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A portion of proceeds go to Reptile Rescues
$18.00 CAD, shipping and handling included!
FREE activities and colouring pages at the bottom of this page...
US and Canadian sales only - those outside of the US and Canada, contact me for prices.
ALSO AVAILABLE THROUGH:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Regan's Square Shop (Canadian sales only)
Book City Beaches (Toronto)
- A picture storybook by Regan W. H. Macaulay. Illustrated by Javier Duarte.
- Published June 15th, 2017 by Mirror Publishing.
- Launched September 9th and 10th at the Canadian Pet Expo, Little RES Q booth, International Centre, Mississauga.
Looking for information on turtles and tortoises?
Need to find a reptile rescue near you?
CHECK OUT TAMARA'S RESCUES:
INFORMATION AND RESOURCES ON TURTLES AND TORTOISES:
- Austin's Turtle Page
- Alberta Turtle and Tortoise Society
- California Turtle & Tortoise Club
- SC-C.A.R.E.S. (South Carolina)
- VA Reptile Rescue, Inc. (Virginia)
- Arrowhead Reptile Rescue (Ohio)
- Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary (Pennsylvania)
- GNP Reptile Rescue (Peterborough, Ontario)
- International Reptile Rescue (formerly Hart's Reptile World in Ohio)
- Little RES Q (Pefferlaw, Ontario)
- Mid-Atlantic Turtle & Tortoise Society (Baltimore, Maryland)
- Northeastern Reptile Welfare League (Vermont)
- R.S.P.C.A. Reptile Rescue UK
- Reptile Rescue (Las Vegas, Nevada)
- Reptile Rescue Center (Arkansas)
- Reptiles Rock! Reptile Education & Rescue Program (Ottawa, Ontario)
- Toronto Humane Society Special Species Department
- Triple J Reptiles & Rescue (Pennsylvania)
- Turtle Rescue of Long Island (New York)
- Turtle Rescue UK (Durham)
- Wichita Falls Reptile Rescue (Texas)
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Check out the reviews for "Tamara Turtle's Life So Far"!
Tamara the turtle, a red-eared slider, was just a baby when shefound herself in the pet store. Placed in a small tank with otherred-sliders, she was hopeful that somebody would buy her and take herhome. Soon a young boy tapped on the glass and thought Tamara wouldmake a good pet.
Tamara's new home at the boy's house was soon set up and lifeseemed good. She had a tank with clean water to swim in and a littledock for her to rest upon. But as time passed, the boy grew bored withthe turtle. The water became dirty, feedings were forgotten, andTamara's shell grew soft - not a good sign!
Realizing that her son had lost interest in his pet turtle, theboy's mother released Tamara into a creek that run behind their house.Poor Tamara! She didn't belong in that creek! Would she survive beingreleased into the wild, a place she definitely did not belong? Wouldshe ever find a good, loving home?
Author Regan Macaulay has written a heartfelt story about theplight of unwanted pets - particularly turtles. Most of us probablyknow of a family that bought a pet on a whim - a dog, a bird, a rabbit - that eventually fell out of favor with the family. In the case ofsmall animals such as fish and turtles, people think they're doing theanimals a favor by releasing them into the wild. The author, however,shows what a bad idea that is when readers see what happens to Tamara in that creek. The story does have a happy ending, and teaches youngreaders an important lesson along the way about the importance of caring for pets and the very necessary work that various rescue organizationsdo each and every day. At the back of the book is a two-page spreadwith a list of various organizations where further information onred-sliders can be found, as well as numerous turtle rescues that helpfind forever homes for these sweet little reptiles.
Quill says: A good tale to engage young readers and teach them the importance of caring for pets, as well as thenecessary work rescue groups do for at-risk animals. -- featheredquill.com
***
Pets can hold great appeal for youngsters until the reality of caring for one sets in. As too often happens, pets are frequently abandoned because a pet-owner decides to ignore their responsibilities, and the consequences can be more dire than one might presume. Such is the case of Tamara the turtle, a Red-eared Slider released into the wild in an area where she simply does not belong. Fortunately for Tamara a kind-hearted man takes her to a shelter where they will care for her specific needs while protecting the environment around them.
