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Nature Storybooks
One Tiny Turtle
Key Features Description This lyrical and informative look at the elusive and endangered loggerhead turtle is sure to delight young nature lovers. Far, far out at sea lives one of the world's most mysterious creatures, the loggerhead turtle. For thirty years she swims the oceans, wandering thousands of miles as she searches for food. Until, one summer night, she lands on a beach to lay her eggs- the very same beach where she herself was born. And thus begins again the cycle of life. Includes an index. Nicola Davies's lyrical text offers fascinating information about the journey of the tiny, endangered loggerhead, while charming paintings by Jane Chapman vivdly... Show More This lyrical and informative look at the elusive and endangered loggerhead turtle is sure to delight young nature lovers. Far, far out at sea lives one of the world's most mysterious creatures, the loggerhead turtle. For thirty years she swims the oceans, wandering thousands of miles as she searches for food. Until, one summer night, she lands on a beach to lay her eggs- the very same beach where she herself was born. And thus begins again the cycle of life. Includes an index. Nicola Davies's lyrical text offers fascinating information about the journey of the tiny, endangered loggerhead, while charming paintings by Jane Chapman vivdly illustrate one turtle's journey. Standards RI.3.5. Use text features and search tools (e.g., key words, sidebars, hyperlinks) to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently.RL.2.10. By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories and poetry, in the grades 2–3 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range. RI.3.5. Use text features and search tools (e.g., key words, sidebars, hyperlinks) to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently.RL.2.10. By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories and poetry, in the grades 2–3 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range. Product Details Item #: NTS942983 9780439429832 Paperback Book 32 Informational Text K - 3 Lexile® AD650L Guided Reading GR Level N DRA 28 - 30 ACR 4.1 Key Features Item #: NTS942983 9780439429832 Paperback Book 32 Informational Text K - 3 Lexile® AD650L Guided Reading GR Level N DRA 28 - 30 ACR 4.1
32 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2001
9 people are currently reading
644 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Davies
162 books180 followers"I was very small when I saw my first dolphin," says zoologist Nicola Davies, recalling a seminal visit with her father to a dolphin show at the zoo. Enchanted at the sight of what she called the "big fish" jumping so high and swimming so fast, she determined right then that she would meet the amazing creatures again "in the wild, where they belonged." And indeed she did--as part of a pair of scientific expeditions, one to Newfoundland at the age of eighteen and another to the Indian Ocean a year later. In WILD ABOUT DOLPHINS, Nicola Davies describes her voyages in a firsthand account filled with fascinating facts and captivating photographs of seven species of dolphins in action.
Nicola Davies's seemingly boundless enthusiasm for studying animals of all kinds has led her around the world--and fortunately for young readers, she is just as excited about sharing her interests through picture books. The zoologist's latest offering puts a decidedly quirky twist on her years of experience: POOP: A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE UNMENTIONABLE is a fun, fact-filled guide to the fascinating world of poop across species. "As a zoologist, you are never far from poop!" the writer explains. "I've baked goose poop in an oven with my dinner, looked at bat poop under the microscope, and had my T-shirt stained pink with blue-whale poop. I was obviously fated to write this book."
The exceptional combination of Nicola Davies's zoological expertise and her first-rate children's writing is apparent in her remarkable catalog of award-winning titles. Her first book with Candlewick Press, BIG BLUE WHALE, was hailed by American Bookseller as an "artfully composed study" offering "language exactly appropriate for four- to seven-year-olds and precisely the right amount of information." In ONE TINY TURTLE, Nicola Davies's clear, compelling narrative follows the life of the rarely seen loggerhead turtle, which swims the oceans for thirty years and for thousands of miles in search of food, only to return, uncannily, to lay her eggs on the very beach where she was born. The author's next book, BAT LOVES THE NIGHT, is a tenderly written ode to a much-misunderstood flying mammal, the pipistrelle bat, while SURPRISING SHARKS--winner of a BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK Honor Award--contains unexpected facts about another one of the planet's most infamous animals.
When she is not off on scientific expeditions, Nicola Davies lives in a cottage in Somerset, England, where she is lucky enough to have pipistrelle bats nesting in her roof.
