The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle
Published on 23. October 2025
Book
Hardback
40 pages
978-0-06-332516-6 (ISBN)
Description
"A remarkable story." - Washington Post
The bestselling and Sibert Honor-winning creators of The Book of Turtles bring 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.
This beautiful story of survival and community is a perfect read-aloud for young nature lovers, featuring:
A Real Animal's Experience: Follow one snapping turtle on his real-life journey moving from one seasonal habitat to another.
Inspiring Conservation Efforts: A true story of community-neighbors, vets, and wildlife advocates who rallied around an injured turtle and gave him a fighting chance.
Beautiful Illustrations: Stunning art from a Sibert Honor-winning team that renders the turtle's world with the same care and attention the conservationists brought to saving him.
STEM for Kids: Detailed back matter on snapping turtle biology and practical guidance for young readers who want to help injured wildlife in their own neighborhoods.
The bestselling and Sibert Honor-winning creators of The Book of Turtles bring 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.
This beautiful story of survival and community is a perfect read-aloud for young nature lovers, featuring:
A Real Animal's Experience: Follow one snapping turtle on his real-life journey moving from one seasonal habitat to another.
Inspiring Conservation Efforts: A true story of community-neighbors, vets, and wildlife advocates who rallied around an injured turtle and gave him a fighting chance.
Beautiful Illustrations: Stunning art from a Sibert Honor-winning team that renders the turtle's world with the same care and attention the conservationists brought to saving him.
STEM for Kids: Detailed back matter on snapping turtle biology and practical guidance for young readers who want to help injured wildlife in their own neighborhoods.
Reviews / Votes
? "This one delights and uplifts." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"A remarkable story." - Washington Post
"Resilience forms the backbone of this heartening new collaboration between Montgomery and Patterson. [An] uplifting tale." - Publishers Weekly
"The incredible story of Fire Chief is captivating...Young readers will be fascinated by the real-life resilience of this turtle and inspired by the people who helped him survive." - Booklist
"Human habitat encroachment causes Fire Chief's problem, but human concern and persistence find a solution for him. Told with a storyteller's cadence." - Horn Book Magazine
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: Preschool, Interest Age: From 4 to 8 years
Dimensions
Height: 280 mm
Width: 256 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight
546 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-06-332516-6 (9780063325166)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
In addition to researching films, articles, and thirty-nine books, National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestseller Sy Montgomery has been honored with a Sibert Medal, three Sibert Honors, two Science Book and Film Prizes from the National Association for the Advancement of Science, four honorary degrees, and many other awards. She lives in Hancock, New Hampshire, with her husband, Howard Mansfield, and their border collie, Thurber.
Matt Patterson received a degree from the Art Institute of Boston in illustration. His vivid, lifelike art has won national and international acclaim, including the Golden Turtle Award and-twice-the Roger Tory Peterson Wild America Art Award. His work has hung in prestigious galleries, museums, and shows, including the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum's Birds in Art exhibition, and he is a fellow at the Explorers Club. Matt's debut picture book, The Book of Turtles, was a Sibert Honor Book.
Matt Patterson received a degree from the Art Institute of Boston in illustration. His vivid, lifelike art has won national and international acclaim, including the Golden Turtle Award and-twice-the Roger Tory Peterson Wild America Art Award. His work has hung in prestigious galleries, museums, and shows, including the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum's Birds in Art exhibition, and he is a fellow at the Explorers Club. Matt's debut picture book, The Book of Turtles, was a Sibert Honor Book.