The Turtle Watchers [Mass Market Paperback]

Pamela Powell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1994

When three sisters watch a giant leatherback turtle lay her eggs in the sand, they have seen a miracle occur. The leatherback is almost extinct, and both poachers and the forces of nature threaten the eggs. Can the three sisters protect the eggs until they hatch?

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In her first book, Powell perceptively addresses the issue of the preservation of endangered species. Set on a picturesque Caribbean island, the tale opens with three sisters witnessing a leatherback turtle laying her eggs on the beach beneath "the bright spun silver of the moon." During the weeks that follow, the girls guard the eggs, shielding them from their many predators. Colorful language at once crisp and fervid captures the beauty and magic of the moments when the eggs are first laid and when they finally hatch, inspiring in readers an appreciation for the wonders of nature. The Caribbean landscape and lifestyle are depicted in striking, vibrant imagery. Though the characters in this story have not been thoroughly fleshed out, their diversity in age, personality and circumstance compensates. Powell dexterously conveys the message that children as well as adults can play an important role in the protection of animals. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-- In the present-day West Indies, sisters Esther, Philomena, and Amelia observe a sea turtle laying her eggs and decide to protect the nest from danger until the time of hatching because the eggs are considered a local delicacy. The girls also learn about the profitable black market for tortoise shell and stage a protest. Ultimately, they and an elderly fisherman witness the successful hatching of the eggs and escort the baby turtles toward the sea and safety. Despite the unusual locale and the important ecological message, this novel suffers from several shortcomings. The characterizations are weak, and the sisters' relationships are not clearly explained. Thus, readers will not grasp early on that Esther has a different father from her sisters, a fact that influences her relationship with the fisherman. The native terms scattered throughout add a distinct Caribbean touch, but are never defined fully; facts on sea turtles are presented in a contrived way (the girls read from an encyclopedia). Two excellent nonfiction titles, George Ancona's Turtle Watch (Macmillan, 1987) and Jack Denton Scott's Loggerhead Turtle (Putnam, 1974; o.p.) both reveal the plight of sea turtles and the efforts to protect them. --Barbara B. Murphy, Shaler Area School District Libraries, Pittsburgh
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (December 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140370773
• ISBN-13: 978-0140370775
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,642,904 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Power of the powerless, May 24, 2008

By 

Arne Hessenbruch "wasteoftime" (Arlington, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Turtle Watchers (Mass Market Paperback)

The plot follows three sisters in the Caribbean who one day witness a turtle laying its eggs on the beach. Since the eggs are sought after by humans, they organize to protect them. During the plot we get to follow the daily rhythms and activities, and smells and sounds are brought to life.

4.0 out of 5 stars Warmth from the Caribbean for a Cold Winter, January 13, 2002

By 

"vlillig045" (Philadelphia Pa USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Turtle Watchers (Mass Market Paperback)

This text holds your interest in the development of the plot while you bask in vibrant and vivid descriptions of the sunny Caribbean West Indies. Young sisters are fascinated by the ocean animals that choose their beaches to lay their eggs. A wonderful informative story that describes the plight of the threatened extinction of Leatherback Turtles. On a cold Winter's day, this book warms you until you hear the rocking of the waves and sounds of Caribbean rythms echoing life in the West Indies.