Turtle Splash! Countdown at the Pond

(Greenwillow Books, August, 2001) Ages 3 and up

It’s a peaceful day at the pond as ten timid turtles bask in the sun. But wait! A bull-frog leaps, a rabbit rustles, deer appear, a chickadee chirps and 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1! One by one the turtles dive into the water. Splash! A nature tale, counting in reverse, hidden signs to find, an appendix with information on each of the pond visitors, and a how-to page on making leaf prints are all packed into this young picture book.

“A lovely example of multidisciplinary bookmaking showing how science, art, and literature can all connect.”  — Kirkus Reviews, 7/01

“Falwell makes every aqua-hued spread come alive with texture, both visually and ecologically... This lush volume is sure to make a splash.”  — Publishers Weekly (star), 7/9/01

“The rhyming, alliterative text is energized with a rolling rhythm, suspense, and vivid, descriptive words...A beautiful, atmospheric counting book...”  —ALA Booklist, 8/01

“This is pleasing fare for reading aloud at bedtime, or anytime, and offers an inviting early nature lesson.”  —School Library Journal (star), 9/01

An American Library Association Notable Book; Outstanding Merit—Bank Street Best Books of the Year,2001; a Maine Lupine Honor Award Book; Children’s Literature Choice, 2002; a PBS Science Friday recommended book; an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award, 2004; a Maine Raising Readers 2004-2005 book.

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