"Bird looked at the crumbling
pile of sand and shook her head.
"We should walk around," she said.
Turtle had already dashed in.
"Slow down!" said Bird. "If we're not careful,
the whole pile will fall.
But nothing could slow Turtle down."
Readers will quickly empathize with the single tiny turtle who awakens late in the morning she and her many siblings were meant to make their trip to open water. A sandpiper who sits nearby explains that the rest left for the water at night. That is when turtles are supposed to hatch. No problem for the latecomer, she will meet them in the sea!
Easier said than done, explains the bird. It's a long way to the sea, and the beach is a dangerous place: hot, too many people, beach balls, sand castles, and not for one tiny turtle on her own. Turtle won't be stopped. She will follow the tracks of her siblings as she makes their way across the beach. The bird offers accompaniment. Turtle is keen on new adventure and fun. Despite the bird's good advice, Turtle is having none of it. Independent and determined, she chooses the course she will take.
As they get closer Turtle is suddenly aware just how big the sea is. Turtle begins to pull back. By now, Bird is sure they can make it. There are many distractions for Turtle as she does her best to avoid getting closer to the wide expanse of blue ocean that is right in front of them.
""The sea is so very big," said Turtle. "REAL B IG.
How will I ever find my brothers and sisters in
something so big?""
Bird continues to encourage Turtle. It's a tough decision to make ... soon Turtle is in the water and waving goodbye. Turtle is alone for the first time ... or is she?
Using oil pastel monoprints and colored pencil, Jacob Grant creates a beach setting that is perfect and adventure-filled for Turtle, while less so for Bird. As the two say their goodbyes, readers will feel a little hiccup of sadness watching Bird stand alone on the beach while Turtle plunges into the sea that will lead her back to her family.
“If you want to stay, there will always be room by my nest.
But after the wild beach trip you made it through today,
I know you will find your way.”
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