Nicola Davies's seemingly boundless enthusiasm for studying animals of all kinds has led her around the world--and fortunately for young readers, she is just as excited about sharing her interests through picture books. The zoologist's latest offering puts a decidedly quirky twist on her years of experience: POOP: A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE UNMENTIONABLE is a fun, fact-filled guide to the fascinating world of poop across species. "As a zoologist, you are never far from poop!" the writer explains. "I've baked goose poop in an oven with my dinner, looked at bat poop under the microscope, and had my T-shirt stained pink with blue-whale poop. I was obviously fated to write this book."
The exceptional combination of Nicola Davies's zoological expertise and her first-rate children's writing is apparent in her remarkable catalog of award-winning titles. Her first book with Candlewick Press, BIG BLUE WHALE, was hailed by American Bookseller as an "artfully composed study" offering "language exactly appropriate for four- to seven-year-olds and precisely the right amount of information." In ONE TINY TURTLE, Nicola Davies's clear, compelling narrative follows the life of the rarely seen loggerhead turtle, which swims the oceans for thirty years and for thousands of miles in search of food, only to return, uncannily, to lay her eggs on the very beach where she was born. The author's next book, BAT LOVES THE NIGHT, is a tenderly written ode to a much-misunderstood flying mammal, the pipistrelle bat, while SURPRISING SHARKS--winner of a BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK Honor Award--contains unexpected facts about another one of the planet's most infamous animals.
When she is not off on scientific expeditions, Nicola Davies lives in a cottage in Somerset, England, where she is lucky enough to have pipistrelle bats nesting in her roof.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
March 8, 2012
Text Summary
Just beneath the surface of the ocean, amongst the driftwood and weeds, if you look hard enough, you might just see a small creature swimming about. This creature is just a baby, her shell “soft as old leather,” and her little beak snapping onto tiny crabs and shrimps. What you have just come across is a Loggerhead turtle. Thus begins the young sea turtle’s journey to adulthood. While following the turtle on this journey, the reader watches as the turtle makes her way through the “silver surface,” riding out harsh storms and floating through “the hot calms.” Years later, when she has grown larger, she makes her way to the surface to lay eggs on the beach. The eggs are safely hidden underneath layers of sand until the day they hatch. Weeks later, baby turtles wiggle and twist their way out of the eggs and head toward the water, guided by the light of the moon. Those who make into the sea will grow bigger and one day return to this very shore.
Literary merits
There are many text features and literary elements used to enrich the reader’s experience with this text. First, the author writes in both a narrative and expository style throughout the book, moving from poetic language during the narrative and prose during the expository passages. The narrative is used to tell the story of the sea turtle, while the expository style writing is used to impart the facts about the Loggerhead sea turtle. One way the reader can distinguish the two is by noticing the font. The narrative is bold and written straight across the page; while, the expository passages are shown in a much smaller font and flowing in a sort of wave-like motion across the page. Poetic devices like alliteration and simile are used to describe and support the setting. This, combined with the vivid illustrations on each page help to also construct a mood for the reader.
Classroom Recommendations
Grades k-4. This text can be used in connection with a science unit on the life cycle or possibly an ocean animals unit. This text offers an accessible way for students to enter into discussion and build some background/general knowledge on the life and life cycle of a sea turtle. The pictures and language provide for a non-threatening reading experience. Students will have a lot of fun using this book to discuss and explore the mysteries of the ocean. For some of the older students, teachers can lead them in some creative writing using the book as a sort of mentor text. There is so much nice figurative language and other poetic devices used in this text that students can analyze and use in a poem of their own.
Just beneath the surface of the ocean, amongst the driftwood and weeds, if you look hard enough, you might just see a small creature swimming about. This creature is just a baby, her shell “soft as old leather,” and her little beak snapping onto tiny crabs and shrimps. What you have just come across is a Loggerhead turtle. Thus begins the young sea turtle’s journey to adulthood. While following the turtle on this journey, the reader watches as the turtle makes her way through the “silver surface,” riding out harsh storms and floating through “the hot calms.” Years later, when she has grown larger, she makes her way to the surface to lay eggs on the beach. The eggs are safely hidden underneath layers of sand until the day they hatch. Weeks later, baby turtles wiggle and twist their way out of the eggs and head toward the water, guided by the light of the moon. Those who make into the sea will grow bigger and one day return to this very shore.
