Turtle Crossing

by Rick Chrustowski

Why did the turtle cross the road? Five years after a female painted turtle hatches from her shell, she is ready to lay eggs of her own. This is a dangerous task because there is a road between her and the perfect nesting site. She starts to cross, but a huge car is hurtling her way. It stops just in time, and the kind people help her to safety. So the next time you see a Turtle Crossing sign, keep your eyes open—if you’re lucky you just might see a painted turtle on her way to make a nest.   Turtle Crossing is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Genres: Nonfiction, Picture Books, Science

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 4, 2006

Reviews

[Ceylan (CeyGo) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Blackberry Tours for sharing an ecopy of Turtle Crossing with me.

This cute little story follows our little hero Oliver on a journey to reunite with his parents and family. Lots of fun facts about Oliver and titles in general and cute little illustrations of Oliver on his adventures !

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book that really helps young children learn about the life cycle of turtles in their natural habitats (it even helped me figure out some of my red-eared slider’s behavior in the Summer months!). My only problem with the book is the picture of the boy carrying the turtle across the road shows him holding her vertically in the air. I have heard that this can make it difficult for the turtle to breath. My turtle always seems more comfortable when she’s held horizontally with both hands, that she feels more supported and comfortable.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

What should you do if you're driving along and you see a turtle crossing a country road? If you haven't really thought about it, let this vibrantly-illustrated book offer some insight. Readers learn about the turtle lifecycle as one turtle hatches, grows up in a small pond ecosystem, and then sets out to find a nesting spot to lay her eggs. Thanks to a kindly passing motorist, the turtle survives to pass on the next generation.

I liked how this simple humane action was woven nicely into the story and didn't feel like an interruption. Hopefully, readers will close the book with an appreciation for these unique animals.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

A female painted turtle hatches and the story goes on to explain how turtles live through her life. As she crosses the road back to her home from a nesting site, she almost gets hit by a car and receives unexpected help. This book is filled with new, accurate content. While there are compelling details on turtle shells, predators, winter life, etc. it was overwhelming and slow paced. However, the detailed illustrations composed of forty layers of colored pencil over watercolor made for an attractive design to captured attention and teach about turtles.

I would give his book three stars out of five because it packed almost too much information in which overpowered the story. However, my favorite animals are turtles so I loved reading all of the facts. I would recommend this non-fiction book for any reader who likes turtles or animals. This would be great to use as a lesson on turtles in class.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turtle Crossing teaches about the life cycle of painted turtles, including birth, hibernation, mating, and laying eggs, etc. I came across this book while doing research for a turtle and tortoise-themed preschool story time program at the MJC Great Valley Museum, but I think the book is best for elementary-aged school children.

[Ms. B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for introducing your children and students to the life cycle of turtles.