Tamara Turtle's Life so Far, written by Regan W.H. Macaulay and illustrated by Javier Duarte is a book that belongs in homes, class rooms, and libraries everywhere. Children and even adults can learn from this story that is both endearing and enlightening. Recommended for home and school libraries, Tamara Turtle's Life so Far has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
-- LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards * Top Honors Youth Book Awards * Seal of Approval clcawards.org
***
Tamara Turtle’s Life So Far, by Regan Macaulay, illustrated by Javier Duarte, is part human interest and part environmental science. Ms. Macaulay tells the story of Tamara, a red eared slider pet store turtle, who is adopted as a pet for a little boy. However, the boy loses interest and doesn’t take care of Tamara. So his mother releases Tamara turtle into the backyard creek. Tamara’s afraid and lonely but soon meets some painted turtles who tell her red eared slider turtles don’t belong in their environment. Tamara leaves and luckily is found by a kind man who takes her to a rescue organization. There she meets other red eared slider turtles. Later Tamara finds a new home with the proper care for her species.
The story shows children the importance of providing the right environment and care for animals they adopt. Kids can relate to the feelings that a lonely and ignored pet would have. There’s just enough pull on our heart strings to want the best for Tamara. Reading this story is a good way to impress upon children what they should know before they commit to keeping an animal. The artist, Javier Duarte, has done a good job of illustrating the imagined events and emotional upset in the life of a pet turtle.
This story is recommended for teachers’ classroom libraries, school and local libraries, to help children understand responsibility and the environmental impact of keeping pets.
I am a long-time reviewer of children's books. I received a review copy from the author. -- Penelope Anne Cole, Children's Book Author
***
Tamara is a Red-eared Slider turtle, and this endearing story tells the tale of her life thus far. Tamara is excited to be chosen from all the other Red-eared Sliders only to eventually be forgotten and ignored by her owner and set free in a nearby creek by his mother. Tamara is found by a man who finds her and taken to a special new place where she eventually is rescued and taken home where she belongs.
Ms. Macaulay weaves facts about turtles and taking care of them as pets into a fun story to which kids can relate and learn from without feeling a lesson is being taught—though a good lesson on the importance of providing the best environment and pet care is being taught.
Javier Duarte’s illustrations are beautifully colorful and vivid and bring Tamara and Ms. Macaulay’s story to life.
TAMARA TURTLE’S LIFE SO FAR is a terrific book which teaches responsibility and encourages a very important conversation between parents and children about rescue and care of pets.
**Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This review consists only of my truthful opinions, not influenced in any way by the author or publisher. -- Karin Larson, Children's Book Author
***
I am a total fan of this book! So often children beg for pets they know nothing about. The result is often abandoned or neglected pets. Tamara Turtle's Life so Far is a story that shows what often happens to pet store turtles. If only children and their parents fully understood the care and needs of this species, they might take better care of their precious purchase. I highly recommend this book to pet stores, other places that sell Red-eared Slider Turtles, and also to elementary schools, so that children might read about this type of pet. Children will enjoy the spot on illustrations. I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. -- Debra Allard, Children's Book Author
***
Tamara Turtle is adopted as a cute pet when she's a baby, but eventually grows so big she's turned loose into a dangerous world to fend for herself.
By writing this book Regan W. H. Macauley has made it possible for kids to understand and sympathize with the many turtles who are in similar situations.
This book has a happy ending, and I hope it will help kids understand that it's not a good idea to have turtles as pets, and maybe inspire some of them to check out the agencies listed at the back that help turtle rehabilitation.
The illustrations by Javier Duarte are excellent. -- Janet Ann Collins, Teacher and Children's Book Author
***
I wish every potential turtle owner would read this book before heading to the pet store. "Tamara Turtle's Life So Far" is a fun and colorfully illustrated story that follows one turtle's adventure through life. But beyond the fun story, it explains one of the biggest problems involving reptiles in the pet trade. Red ear slider turtles are bred by the million, brought home as pets on a whim, and the majority of them are abandoned long before they reach mid-age. In a friendly and non-preachy way, the story shares how much care and equipment is required to raise a healthy pet turtle, and how abandoned pet turtles in the wild can hurt wildlife. After running our own reptile rescue for many years, I can speak with authority when I say that red ear sliders are the most commonly abandoned reptile in the pet trade. I wish I had a nickel for every request we got to take unwanted pet slider turtles, and I wish this book was in every library in the country!
-Jesse Rothacker
President, Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary
"Give reptiles a chance!"