Literary merits
There are many text features and literary elements used to enrich the reader’s experience with this text. First, the author writes in both a narrative and expository style throughout the book, moving from poetic language during the narrative and prose during the expository passages. The narrative is used to tell the story of the sea turtle, while the expository style writing is used to impart the facts about the Loggerhead sea turtle. One way the reader can distinguish the two is by noticing the font. The narrative is bold and written straight across the page; while, the expository passages are shown in a much smaller font and flowing in a sort of wave-like motion across the page. Poetic devices like alliteration and simile are used to describe and support the setting. This, combined with the vivid illustrations on each page help to also construct a mood for the reader.
Classroom Recommendations
Grades k-4. This text can be used in connection with a science unit on the life cycle or possibly an ocean animals unit. This text offers an accessible way for students to enter into discussion and build some background/general knowledge on the life and life cycle of a sea turtle. The pictures and language provide for a non-threatening reading experience. Students will have a lot of fun using this book to discuss and explore the mysteries of the ocean. For some of the older students, teachers can lead them in some creative writing using the book as a sort of mentor text. There is so much nice figurative language and other poetic devices used in this text that students can analyze and use in a poem of their own.
September 21, 2012
This is a wonderful, well-written book about an animal who is becoming a rarer sight in our seas today.
May 5, 2019
I have read other Nicola Davis books before, but this one particularly stood out to me. It stood out to me as I have a background in Geography, but also as my twin sister is an avid environmentalist. My twin sister particularly takes interest in turtles. She continually warns me about how the use of plastic is harming the turtles. All this considered I gave it a read. What I particularly love about this book is the incorporation of fact into an enjoyable story. Sometimes children can find it hard to engage with heavy non-fiction texts, which educate them on many different things. Through incorporating these facts into a story that they can enjoy, it is a perfect way for children to get involved with non fiction text. The story tells the life journey of a turtle, describing different facts about the turtle throughout the life stages.
Furthermore, I particularly like how some of the words in the book take the form of a wave. This wave of words adds to the waves in the illustrations, embedding the words into them. In addition to this, the illustrations really reflect the words. For example, the book starts by describing how the empty sky touches the water. In the illustration you can see the clouds touching the water, nothing in the sky above as the clouds are low. This really engages you in the story as not only are you living the story through the words, but also through the illustrations.
I would use this book in Geography lessons to discuss biodiversity. I would also think about the different habitats of turtles and why they might live in these areas, linking this to Geography and the places around the world, as well as climate. However, I would also use this book to discuss different species and adaptations, linking the story into Science. In regards to Science I could also discuss habitats and why turtles might live in certain places. Increasingly species like the turtle are in danger because of human action. In regards to both Geography and Science, I can stress to children the importance of maintaining species, the need for change in human behaviour and how we view these species.
Furthermore, I particularly like how some of the words in the book take the form of a wave. This wave of words adds to the waves in the illustrations, embedding the words into them. In addition to this, the illustrations really reflect the words. For example, the book starts by describing how the empty sky touches the water. In the illustration you can see the clouds touching the water, nothing in the sky above as the clouds are low. This really engages you in the story as not only are you living the story through the words, but also through the illustrations.
I would use this book in Geography lessons to discuss biodiversity. I would also think about the different habitats of turtles and why they might live in these areas, linking this to Geography and the places around the world, as well as climate. However, I would also use this book to discuss different species and adaptations, linking the story into Science. In regards to Science I could also discuss habitats and why turtles might live in certain places. Increasingly species like the turtle are in danger because of human action. In regards to both Geography and Science, I can stress to children the importance of maintaining species, the need for change in human behaviour and how we view these species.
November 29, 2018
Another educational story by Davies (a zoologist) which contains facts within the story about the Life cycle of a turtle. A good opportunity to increase facts and teach children through the medium of story telling without them realising. However, I think the facts in One Tiny Turtle will likely be lost among the very youngest of years, so is likely more suited to Year 1 and 2.
October 21, 2018
This book is such a lovely simple way for children to learn facts about turtles but at a level they will understand. The pictures are simply gorgeous
January 13, 2022
Lovely, well-written story of the loggerhead sea turtle. The flow of the text reminds me of the sea. The illustrations are realistic, but with a touch of saltwater in the colors.
February 15, 2020
This review was published on Lost in a Good Book
Davies has written a beautiful book about the majestic nature of sea turtles and while she doesn’t mention the human impact on their environment or habits, there is no doubt when you finish reading it makes you think about what that impact has been.
