The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle
By (Author) Sy Montgomery
Illustrated by Matt Patterson
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
HarperCollins
1st January 2026
United States
Children
Non Fiction
Educational: Environmental science
Childrens / Teenage social topics: Environment, sustainability and green issues
Hardback
40
Width 279mm, Height 254mm
454g
The bestselling and Sibert Honorwinning creators ofThe Book of Turtlesbrings us the true story of a snapping turtles extraordinary journeyand 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 Honorwinning 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.
(The Book of Turtles) "Smartly pairing two experts in wildlife portrayal, this one is not to be missed.Splendid." Kirkus Reviews(starred review) (The Book of Turtles) "Montgomery and Patterson astonish with this fact-driven turtle tribute.Realistic, almost photographic, acrylic paintings capture diverse turtle species. Every page is an authoritative delight in this conservation-minded ode poised to turn anyone into a turtle lover." Publishers Weekly (starred review) (The Book of Turtles) "A stunning book that will delight readers of any age, filled with interesting facts about the turtles life cycles, their eating habits, and even a few myths." School Library Journal (starred review) (The Book of Turtles) "Acclaimed science writer Montgomery introduces turtles to young readers.[A] pattern, consisting of short, informative paragraphs written in Montgomerys easy journalistic style and accompanied by a detailed acrylic-paint illustration complementing the text, continues throughout. Fascinating." Horn Book (starred review) (The Book of Turtles) "In this inviting book, Montgomery introduces turtles with facts, observations, and an irrepressible admiration for the critters as well as a knack for seeing things from their perspective. A beautiful, informative introduction to turtles." Booklist (starred review)
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 andtwicethe Roger Tory Peterson Wild America Art Award. His work has hung in prestigious galleries, museums, and shows, including the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museums Birds in Art exhibition, and he is a fellow at the Explorers Club in New York. Matts debut picture book, The Book of Turtles, was a Sibert Honor Book.