Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15th. It goes through October 15th. I have not focused on the heritage months as much as I have in the past because I truly believe books sharing any heritage and history is important for all kids to read and should be read any time. That said I am sharing a picture book today that takes place in Mexico so if you are someone who pays more attention to the heritage months, this book works for right now! It also is about helping an endangered animal species, so it is also perfect for Earth Day or a science lesson! The book is Pearls in the Sand: Protecting Sea Turtles in Oaxaca by Beatriz Gutiérrez Hernández. It is recommended for ages four to eight.
About the Book:
From the author and illustrator of the Ezra Jack Keats honor recipient Benito Juárez Fights for Justice, comes a deeply heartfelt picture book about sea turtle conservation efforts in Oaxaca, Mexico.Papá Grande was once a sea turtle poacher but now he spends his days and nights caring for these endangered creatures. From greeting the turtles on the beach to protecting their eggs in the carefully constructed hatchery, there's always something to do to help these turtles fight against looming extinction. With elegant text, lush illustrations, and detailed backmatter this book is the perfect way to introduce little ones to sea turtle conservation, ocean habitats and animal life cycles.
From Me:
This story is told by Gabriela. She is a young girl living near the Oaxaca coast in Mexico. It is the first time she is going with her grandfather on night patrol of the beach. Throughout the story her grandfather shares his life stories as well as information about sea turtles. Gabriela gets to see Perlita struggle out of the water and lay her eggs. She and her grandfather take the eggs to be protected, and Gabriela gets to see them hatch and leave the nursery. Throughout the story the life of a sea turtle is told as well as the history of the Oaxaca coast with them.
I love how the book shares that Gabriela's grandfather once hunted the sea turtles and poached their eggs. When it was outlawed, he became a tortuguero who works to protect them as much as they can. He did this to make a living but soon realized his life and the life a sea turtle are very similar. They both struggle to survive. He has grown to love the sea turtles and even explains in the book why it is so important to us that the sea turtles live. I love how a bit of the culture and history of the region is in the book as well as the life cycle of the sea turtles.
Throughout the book there are terms used by the tortugueros that are in Spanish. At the end of the book is a glossary in both English and Spanish of these terms. There is also the life cycle of a sea turtle both with illustrations as well as words. There is the lovely map below and the Author's Note and Additional Resources. Plus in the beginning of the book there is a little paragraph about the varied history people of Oaxaca and sea turtles have had. I love how it previews the story of Gabriela's grandfather. The book truly shares a bit of the culture as well as the science of the sea turtle. It is a beautiful book and well written. I can see it being a wonderful story time tale at home, school, or elsewhere. It definitely will lead to lessons on Mexican culture as well as the life of a sea turtle. I also love that the book shares why it is so important that we care about these endangered animals.
For more books and posts including craft roundups on sea turtles check out here. For more resources to learn about Mexico and Mexican American history and culture check out here.