The focus is on one small female turtle as she survives in the sea and we follow her as she grows and explores the ocean. Davies’ words are lyrical and poetic and tell the fascinating and amazing journey from a baby turtle to a full grown Loggerhead.
There is a simple narrative but it covers a lot and in addition there are footnote type facts as well, smaller in print and separated from the main text. These are educational and add real life information based on whatever is currently happening in the narrative.
While the story itself is beautiful, there’s no doubt it’s enhanced by Chapman’s stunning illustrations. Truly the illustrations are beautiful; realistic and beautifully coloured images of the growing turtle and her underwater world. The cool colours and the layout on the page give you a sense of being underwater and you rise to the surface as the turtle does, Chapman placing you on the beach alongside the turtle and back into the sea. It is incredibly clever.
I found myself getting swept up in this wonderful tale even though it only describes the life of a turtle, nothing fanciful or fictional added on. Davies’s words are simple yet remind you how beautiful turtles really are.
Davies has written a beautiful book about the majestic nature of sea turtles and while she doesn’t mention the human impact on their environment or habits, there is no doubt when you finish reading it makes you think about what that impact has been.
The focus is on one small female turtle as she survives in the sea and we follow her as she grows and explores the ocean. Davies’ words are lyrical and poetic and tell the fascinating and amazing journey from a baby turtle to a full grown Loggerhead.
There is a simple narrative but it covers a lot and in addition there are footnote type facts as well, smaller in print and separated from the main text. These are educational and add real life information based on whatever is currently happening in the narrative.
While the story itself is beautiful, there’s no doubt it’s enhanced by Chapman’s stunning illustrations. Truly the illustrations are beautiful; realistic and beautifully coloured images of the growing turtle and her underwater world. The cool colours and the layout on the page give you a sense of being underwater and you rise to the surface as the turtle does, Chapman placing you on the beach alongside the turtle and back into the sea. It is incredibly clever.
I found myself getting swept up in this wonderful tale even though it only describes the life of a turtle, nothing fanciful or fictional added on. Davies’s words are simple yet remind you how beautiful turtles really are.
July 10, 2012
We love sea turtles and we were sad that we couldn't find this book at our local library. But they did have a VHS tape (ISBN 0976198177) of the book being narrated by Scott James Hybl. Described as a picture book on video, the pages of the book came alive as the video panned in and out to focus on different parts of the illustrations as the story progressed. And it almost seemed animated, although I'm sure it was just how the video company (Nutmeg Media) managed the transitions between the pages. A "Did You Know?" section at the end of the program offers additional facts and altogether the film ran for only 9 minutes.
The story was interesting and the illustrations are gorgeous. If it had been any longer, though, I think our girls would have begun to lose interest. The life span of the sea turtle is fascinating and it is very sad how few actually make it to adulthood. Overall, we thought this was an entertaining video, although I think I would have preferred the book. Still, I guess there's a reason why we held onto that old VHS player, eh?
The story was interesting and the illustrations are gorgeous. If it had been any longer, though, I think our girls would have begun to lose interest. The life span of the sea turtle is fascinating and it is very sad how few actually make it to adulthood. Overall, we thought this was an entertaining video, although I think I would have preferred the book. Still, I guess there's a reason why we held onto that old VHS player, eh?
March 5, 2019
Davies has somehow taken a simple children's book, brimming with facts and details of the lifecycle of a loggerhead turtle, and turned it into an emotion filled, heart-tugging inspirational story.
Instead of a baby talk primer, this book inspires true literacy with verses like:
"Floating in the sea she weighs nothing, but on land she's heavier than a man. So every flipper step is a struggle, and her eyes stream with salty tears, which help keep them free of sand." WOW - What a beautiful way to convey information.
Instead of a baby talk primer, this book inspires true literacy with verses like:
"Floating in the sea she weighs nothing, but on land she's heavier than a man. So every flipper step is a struggle, and her eyes stream with salty tears, which help keep them free of sand." WOW - What a beautiful way to convey information.
July 28, 2011
This book tells the story of a loggerhead turtle. Starting with a young turtle in the sea through adulthood, this book will fascinate children who want to know the truth about how turtles live. Features lovely illustrations.
Younger children might find the ending a little upsetting when some of the babies are caught by predators.
