Gr 1-3-When a diamondback terrapin lays 10 pink eggs in Maggie's backyard sandbox, the resourceful girl seeks help from local experts and agrees to become a turtle-sitter. She and her mother wait for the babies to hatch and then care for them until it's time to set them free in their ocean habitat. The author's information is correct but her prose is awkward and lacks drama. The illustrations are average in quality and often don't accurately reflect the text. For example, Mama Turtle is described as having "sharp black claws," but Schongut depicts them as white in every instance. Also, in a spread in which Curtis describes the differences among the nine hatchlings, the picture portrays them as nearly identical. Back matter includes a craft, but the instructions are poor, and the activity is unlikely to engage kids.-Daisy Porter, San Jose Public Library, CA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

When a diamondback terrapin mistakes Maggie's sandbox for the nearby beach, Maggie is treated to nine months of caring for and watching the eggs and young hatchlings. With some guidance from the Turtle Lady, Maggie becomes a turtle sitter, giving the baby turtles a head start and increasing their chances of survival in the wild, where their counterparts are hibernating. Through Maggie's very observant eyes, readers will get to know the turtles individually as they hatch, feed and spend the winter in the habitat she has created for them. On the first day of summer, wildlife experts tag the babies and Maggie lets them go. Schongut's detailed watercolors perfectly support the text, showing readers not just up-close views of the turtles, but also their aquarium habitat and the food they eat in the wild. A reproducible section (also on the web) encourages teachers and wildlife educators to share fun facts and turtle crafts with children. Sure to spark an interest in these amazing creatures, and to increase participation in Maryland's turtle project. (Picture book/nonfiction. 6-10)