Nonfiction Monday: A Sea Turtle's Life by Ellen Lawrence

This is an addition to a fairly popular series, "Animal Diaries: Life Cycles". This series focuses on the life cycle of an animal, but frames it as a fictional diary of a child.

In this title, the child is a boy, Dylan, and he is learning about sea turtles with the help of his older brother. He learns about how they lay their eggs on the beach, what happens when they hatch, and the early life of a sea turtle. The "diary entries" record observations of this process. There are also additional facts included on most pages.

Back matter includes a "science lab" activity - to help save endangered sea turtles by making a poster - a picture glossary, brief index, 3 titles for further reading, and link to the publisher's website for more information.

I'm not wholly in love with this format; the mix of fiction and nonfiction makes me uneasy. However, the format works well for kids transitioning to more research-based material as well as giving teachers and students ideas for science projects. I would like to see more science-based activities in the back, especially in this title.

Verdict: This series adds variety to my animal section and I will continue purchasing new additions.

ISBN: 9781944102487; Published 2016 by Bearport; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library