Customer Reviews

Turtles In My Sandbox

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A few decades ago, it was a common thing to have terrapins as pets in homes and classrooms. One could win them at fairs and buy them with painted shells at seaside resorts. It was a shame then that there was not more education about terrapins and their natural habitat. Jennifer Keats Curtis' most informative book would have been welcome then as it surely is now.

Children can easily relate to Ms. Curtis' book and the tale of Maggie who finds terrapin eggs in her sandbox! With the help of the Turtle Lady, Maggie and her mother care for the eggs until the turtles hatch and are released back into the sea. It is a delight that Ms. Curtis uses the scientific terms for the body parts of the terrapins as it helps children stretch their vocabularies. Emanuel Schongut's watercolor illustrations are clear, detailed and offer excellent support to the text. The facts and color activities at the end of the book are a first-rate addition to the book. This book is highly recommended for ages 4 - 10, and will be a great addition to second to fifth grade science units in classrooms.

As a teacher intern I am always looking for new books to integrate into my classwork and for my future classroom. This book is a wonderful resource for our students and will be a integral part of my cross-curriculum teaching. I look forward to sharing this book with all of my colleagues so they can incorporate this book into their classroom as well.
I have a 15 and 12 year old who think the book is adorable and a 6 month old along with 18 month twin niece and nephew who will soon too love it.

Here's a book for young turtle lovers, especially budding scientists. It begins when Maggie finds eggs in her old sandbox by the beach. At first she doesn't know what kind of eggs she has found but soon she figures out that they are turtle eggs. Maggie and her mom learn everything they can about turtles and becoming a "turtle-sitter." They enlist the help of the "turtle lady," use online sources and anything that will help them learn how to care for the turtle eggs and then the turtles.

Excellent, well-written information on every page. Includes a helpful five-page educational supplent in the back. The illustrations are just right for this subject and young readers.

I bought this book for my 3 year old son and he is now competely enthralled with turtles. He wants to be a "turtle sitter" and laughs hysterically when Maggie names the turtles. He has also asked me to buy this book for 3 of his friends. It's a great book whether you live near the water or not. My son and I highly recommend it as a very entertaining yet educational book.

Early one morning Maggie is surprised to find turtle eggs buried in her sandbox. Mama Turtle must have thought Maggie's sandbox was the beach. Maggie and her mother call the Turtle Lady. She explains what needs to be done to keep the eggs warm and safe until they hatch. All summer, for 55 days Maggie keeps a close watch on the eggs.

One hot September day, Maggie sits on the edge of her sandbox and witnesses the birth of the speckle faced babies as they peck their way out of their eggs. Maggie names each turtle as it is born. The babies remain in their secure nest for a few days, and then they are transported indoors to tanks with heat lamps. Maggie and her mother become part of the "head start" program. The turtles eat cut-up fish and turtle pellets. They live in slightly salted water until early summer.

On the first day of summer Maggie helps the wildlife expert place metal tags through the edges of the shell of each turtle. The tags don't hurt the turtles but could possibly help the experts learn more about them. The 9 month old turtles are released into the bay, Maggie waves good-bye as they disappear into the sea.

This story and website, [....]are based on a real program that allows students in Maryland to help wildlife experts protect and learn more about their state reptile - the diamondback terrapin. Terrapin Station was started by a woman affectionately know as Maryland's Turtle Lady, Margaret Whilden.

The "Creative Minds" section is filled with turtle facts. The last pages of the book have line drawings of three different types of turtles: a diamondback terrapin, a loggerhead sea turtle, and a desert turtle. Turtles In My Sandbox, is another winner from Sylvan Dell Publishing.

My entire family enjoyed Turtles in My Sandbox! I would recomend this book for all ages. This story was enjoyable and packed with interesting facts that my kids loved. It would make a great gift for any child.

My two year old grandson LOVED LOVED this book. He enjoyed the pictures and wanted me to keep re-reading it to him. I must have read the book to him 5 times in one sitting. I highly recommend this book for all ages.

Animals, sand, and water- how could a kid not like this book? Well-written, beautiful pictures. My kids love it- never too young to start learning about protecting the environment...

We purchased this book, Turtles In My Sandbox by Jennifer Keats Curtis, last week and my daughter has been asking me to read this with her every night. I found this book to be not only fun but educational as well. I sincerely recommend this book to anyone that has children in pre-school or elementary school!

As an elementary school librarian in Maryland, this book is a must for your collection, especially if your school is involved with a terrapin raise and release program. The story holds the attention of K - 3 graders while also introducing vaulable terrapin facts and vocabulary. Informative websites and creative craft projects are included. This book is a hit for all Terp fans!