Box Turtle at Long Pond

A day in the life of a box turtle is chronicled by the creators of Beaver at Long Pond. As dawn breaks, the turtle crawls out of the log where he spent the night and heads for the pond. He passes the day searching for grapes and hunting worms. When a raccoon overturns the turtle and eats all of his worms, the turtle tries to catch grasshoppers and to find more grapes. He burrows into another nesting spot for the night. Magnificent gouache paintings depict a turtle's-eye view of the pond and the woods surrounding it. Small details of lichen, moss, pine needles, insects and headless worms are exquisitely rendered. Unfortunately, the text does not live up to the pictures; overly simple sentences relate pertinent information, but without much zip. Despite this drawback, the book is a lovely addition to a naturalist's library, for the information conveyed in the pictures. Ages 3-6. (Sept.)

PreS-Gr 2-- A day in the life of a box turtle is rendered carefully in words and lifelike illustrations with a text that respects its subject, avoids any anthropomorphism, and is simple enough for very young listeners. It records the turtle's actions as, slowly but with perseverance, he drinks, searches for food, evades danger, and sleeps. The outstanding gouache paintings in borderless, horizontal two-page spreads are so realistic that one almost reaches out to feel the turtle's textured shell. Although at times the turtle seems to be camouflaged, blending into his surroundings, he stands out clearly once located. The animals he encounters are equally well illustrated--readers will almost hold their breath so as not to frighten the raccoon and chipmunk. The book's design is excellent; even the well-chosen type, superimposed on the illustrations so that there is no visual break from the scenes, is clear and easily read. This is superior nature study for young readers and listeners. --Louise L. Sherman, Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJