Snapping Turtles
The Library of turtles and tortoises Series
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
Snapping Turtles is a comprehensive guide to the natural history of snapping turtles. It explores the evolution, anatomy, behavior, reproduction, habitat, diet, Conservation Status, and human interactions of these ancient reptiles. Written in an engaging style with color photographs, the book enables readers to develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of these often misunderstood creatures. With powerful jaws that can cut through flesh like butter, these grumpy turtles have a temperament to match their snappish bite. They're content to prowl freshwater in search of food, but pull them onto land and they get really mad. Most snappers hibernate in winter, but some are so tough that they crawl around under the ice of lakes and streams. The common snapping turtle and the scary looking alligator snapper are both featured in this fun and factual book.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like to be a snapping turtle?
Why do you think snapping turtles snap?
What can we learn from how snapping turtles behave in the wild?
How do you think the snapping turtle's environment affects its life?
If you could ask a snapping turtle a question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to share their thoughts and feelings about the snapping turtles, promoting empathy and emotional understanding.
Discuss the snapping turtle’s natural habitat and survival tactics to weave in educational content in an engaging way.
Use the snapping turtles' behaviors as a springboard to talk about broader topics like wildlife conservation and the importance of biodiversity.
Relate the book’s themes to your child’s experiences, making the discussion more relevant and meaningful.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and exploration.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience and perseverance
Explanation: The story follows the journey of a young snapping turtle overcoming obstacles to find its way back to the pond. This teaches children the importance of patience and perseverance in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by persisting through challenges in schoolwork or while learning a new skill, understanding that success often comes from steady effort.
Example Lesson: Respecting nature and wildlife
Explanation: As the snapping turtle interacts with other animals and elements of nature, the book educates about the ecological role of each creature and the importance of respecting wildlife.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be mindful and considerate during outdoor activities, promoting responsible behavior towards nature and animals around them.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, the snapping turtle encounters various characters who assist in its journey, demonstrating the importance of kindness and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to build positive relationships with peers, understanding that teamwork and support are vital in overcoming common challenges.
Example Lesson: Embracing individual differences
Explanation: The book showcases various animals with different abilities and characteristics, highlighting how diversity strengthens a community.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate the unique traits of others around them, fostering an inclusive attitude and reducing prejudice in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: As the turtle confronts and overcomes various fears on its journey, children see the benefits of facing and conquering personal fears.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach new experiences or challenges with bravery, knowing that overcoming fears is part of personal growth and development.