Younger children might find the ending a little upsetting when some of the babies are caught by predators.
February 2, 2017
One Tiny Turtle is the very sweet, nonfiction depiction of the life cycle of the Loggerhead sea turtle. The soft illustrations and the fact-filled yet entertaining text are perfect for introducing the unique and delicate life of sea turtles to young children.
September 9, 2010
Solid factual book, but some facts are separated out would have been nice if all the information had been integrated.
December 9, 2016
Lovely pictures and an interesting premise, but the syntax and vocabulary were awkward.
April 17, 2018
Aww I love this book and the turtle is so cute! ‘One Tiny Turtle’ is a wonderful picture book and explains all about the life of a sea turtle, in this case a loggerhead turtle. The book itself is wider than an A4 sheet of paper although shorter and is filled with thick glossy pages of beautiful colourful illustrations and text. Being part of the Nature Storybooks collection this is a sort of mix of fiction and non-fiction. It’s like a non-fiction book but with the story of a turtle from being young, through growing up to adult size where the turtle then returns to her place of birth to lay eggs. The story element is a bit like a documentary and just makes you feel for this beautiful creature.
The book starts with a brief introduction to turtles before the real story of one particular tiny turtle begins. Turtle, as she is known, is shown to us in her secret sea nursery where she spends her life as a baby turtle growing up. There’s lots of interesting information about what she feeds on, how she moves and breathes and as she grows up we are shown more about her life. There’s something so engaging about the way the book is written. You immediately feel for Turtle, this cute but lone animal, and want her to survive and grow up and see what happens to her. Towards the end of the story we learn about how she leaves eggs on the beach and the cycle of a baby turtle coming out and into the sea is shown.
The illustrations are just amazing. I really can’t help but love just how cute and beautiful Turtle looks. It’s so realistic and her surroundings drawn with equal beauty, it just really makes me want to look at the pictures over and over. I found myself staring for ages at some of the images and I can’t help but feel that this book is worth it alone for the beautiful artwork.
I’m really glad a book about turtles was created as it really highlights how important it is to look after these animals. Kids will really enjoy this book, I think, as it’s just so lovely to look at and some of the facts you learn about the life of a turtle really make you want to know more about them. I think this book is perfect for any children interested in animals or if anyone wants to raise awareness or get their kids interested. You just can’t help but love Turtle when reading this and I believe that’s the point! The book has a back page with notes to parents and teachers on how to use it with kids. It also supports Key Stage 1-2 of English and Science so it makes it a great learning book to use with kids both at home and in the classroom.
Of all the Nature Storybooks this is one of my favourites and one I’d definitely recommend kids to read.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy
The book starts with a brief introduction to turtles before the real story of one particular tiny turtle begins. Turtle, as she is known, is shown to us in her secret sea nursery where she spends her life as a baby turtle growing up. There’s lots of interesting information about what she feeds on, how she moves and breathes and as she grows up we are shown more about her life. There’s something so engaging about the way the book is written. You immediately feel for Turtle, this cute but lone animal, and want her to survive and grow up and see what happens to her. Towards the end of the story we learn about how she leaves eggs on the beach and the cycle of a baby turtle coming out and into the sea is shown.
The illustrations are just amazing. I really can’t help but love just how cute and beautiful Turtle looks. It’s so realistic and her surroundings drawn with equal beauty, it just really makes me want to look at the pictures over and over. I found myself staring for ages at some of the images and I can’t help but feel that this book is worth it alone for the beautiful artwork.
I’m really glad a book about turtles was created as it really highlights how important it is to look after these animals. Kids will really enjoy this book, I think, as it’s just so lovely to look at and some of the facts you learn about the life of a turtle really make you want to know more about them. I think this book is perfect for any children interested in animals or if anyone wants to raise awareness or get their kids interested. You just can’t help but love Turtle when reading this and I believe that’s the point! The book has a back page with notes to parents and teachers on how to use it with kids. It also supports Key Stage 1-2 of English and Science so it makes it a great learning book to use with kids both at home and in the classroom.
