BOX TURTLE AT LONG POND

Dramatic, full-color gouache paintings and a vividly written text work together in this captivating look at the daily life of a familiar species. The author has carefully studied his subject and documents the struggle to find food and avoid being eaten: the turtle attempts to make a meal of grapes and a grasshopper; when the rain drives worms from their holes, he quickly bites the heads off several so that he can enjoy a meal at leisure. A raccoon tries to eat the turtle, but finally settles for the worms, while the tenacious turtle then continues his search for food. The paintings--from the turtle's perspective--show a meticulous attention to detail that will delight the young viewer. An excellent introduction to pond ecology, and a strikingly beautiful book.