***
It's about time our early educators had a learning friendly tool available to help children understand the delicate balance of our ecosystems, and how some animals being kept as pets can jeopardize it all; a situation that often leaves that pet to suffer. I hope more educators consider adding this special early learning book to their library, and help spread the word about the red ear slider and the challenges that face them today in the pet industry. A must read for every parent considering purchasing or adopting a red ear slider for their family.
Abigail DeSesa
Executive Board Chair
California Turtle & Tortoise Club
*Disclosure: Our organization received a copy of this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review. This review is approved by the California Turtle & Tortoise Club, Executive Board Officers. It contains only honest opinions with no influence from the author, illustrator or publisher.
***
Such a cleverly written book that helps explain the perilous flight of the Red eared slider turtle that has overwhelmed so many rescues, lakes and ponds. Through no fault of their own they find themselves where they don't belong and sometimes a person with a kind heart comes along and gives them a wonderful forever home. This book got five stars from myself and my 7 y/o grandson who thinks we should donate one to his school library. -- Turtle Lady, Amazon
***
Tamara Turtle's Life So Far is a charming book with a good lesson to learn. This book would be a great read for children who are getting their first pet turtle; or any first pet. It's a lesson of responsibility and love. This would be a great addition to any library. -- Susan Bangert-Wood, Children's Book Author
Tamara's new home at the boy's house was soon set up and lifeseemed good. She had a tank with clean water to swim in and a littledock for her to rest upon. But as time passed, the boy grew bored withthe turtle. The water became dirty, feedings were forgotten, andTamara's shell grew soft - not a good sign!
Realizing that her son had lost interest in his pet turtle, theboy's mother released Tamara into a creek that run behind their house.Poor Tamara! She didn't belong in that creek! Would she survive beingreleased into the wild, a place she definitely did not belong? Wouldshe ever find a good, loving home?
Author Regan Macaulay has written a heartfelt story about theplight of unwanted pets - particularly turtles. Most of us probablyknow of a family that bought a pet on a whim - a dog, a bird, a rabbit - that eventually fell out of favor with the family. In the case ofsmall animals such as fish and turtles, people think they're doing theanimals a favor by releasing them into the wild. The author, however,shows what a bad idea that is when readers see what happens to Tamara in that creek. The story does have a happy ending, and teaches youngreaders an important lesson along the way about the importance of caring for pets and the very necessary work that various rescue organizationsdo each and every day. At the back of the book is a two-page spreadwith a list of various organizations where further information onred-sliders can be found, as well as numerous turtle rescues that helpfind forever homes for these sweet little reptiles.
Quill says: A good tale to engage young readers and teach them the importance of caring for pets, as well as thenecessary work rescue groups do for at-risk animals. -- featheredquill.com
***
Pets can hold great appeal for youngsters until the reality of caring for one sets in. As too often happens, pets are frequently abandoned because a pet-owner decides to ignore their responsibilities, and the consequences can be more dire than one might presume. Such is the case of Tamara the turtle, a Red-eared Slider released into the wild in an area where she simply does not belong. Fortunately for Tamara a kind-hearted man takes her to a shelter where they will care for her specific needs while protecting the environment around them.
Tamara Turtle's Life so Far, written by Regan W.H. Macaulay and illustrated by Javier Duarte is a book that belongs in homes, class rooms, and libraries everywhere. Children and even adults can learn from this story that is both endearing and enlightening. Recommended for home and school libraries, Tamara Turtle's Life so Far has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
-- LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards * Top Honors Youth Book Awards * Seal of Approval clcawards.org
***
Tamara Turtle’s Life So Far, by Regan Macaulay, illustrated by Javier Duarte, is part human interest and part environmental science. Ms. Macaulay tells the story of Tamara, a red eared slider pet store turtle, who is adopted as a pet for a little boy. However, the boy loses interest and doesn’t take care of Tamara. So his mother releases Tamara turtle into the backyard creek. Tamara’s afraid and lonely but soon meets some painted turtles who tell her red eared slider turtles don’t belong in their environment. Tamara leaves and luckily is found by a kind man who takes her to a rescue organization. There she meets other red eared slider turtles. Later Tamara finds a new home with the proper care for her species.
The story shows children the importance of providing the right environment and care for animals they adopt. Kids can relate to the feelings that a lonely and ignored pet would have. There’s just enough pull on our heart strings to want the best for Tamara. Reading this story is a good way to impress upon children what they should know before they commit to keeping an animal. The artist, Javier Duarte, has done a good job of illustrating the imagined events and emotional upset in the life of a pet turtle.
