The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle By Sy Montgomery, Illustrated by Matt Patterson

Published by HarperCollins

$19.99

Hardcover

Sy Montgomery is a New York Times Best-selling naturalist, author, and scriptwriter who writes for children as well as adults.She is author of 38 books, including The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness, which was a finalist for the 2015 National Book Award for Nonfiction

Matthew Patterson is an award-winning wildlife artist and illustrator specializing in turtles and he uses his art to share and promote wildlife conservation.

The bestselling and Sibert Honor–winning creators of The Book of Turtles brings us the true story of a snapping turtle’s extraordinary journey—and the amazing conservationists who helped give him a second chance. This feel-good, gorgeously illustrated story about beating the odds is complete with inspiring back matter and photos.

Here is the true story of a very lucky turtle. His story began long ago when he was hatched from a very small egg on an autumn day. After decades of traveling between his summer pond behind the firehouse and his winter pond across the street, he never could have guessed that on one October day he would become unlucky . . .

The amazing friends and challenges he met along the way are all chronicled by the Sibert Honor–winning duo behind The Book of Turtles in this tribute to the resilience and good luck of their dear friend, a very lucky turtle indeed.

Detailed back matter includes an author's note, information about snapping turtles, and reader resources for how to save injured turtles.

From HarperCollins Publishers

MEDIA REVIEWS

(The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle) ★ “This one delights and uplifts.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) (The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle) “Resilience forms the backbone of this heartening new collaboration between Montgomery and Patterson. [An] uplifting tale.” — Publishers Weekly (The Book of Turtles) ★ "Smartly pairing two experts in wildlife portrayal, this one is not to be missed. Splendid." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) (The Book of Turtles) ★ "Montgomery and Patterson astonish with this fact-driven turtle tribute. Realistic, almost photographic, acrylic paintings capture diverse turtle species. Every page is an authoritative delight in this conservation-minded ode poised to turn anyone into a turtle lover." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) (The Book of Turtles) ★ "A stunning book that will delight readers of any age, filled with interesting facts about the turtles’ life cycles, their eating habits, and even a few myths." — School Library Journal (starred review) (The Book of Turtles) ★ "Acclaimed science writer Montgomery introduces turtles to young readers. [A] pattern, consisting of short, informative paragraphs written in Montgomery’s easy journalistic style and accompanied by a detailed acrylic-paint illustration complementing the text, continues throughout. Fascinating." — Horn Book (starred review) (The Book of Turtles) ★ "In this inviting book, Montgomery introduces turtles with facts, observations, and an irrepressible admiration for the critters as well as a knack for seeing things from their perspective. A beautiful, informative introduction to turtles." — Booklist (starred review)