Turtle Bay

by Saviour Pirotta, Nilesh Mistry (Illustrator)

Old Jiro-San sits on the beach listening to the wind, sweeping the sand with a broom, and waiting, always waiting. Some people think he is a little strange, but Taro is fascinated by the old wise man and his wonderful secrets. And when Jiro-San reveals that some special friends -- Japanese sea turtles that are ready to lay their eggs -- are on their way to the beach, Taro and his sister Yuko help Jiro-San prepare for them. Based on a true story, this charming picture book features an endnote about sea turtles and an endorsement by the leader of Marine Turtle Research Program at the United States National Marine Fisheries Service.

Genres: Picture Books, Japan, Animals, Childrens, Nature, Asia

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Saviour Pirotta is the award-winning author of over one hundred fiction and nonfiction books for children. His works have been translated into 28 languages. Originally from Malta, he now lives in England.

Reviews

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story in this book has young characters learning the importance of keeping a beach clean for the use of sea turtles during nesting season.
I believe children as young as 2nd or 3rd grade would enjoy reading this book. It would be a good story to read aloud to a class in order to educate them on the importance of beach cleanliness, the behavior of sea turtles, and the ways in which they can help contribute.

[Maggie Panning · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this sweet book. It shows us both the importance of conservation and the importance of patience and attention. We should take the time to notice the natural world around us, to be quiet, to sit still, to attend. Jiro-San had obviously been paying attention for quite some time. He new about when the turtles would come to lay their eggs and when the eggs would hatch. He new that he needed to care for the beach in order for the turtles to feel safe laying their eggs there. He new where to find other animals to show Taro as well. It takes time and attention to gain the wisdom that Jiro-San has. We should all be so lucky to have someone like him in our lives. And if we do, we should take the time to listen. This book was perfect as it went with our studies of mindfulness, the environment and conservation, wildlife, marine biology, the wisdom of our elders, phenology, Japan, etc.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentle tale about appreciating nature by and in the ocean--especially sea turtles.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book all about the wonders of the ocean and small things we can do to protect them, as well as cherish them.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice story about a boy, his sister and an elderly man who help clean the beach in preparation for the arrival of some "old friends", nesting sea turtles. The girl thinks that the old man is weird for sweeping the beach until she learns the reason. Full of beautiful pictures of ocean animals, this book is nicely paced and teaches a lesson of caring for wildlife as well as keeping an open mind about people.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars I love sea turtles. I really can't tell you why! Maybe that they live a long time, maybe because they look so graceful in the water...Not sure, but I like them! This is a nice story about loggerhead turtles! Interesting facts and information!!

[Susanna S571 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning illustrations, with a nice story about patience, nature, and positive relationships between children and the elderly. Ages 3-8.

[Esodhiambo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Japanese names
turtles
migration

[Bernadette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story about friendship and nature!

[Amanda Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Educational book about sea turtles and respecting people older and wiser then ourselves.