Little Turtle and the Song of the Sea
Common Sense Note
Children will be attracted to realistic illustrations, and the story (although sometimes oversimplified) creates suspense and concern about Little Turtle's fate.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Sally Snyder
Parents and children will enjoy following Little Turtle's journey in this fun read-aloud. Each page contains one or two sentences, so young ones won't have to wait long to turn the page and find out what happens to Little Turtle next. This is a good introduction to the dangers of nature; it does so without showing any real injury to Little Turtle.
The author has taken some liberties with scientific information. The most noticeable is the turtle's ability to outrun a crab. The author also gives the impression that once the turtle reaches the sea he will be safe, but there are many dangers in the sea as well.
Norma Burgin's realistic acrylics have an Andrew Wyeth-like sense of detail, especially present in the scene of the newly hatched turtle bursting from the sand. The greens and blues of the cool ocean gives the reader as much relief as Little Turtle must feel swimming along the bottom after his close escapes.
The end papers add to both the story's beginning and conclusion. The front end papers show an adult female sea turtle returning to the sea, her freshly made nest in the foreground. The back-cover end papers show a small Little Turtle in the vast ocean, giving a sense of the immense world he has entered.
Sea Turtle Journey is another story about a sea turtle, and comes with a toy turtle in the package. Make Way for Ducklings is about a pair of ducks herding their brood to a new home.
From The Book
Come on Little Turtle, sang the Sea. "A few more steps, and safe you'll be." But Little Turtle was tired, and he could go no further. He lay in the sand, just out of reach of the Sea. "I'm coming, Little Turtle," sang the Sea. She stretched her watery arms toward him.
Plot Summary:
Come Little Turtle, sang the Sea. "Come little Turtle, come home to me." The sea calls the newly hatched turtle past many dangers to relative safety in the sea. Children will relate to Little Turtle and cheer him on in his journey. Realistic illustrations enhance the appeal of this simple story, giving a taste of nature to the reader.
Rate It!
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ViolenceAn illustration of a crab's glowing red eyes and large claw emanating from under a rock's dark shadow. |
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