And Still the Turtle Watched (Picture Puffins) [Mass Market Paperback]

Sheila MacGill-Callahan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1996 | Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Picture Puffins

A turtle carved in rock on a bluff over the Hudson River by Indians long ago watches with sadness the changes man brings over the years.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"This striking, moving picture book carefully avoids didacticism as it treats the serious theme of pollution," said PW, also lauding Moser's "exquisite" watercolors. Ages 5-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4-- This story begins long ago when a Grandfather carves a turtle from a rock to be the eyes of Manitou. The turtle watches as his people, the Delaware, prosper and grow. He watches new people arrive, people who change the earth, eventually polluting the water, the air, even the stone upon which the turtle rests. The turtle becomes blinded and forgotten until an anthropologist recognizes him under the graffiti and places him in the New York Botanical Garden where children once again hear him. The narrative voice is reserved and contemplative, which enhances the Native American flavor of the story, but underplays the drama of the events. Moser's watercolor illustrations provide much of the drama the text lacks. His portraits of the old man carving the stone or the teenagers spray-painting the rock convey an immediacy and provide a visual connection with the people and their time. Unfortunately, the stone turtle's story, fabricated from fact, myth, and vision, is weighed down by its obvious message. And as wonderful as the message is, it's likely to appeal only to concerned adults who use it to teach children to respect the environment and the Native American people. --Karen K. Radtke, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (November 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140558365
• ISBN-13: 978-0140558364
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9.8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #252,554 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #87 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Teens > Science & Technology > General

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful introduction to Indians and archaeology,, June 6, 2000

By 

Nancy S. Bernard - See all my reviews

This review is from: And Still the Turtle Watched (Picture Puffins) (Mass Market Paperback)

What a nice way to introduce young children to the world before New York City and its environs were a busy, noisy sometimes polluted place! An Indian legend, an archaeologist and the importance of the environment are all packed in this charming short, exquisitely illustrated book. Great for those who live near the Bronx Botanical Garden but delightful for any child who wonders about the world around us.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat flawed, October 30, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: And Still the Turtle Watched (Picture Puffins) (Mass Market Paperback)

Despite the compelling tale, the poignant illustrations and the author's good intentions, I have some problems with this book. It plays too much into the "noble savages/thoughtless europeans/rowdy teenagers" stereotypes that are insulting to all those groups. Stereotypes, whether they be good or bad are not helpful to the intellectual development of young people and will cause many (especially in the stereotyped groups) to tune out. I love the story and the illustrations but would not read it to my kids or students unless a better option was unavailable.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A magical journey through history, February 21, 2003

By 

B Mistele (Grayslake, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: And Still The Turtle Watched (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (School & Library Binding)

My 5 year old son and I watched this story read on "Reading Rainbow". This book is about a turtle carved in a rock by a Native American in pre-Columbus days. The turtle remains watching as history moves on. It witnesses the immigration of the European's, who take over the land from the Native Americans and go on to build a big city. For many years, the turtle is covered by graffiti and then is finally discovered by an archeologist. I wondered if the subject matter was too advanced for my son. But, he was mesmerized. Like all good books this one speaks to all ages with many lessons and perspectives. Its a story of history, art, people, change, archeology and more. After the story was finished my son turned to me and said, "Mommy we have to get that book." And we did!