Of all the Nature Storybooks this is one of my favourites and one I’d definitely recommend kids to read.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy
April 14, 2018
This picture book is an example of an informational text utilizing a narrative progression following the life of a loggerhead turtle. The story follows the development of the young turtle from hatching to laying her own eggs while providing information about loggerhead turtle habitats, dietary habits, and predators the turtles face. The reader begins the story with a poem about turtles creating an understanding of the topics to be discussed further as they continue the story. From there the reader is introduced to the main character, the tiny turtle. As the story progresses it follows her struggles and triumphs as she fights to survive in a dangerous world.
Author Nicola Davis' use of a narrative structure is a pleasant change and effectively creative choice while writing this informational picture book. The use of the narrative creates a character for the reader to follow while discussing a seemingly distant and unrelatable topic for most children. Because the turtle begins at a young age in a seemingly vast and uncertain world a young child can easily relate to the feelings of uncertainty. This aspect of the book makes it so much more enjoyable as the reader can connect and learn rather than simply read facts off of a page. This is combined with beautiful, painted illustrations creating an engaging and wonderfully written story that allows learning to be fun. The illustrations are both realistically beautiful and artfully skilled allowing for children to grasp how turtles look and grow, as well as, how they compare to their environment.
This story was not only informative but also engaging. Anyone who picks up this book will be drawn in by the bright and colorful illustrations and the fun little facts that are scattered along the pages. As an informational text it definitely meets its goal of being educational, but does this in a way that is fun and unexpected. I thoroughly enjoyed the illustrations and story and could find nothing to change.
Author Nicola Davis' use of a narrative structure is a pleasant change and effectively creative choice while writing this informational picture book. The use of the narrative creates a character for the reader to follow while discussing a seemingly distant and unrelatable topic for most children. Because the turtle begins at a young age in a seemingly vast and uncertain world a young child can easily relate to the feelings of uncertainty. This aspect of the book makes it so much more enjoyable as the reader can connect and learn rather than simply read facts off of a page. This is combined with beautiful, painted illustrations creating an engaging and wonderfully written story that allows learning to be fun. The illustrations are both realistically beautiful and artfully skilled allowing for children to grasp how turtles look and grow, as well as, how they compare to their environment.
This story was not only informative but also engaging. Anyone who picks up this book will be drawn in by the bright and colorful illustrations and the fun little facts that are scattered along the pages. As an informational text it definitely meets its goal of being educational, but does this in a way that is fun and unexpected. I thoroughly enjoyed the illustrations and story and could find nothing to change.
May 23, 2025
A tiny loggerhead turtle grows to adulthood in the vast ocean in this work of picture book natural history from British author/illustrator team Nicola Davies and Jane Chapman, living at first in the safe environment of a tangle of weed and driftwood. Eventually, when her shell has hardened, she takes to the open water, swimming vast distances in her life. After thirty years or so she will return to her home beach to lay her eggs, ponderously crawling onto the shore and burying them in the sand. Once hatched, her tiny offspring will have to make a mad dash for the water, setting out on the same voyage she did, so many years before...
I have read and enjoyed a number of other titles from both Davies and Chapman, and I love sea turtles, so I picked up One Tiny Turtle with some anticipation. I was not disappointed, finding both the main narrative and the factual asides engaging, and the accompanying artwork appealing. This feels a little bit younger than some of the other sea turtle picture books I've read recently—titles like Lindsay Moore's Yoshi and the Ocean: A Sea Turtle's Incredible Journey Home —most likely because it did not have the kind of detailed, factual back matter I'm used to seeing with these kinds of titles. That said, the artwork is colorful and engrossing, and the text informative, so while it's a disappointment not to have further information or reading ideas, it's still a worthwhile title for young turtle and marine life lovers. It is to them that I would recommend it.
I have read and enjoyed a number of other titles from both Davies and Chapman, and I love sea turtles, so I picked up One Tiny Turtle with some anticipation. I was not disappointed, finding both the main narrative and the factual asides engaging, and the accompanying artwork appealing. This feels a little bit younger than some of the other sea turtle picture books I've read recently—titles like Lindsay Moore's Yoshi and the Ocean: A Sea Turtle's Incredible Journey Home —most likely because it did not have the kind of detailed, factual back matter I'm used to seeing with these kinds of titles. That said, the artwork is colorful and engrossing, and the text informative, so while it's a disappointment not to have further information or reading ideas, it's still a worthwhile title for young turtle and marine life lovers. It is to them that I would recommend it.
