Marine Turtle Newsletter: Book Review: Chelonia: Return of the Sea Turtle

by Sue Ranger

Wildlife Projects Officer Marine Conservation Society, 9, Gloucester Road, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 5BU U.K. E-mail:Sueranger@archelon.demon.co.uk

Title:Chelonia: Return of the Sea Turtle
Year:2000
Authors:Dawn E. Navarro, Robert E. Snodgrass, Wallace J. Nichols
Publishers: Sea Challengers/Manta Publications, 2000. Malibu, CA.
ISBN:0-930118-31-6
Pages: Unpaged, (approx 36) colour illustrated, hardback
Price:$16.95.
To Order:Sea Challengers Natural History Books, Etc. 35 Versailles Court, Danville, CA 94506-4454, USA, Email: seachalleng@earthlink.net <http://.seachallengers.com/>

After a terrifying, stormy night on their boat Nina and her father discover an exhausted young green turtle floating helplessly at sea. This is the start of an amazing journey. In this account of the rescue, rehabilitation and release of "Chelonia" the turtle, the authors have managed to achieve an outstanding balance between an engaging narrative and a valuable educational tool.

Throughout the book a "Sea Log" and "Sea Glossary" add an extra dimension, providing insights into turtle biology, the marine environment and its wildlife. Dawn E. Navarro's vibrant and detailed illustrations are absolutely enchanting and give the book a wide appeal. The very young can be guided through the story pictorially and will enjoy searching for the hidden hatchlings, while those who are able to read for themselves will be able to revisit the book and discover different levels of information.

To round the book off, readers are encouraged to take action for turtles by acknowledging the role each of us have to play in ensuring their future survival and encouraging support for local initiatives. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the English version will go towards developing the Spanish translation for distribution to schools in Baja and beyond!

I would highly recommend this book to parents, educators and turtle enthusiasts. It is an emotive tale of one turtles survival, but also celebrates the survival of the species. "One little sea turtle would endure. And that turtle would return to this same beach some day to lay her eggs just like Chelonia."

Reviewer: Sue Ranger, Wildlife Projects Officer Marine Conservation Society, 9, Gloucester Road, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 5BU U.K. E-mail:Sueranger@archelon.demon.co.uk