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English Titles

The Hatchling's Journey: A Blanding's Turtle Story
Kristin Bieber Domm
Illustrations: Jeffrey C. Domm
Halifax, N.S.: Nimbus Publishing,
2003. 30 p.
(Natural Heroes)
ISBN 155109438X
Ages 4 to 8

Elen canoes to Kejimkujik Lake with her grandfather for a special ceremony to dedicate the land around it as a Mi'kmaq Cultural Landscape. After the dedication, she travels by motorboat with her cousin Tuma to look for hatchling Blanding's turtles — a protected species in Nova Scotia. Tuma is a university student who is studying these turtles. Elen learns about the turtles' habitat, their nests and eggs; she is especially fascinated to discover that they care for themselves alone after they are born.

After tracking the path of a small turtle, she remembers her grandfather's words: "If you dig a hole in the forest, you will see that all the trees are holding hands. That is what we must do." She begins to understand her place in the world and her responsibility toward it and others.

Beautiful, clear, bright, double-page illustrations create a feeling of the wide open spaces described, and the close-ups of people and turtles draw the reader into the story. A special section at the back of the book offers more information on the Blanding's turtle, current efforts to protect this species at risk, and Kejimkujik National Park.

The Hatchling's Journey was shortlisted for the 2004–2005 Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award.

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