, and skins. Human encroachment on nesting sites and pollution of their habitat are more recent problems. Nature lovers will enjoy learning about the turtle and may be interested in the additional resources given to help them learn more about turtles and the organizations that help them. Part of the "A True Book" series. 2003, Children's Press,
— Barbara Kennedy