Parents' Guide to

Little Turtle and the Song of the Sea

By Sally Snyder, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Children will cheer turtle on in his journey.

Book Sheridan Cain Picture Book 2000
Little Turtle and the Song of the Sea Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

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.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1):

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the challenges facing Little Turtle. What does he learn by the end of the story?

Book Details

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