Picture Book: Turtle Tracks

 

Title: Turtle Tracks
Author: Sue Trew
Publication: 2013

I purchased Turtle Tracks while on summer vacation in Antigua. It is about the regional turtles of the area, hawksbill turtles, and their nesting habits. I really enjoyed reading this book and think it can be a very informative text for readers. As a kid, adult or life-long learner, anyone can appreciate the beautiful drawings and explanatory writing of the picture book. The author is a Barbadian artist and writer whose purpose is to help inform others about local wildlife and nature, like the hawksbill turtle.

The author is especially good at making the story interesting, lined with an informative lesson. As Tunnell's Article, "How to Recognize a Well-Written Book," states about how to recognize good writing skills, "In good books, the story in primary and the lessons are secondary" (Tunnell, 26). Trew intricately intertwines an enjoyable story of a mother laying her eggs and the baby turtles hatching with small details that provide an educational component. In addition, Trew adds discussion facts at the end of the book to elaborate in detail about turtles. By doing this, the reader will be able to go to the end of the book to learn more about turtles and Trew's story-telling is not impaired by to much information.

For me, turtles have always been my favorite animal, and I think by reading about them and their nesting habits, one can learn to appreciate the beautiful process of their reproduction. By reading and learning more about turtle's and their lifestyle, I believe readers can come to better understand and maybe even protect turtles' lives. They will be more aware of potential sea turtle nesting sites while at the beach and conserving the oceans to protect sea life.