Mystery of the Missing Turtles by Deborah S. Bower, Ricky-John Spencer, Michael B. Thompson, James U. Van Dyke and Elizabeth Hale. Ill by James O'Hanlon

Mystery of the Missing Turtles is an engaging narrative non-fiction picture book about freshwater turtles that will provide children with fascinating facts intertwined within an appealing story. Written by the Australian biologists who created the 1 Million Turtles Citizen Science Project 1 Million Turtles, this important story is a gentle introduction to creating understanding about the effects of feral wildlife on our Australian fauna and how simple conservation ideas can support the survival of these creatures.

Brooke loves to spend hours watching the freshwater turtles in the creek on her farm. She knows so much about them and shares these interesting facts with readers. However, gradually she realises that all of the turtles she sees regularly are old. She wonders why and searches for the turtle nests. Brooke is saddened to see the eggshells broken and empty. The baby turtles are being eaten by something and with help from her father she uses some detecting skills to uncover the culprit. After leaving some chicken eggs in a nest and setting up a camera, she discovers a red fox is the thief eating all the eggs. With more help from her father, she creates a very clever wire mesh barrier to place over the turtle eggs and the turtles hatch successfully.

This is a wonderful read and the illustrations work beautifully in tandem with the text. The skilful use of panels shows a layered storytelling effect and provide a way of guiding readers to a deeper understanding of the actions that take place over time.

In the final pages there is further fascinating and detailed information about turtles including how to become a turtle warrior with ‘1 Million Turtles’, a valuable glossary and acknowledgments.  

Teacher Notes: https://www.publishing.csiro.au/book/8222#forteachers

Themes: Australian Freshwater Turtles, Wildlife threats, Conservation, Family, First Nations, 1 Million Turtles Citizen Science Project.

Kathryn Beilby