Turtle Watch

By: George Ancona
Publisher: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1990
Age Level: 8-12 years
Language: English
ISBN: 0027009114

OUT OF PRINT

On the beach of a small Brazilian town called Praia do Forte, four oceanographers are working to save the endangered sea turtle. The scientists find a turtle’s nest, then dig up the eggs and remove them for safekeeping. And when the eggs have hatched, they help the baby turtles make their way to the ocean.

Not long ago the precious turtle eggs might have been uncovered and sold by fishermen of Praia do Forte. But today these men—and their children—are taking the eggs to the scientists, not the market.

George Ancona captures magnificently a turtle nesting in a dark night. Equally breathtaking are his photographs of two children who discover and save another turtle’s eggs. Combined with these moving photographs, the author’s gentle, informative text makes a strong case for cherishing and preserving life.