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The True and Lucky Life of a Turtle
CCBC Review:
For decades, a large common snapping turtle lived a peaceful life in a pond near a fire station. For snapping turtles, a measure of luck is required even to reach maturity; born “as small as a quarter,” this turtle was already fortunate not to have been eaten or destroyed as he developed within his egg. Locating a water source, too, made for a fraught journey. Discovered and named “Fire Chief” by firefighters one year, the turtle’s annual trek across a nearby dirt road to a larger pond for winter hibernation became well known to the firefighters. But as decades passed and humans developed the area, the road—made into a state highway—became much more hazardous. One year, Fire Chief was struck and injured by a vehicle. Luckily, Turtle Rescue League was prepared to take him in. (“We never give up on a turtle!”) Fire Chief’s broken shell was patched and his legs rehabilitated with the help of a custom wheelchair. Fully recovered a couple of years later, Fire Chief was released into a new pond “far from any road,” built by his human “friends.” A lucky turtle, indeed. Remarkably lifelike, detailed paintings bring Fire Chief and his environs to life in this informative, uplifting account. The author and illustrator met Fire Chief while volunteering at the turtle rescue; Fire Chief’s current pond is located on the illustrator’s property. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Matt Patterson
CCBC Age Recommendation: 4-8
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Animals (Informational)
Change
Resiliency
Publishers:
Clarion, HarperCollins
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9780063325166
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 597 Montgomery