This story is recommended for teachers’ classroom libraries, school and local libraries, to help children understand responsibility and the environmental impact of keeping pets.
I am a long-time reviewer of children's books. I received a review copy from the author. -- Penelope Anne Cole, Children's Book Author
***
Tamara is a Red-eared Slider turtle, and this endearing story tells the tale of her life thus far. Tamara is excited to be chosen from all the other Red-eared Sliders only to eventually be forgotten and ignored by her owner and set free in a nearby creek by his mother. Tamara is found by a man who finds her and taken to a special new place where she eventually is rescued and taken home where she belongs.
Ms. Macaulay weaves facts about turtles and taking care of them as pets into a fun story to which kids can relate and learn from without feeling a lesson is being taught—though a good lesson on the importance of providing the best environment and pet care is being taught.
Javier Duarte’s illustrations are beautifully colorful and vivid and bring Tamara and Ms. Macaulay’s story to life.
TAMARA TURTLE’S LIFE SO FAR is a terrific book which teaches responsibility and encourages a very important conversation between parents and children about rescue and care of pets.
**Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This review consists only of my truthful opinions, not influenced in any way by the author or publisher. -- Karin Larson, Children's Book Author
***
I am a total fan of this book! So often children beg for pets they know nothing about. The result is often abandoned or neglected pets. Tamara Turtle's Life so Far is a story that shows what often happens to pet store turtles. If only children and their parents fully understood the care and needs of this species, they might take better care of their precious purchase. I highly recommend this book to pet stores, other places that sell Red-eared Slider Turtles, and also to elementary schools, so that children might read about this type of pet. Children will enjoy the spot on illustrations. I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. -- Debra Allard, Children's Book Author
***
Tamara Turtle is adopted as a cute pet when she's a baby, but eventually grows so big she's turned loose into a dangerous world to fend for herself.
By writing this book Regan W. H. Macauley has made it possible for kids to understand and sympathize with the many turtles who are in similar situations.
This book has a happy ending, and I hope it will help kids understand that it's not a good idea to have turtles as pets, and maybe inspire some of them to check out the agencies listed at the back that help turtle rehabilitation.
The illustrations by Javier Duarte are excellent. -- Janet Ann Collins, Teacher and Children's Book Author
***
I wish every potential turtle owner would read this book before heading to the pet store. "Tamara Turtle's Life So Far" is a fun and colorfully illustrated story that follows one turtle's adventure through life. But beyond the fun story, it explains one of the biggest problems involving reptiles in the pet trade. Red ear slider turtles are bred by the million, brought home as pets on a whim, and the majority of them are abandoned long before they reach mid-age. In a friendly and non-preachy way, the story shares how much care and equipment is required to raise a healthy pet turtle, and how abandoned pet turtles in the wild can hurt wildlife. After running our own reptile rescue for many years, I can speak with authority when I say that red ear sliders are the most commonly abandoned reptile in the pet trade. I wish I had a nickel for every request we got to take unwanted pet slider turtles, and I wish this book was in every library in the country!
-Jesse Rothacker
President, Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary
"Give reptiles a chance!"
***
It's about time our early educators had a learning friendly tool available to help children understand the delicate balance of our ecosystems, and how some animals being kept as pets can jeopardize it all; a situation that often leaves that pet to suffer. I hope more educators consider adding this special early learning book to their library, and help spread the word about the red ear slider and the challenges that face them today in the pet industry. A must read for every parent considering purchasing or adopting a red ear slider for their family.
Abigail DeSesa
Executive Board Chair
California Turtle & Tortoise Club
*Disclosure: Our organization received a copy of this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review. This review is approved by the California Turtle & Tortoise Club, Executive Board Officers. It contains only honest opinions with no influence from the author, illustrator or publisher.
***
Such a cleverly written book that helps explain the perilous flight of the Red eared slider turtle that has overwhelmed so many rescues, lakes and ponds. Through no fault of their own they find themselves where they don't belong and sometimes a person with a kind heart comes along and gives them a wonderful forever home. This book got five stars from myself and my 7 y/o grandson who thinks we should donate one to his school library. -- Turtle Lady, Amazon
***
Tamara Turtle's Life So Far is a charming book with a good lesson to learn. This book would be a great read for children who are getting their first pet turtle; or any first pet. It's a lesson of responsibility and love. This would be a great addition to any library. -- Susan Bangert-Wood, Children's Book Author