August 15, 2017
This nonfiction book is a great informative book for young ages about Loggerhead turtles and their lives. This book talks about Loggerhead sea turtles, their relatives, how they travel, birth, and so much more! The book starts by describing the sea and the “nursery” of the sea turtles. This book focuses on a female turtle and her life. It describes he shell as a baby and how she swims, breathes, and how she withstands different weather conditions throughout the year. Then it tells what happens when they leave the “nursery” and disappear for about a year or two then reappear bigger than a dinner plate and how they have changed in the past year or so. It also tells what she eats now and how she survives throughout the different seasons of the year. Then she vanishes again for many years, but eventually, her senses bring her back to the part of the ocean where she was born and she will mate and have her babies. Then lastly it describes the process she goes through to have her babies safely without them getting harmed by other creatures like flocks of birds so she has to travel to the shore at night and the babies will travel to the water at night after hatching. This is an awesome book when teaching kids about sea turtles. I loved this book and will recommend it to all teachers to help teach kids about marine life and turtles.
January 3, 2018
A story of a Loggerhead sea turtle from her birth as she grows and eventually travels back to the beach where she was born to lay her own eggs. The story is so beautifully illustrated, each page is colourful, super vibrant and filled with nature.
The story is good and moves swiftly to allow for lots of fun facts and different adventures to be shared. It's also realistic, and touches upon how young hatchlings will often be confused by the bright lights of the city and might get lost trying to get back to the ocean; a sad but true experience for many young turtles as the world becomes more industrial. I like that the author has been brave enough to include this in a children's picture book.
An excellent addition to the Nature Storybooks Collection and perfect for any little nature fans.
ARC provided free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The story is good and moves swiftly to allow for lots of fun facts and different adventures to be shared. It's also realistic, and touches upon how young hatchlings will often be confused by the bright lights of the city and might get lost trying to get back to the ocean; a sad but true experience for many young turtles as the world becomes more industrial. I like that the author has been brave enough to include this in a children's picture book.
An excellent addition to the Nature Storybooks Collection and perfect for any little nature fans.
ARC provided free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2024
Lyrical language introduces young readers to the amazing and mysterious life-journey of a loggerhead sea turtle. Realistic acrylic illustrations shimmer with life as a bottle cap sized female grows, travels the world and thirty years later lays her eggs. Additional facts, in smaller font, sinuously insert themselves into the edges of the pictured environment. A commendable balance of atmosphere, emotion and information engages readers and hints at all that remains to be discovered about this impressive animal. An open-ended final spread reveals the only surviving hatchling beginning its own daunting travels. Unfortunately, no sources are listed. While only available in paperback, this excellent read aloud will spark interest in the natural world.
October 2, 2017
he book One Tiny Turtle is about the life cycle of a tiny endangered turtle who grows up over the course of the book. This book shows the different stages of the turtle’s life, the different foods that the turtle eats, and the growth the turtle makes. The story eventually ends with the turtle completing its life cycle by reproducing turtles of her own the same place she hatched.
I loved this book because I thought the illustrations were so good! I really liked learning the different facts about the turtle as well as learning the life cycle of the turtle. I would use this book in a science class when teaching about lifecycles, or in an underwater unit.
I loved this book because I thought the illustrations were so good! I really liked learning the different facts about the turtle as well as learning the life cycle of the turtle. I would use this book in a science class when teaching about lifecycles, or in an underwater unit.
November 22, 2017
One Tiny Turtle is a picture book. This book is intended for children ages four to six. One Tiny Turtle follows the live of a loggerhead turtle as it grows from a young turtle to an adult. I would give this book four out of five stars because the story is easy to follow and has interesting true facts about the loggerhead turtle. The pictures in this book are very colorful and the turtles look very real. It follows the turtle as she is born, learns to live in the ocean, and grows into an adult turtle. Female turtles lay eggs and they always return to the place they were born to lay their eggs. The book does a good job of showing what a female turtle needs to do to lay her eggs and how it is dangerous for the baby turtles when they hatch from their shells. They have only a few minutes to reach the water and the birds are trying to eat them. This book would be a good choice for younger children because the pages do not have a lot of words and the pictures do a good job of supporting the story. This book could be used when teaching a science lesson about aquatic animals.
March 2, 2018
One tiny turtle is about a Loggerhead turtle. The book follows this turtle to adulthood. On the journey, it describes how the turtle goes through storms and its other struggles in the ocean. When she finally arrives at the beach and she is fully grown, she lays her eggs. When the eggs hatch, the baby turtles go to the water and the cycle starts over again.
