Children’s Books: Five Terrific Books about Turtles

Today (23rd May) is World Turtle Day, and a day of celebration of the turtle. For World Turtle Day we are asked to think about what we can do to help turtles and tortoises survive and thrive. What can we do to keep their habitat healthy? Of course, one of the biggest answers is reduce the amount of throw away plastics we use. I’ve picked out five books about turtles where you can find out more about these remarkable and quirky creatures.

Children's Books: Five Terrific Books about Turtles

Five Terrific Books about Turtles

National Geographic Kids – Mission: Sea Turtle Rescue: All About Sea Turtles and How to Save Them by Karen Romano Young is a brilliant book to start exploring the world of sea turtles. This introduction to sea turtles is packed full of in-depth information about their habitats, challenges, and conservation successes. Plus ideas for what kids can do to help save these amazing endangered creatures. 

Turtles and Tortoises – What’s the Difference? by Lisa M Herrington explores the difference between turtles and tortoises. They’re both reptiles. They both have shells and move fairly slowly. So how do you tell the difference between turtles and tortoises? This is a lovely book for pre-schoolers and is filled with handy  identification clues to help you learn the difference between turtles and tortoises.

The Coral Kingdom by Laura Knowles and Jenny Webber celebrates the beauty, diversity and fragile ecosystem of the coral reef. This visually stunning picture book has a strong ecological message about the need to protect this most precious environment. Follow and explore the life cycle, diversity and colour of the coral reef ecosystem; learn about the threats the reef faces and what we can do to save it. Each beautifully illustrated page is packed full of delightful sea creatures to discover and enjoy. A beautiful book with a powerful message.

The Sandman and the Turtles by Michael Morpurgo. The Sandman and the Turtles is a fantastic summer read for children from acclaimed children’s author, Michael Morpurgo. The story tells the tale of Dadci and his tall stories about the Sandman, the old Russian sea captain and blood-red dragon in his lair. His little cousin Polly believes every word of the magical tales and she’s determined to make it all come true. It’s a lovely story for children ages 7-11 and a real page turner!

Aesop’s Fables the Hare and the Tortoise by Miles Kelly. No round up of books about turtles and tortoises is complete without a mention of this classic story. The Hare and the Tortoise is the tale of a too speedy hare who takes on the slow but steady tortoise in a race, a story which showcases the benefits of persistence, resilience and just getting on with the job. More haste, less speed!

If you enjoyed this book selection, you might also like these five books about the environment.

Children's Books: Five Terrific Books about Turtles

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