When Turtles Come to Town

As a native New Yorker, what did I know (or care)about the plight of the little sea turtle population! They were not part of my concrete-taxicab-and-subway world. Then, one magical day I was relocated from The Big Apple to a new home "near the mighty, crashing ocean,now making it possible for me and mine to take part in something truly wonderful," that special time of life here in Boca Raton, FL where at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center the little sea turtles come to town."Rockie, Big Mac and Sprite" are the resident sea turtles at Gumbo Limbo, & I'm sure in some millionth-year-way are distant cousins of the sea turtles in this educational little book. The book tells the rich history of my "sea-living neighbors" while describing this endangered species significance to man and child in its annual quest to continue life. The story captures "a moment in time" - a phase- in the growing-up years of a young boy and his sister and their warm, caring and loving relationship with their father. The wonders of nature and the proactive "do-something" need on the part of young and older humans alike to protect and preserve the sea turtle are movingly portrayed within the pages of this book. The story is simply told, with real and colorful photos, that parent and child will want to revisit repeatedly....and catch the next flight to Boca Raton! When Turtles Come To Town will teach children about yet another segment of nature and ignite their imaginations to do their part to save just a little portion of the world for these harmless, fragile little sea creatures.

When I first picked this title, I thought it was a science book for young readers. I suppose that was accurate -- but it's actually so much more. Not only is this a delightful story of the annual phenomenon of how our endangered sea turtles regenerate, but perhaps more importantly, it also reflects the heartwarming relationship between a father and son.The book no doubt will inspire readers to become committed (or renew their commitment) to the preservation of these gentle creatures, as well as make them wonder what progress has been made in the decade since their story was first published here.Pre-teens surely will be enthralled with the story and find it easy-to-read on their own. However, adults will be pleased to discover that, read aloud by chapters, it also holds the attention of young children, who will be fascinated with the turtles as well as the adventures of the boy and his father.The book is generously illustrated with photos which richly illuminate the tale. This definitely is a book to add to any child's bookshelf!