Customer Reviews

And Still The Turtle Watched (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!