I thought this was a cute book describing the life cycle of sea turtles. It shares a lot of information but still keeps it interesting. This book may be used in a classroom to teach the students about the life of a sea turtle. It would be good to use it in a unit teaching about sea life.
I thought this was a cute book describing the life cycle of sea turtles. It shares a lot of information but still keeps it interesting. This book may be used in a classroom to teach the students about the life of a sea turtle. It would be good to use it in a unit teaching about sea life.
January 30, 2022
Maybe a 3.5, but I was left wanting more, and maybe a bit dated.
A tiny sea turtle (loggerhead) is followed from its nursery of a tangle of weeds and driftwood far out to sea, to snacking on crabs in the shallows, summers in cool seaweed jungles, winters in warm lagoons, to return 3o years later to the beach where she was born to lay her eggs of which only one may survive when it hatches. (Mention of lights confusing hatchlings is made, but I would have liked more about the hazards, fishing nets and the problem of plastic.)
A tiny sea turtle (loggerhead) is followed from its nursery of a tangle of weeds and driftwood far out to sea, to snacking on crabs in the shallows, summers in cool seaweed jungles, winters in warm lagoons, to return 3o years later to the beach where she was born to lay her eggs of which only one may survive when it hatches. (Mention of lights confusing hatchlings is made, but I would have liked more about the hazards, fishing nets and the problem of plastic.)
November 8, 2022
The book explores a tiny turtle as she travels the ocean until one day she comes to a beach to lay her eggs. I found that the book was very descriptive and had illustrations that told the story clearly. This nonfiction book would be a great introduction to animals or a small biology lesson for kids. I think that this is a great way for children to begin learning about the life cycles of different animals. Although the book would be best suited for younger ages, the author still uses literary elements to keep the writing interesting and engaging for all ages.
July 8, 2023
This was such a wonderfully written story for young children. Sometimes non-fiction books can be too dense for you children and this was written with both a story and some facts to enhance the story. It follows the life of a female Loggerhead turtle from the moment it hatches till after she lays her eggs on the same beach she hatched from. The story made it easier for my 5 yr old to retain the information, and the added text with side information helped add more context to these sea turtles lives. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
March 31, 2019
I loved this book! This book was amazing. The illustrations in this book were phenomenal and very engaging. I loved the way the book carried you along and how it kept you engaged throughout the entire story.
This book would be an excellent resource to use in my future classroom. This is an informational book about sea turtles as well as an engaging story. This book is great if you are teaching a unit on ocean animals and their life cycles.
This book would be an excellent resource to use in my future classroom. This is an informational book about sea turtles as well as an engaging story. This book is great if you are teaching a unit on ocean animals and their life cycles.
September 29, 2019
Great book for younger students to show the life cycle of Loggerhead turtles. It can also be a useful visual start to a discussion about conservation, habitats, and how humans might impact this life cycle (positively or negatively).
Miss 5 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
Miss 5 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
October 1, 2019
One Tiny Turtle
by Nicola Davies
The story of the life and environment of the loggerhead turtle. The book uses beautiful artwork, and brief sentences to teach children the known life cycle of loggerhead turtles. This remarkably illustrated book may help children understand the environmental problems that will be discussed later in their education. It could also be used as a resource for second language learners, allowing the information to be easier to read.
by Nicola Davies
The story of the life and environment of the loggerhead turtle. The book uses beautiful artwork, and brief sentences to teach children the known life cycle of loggerhead turtles. This remarkably illustrated book may help children understand the environmental problems that will be discussed later in their education. It could also be used as a resource for second language learners, allowing the information to be easier to read.
December 7, 2023
3.5 stars. Larger print follows the events at a simpler level, while smaller text in the page provides more factual information. Artwork is pleasing, but all told it falls a little flat, I think the narrative could do with a bit more interest. A similar book, that is a little less informative, but more engaging in narrative and art style is Tortuga.
July 24, 2019
A beautiful, informational narrative of the life cycle of a loggerhead sea turtle. I read this book for my children’s literature course and loved it. The interesting sea turtle facts that parallel Nicola Davies’ poetic storytelling along with the detailed and colorful illustrations will draw young readers in.
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