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I'll Follow the Moon
On a quiet, moonlit beach, a baby green sea turtle stirs from a dream of home. Slowly, slowly, with a tap, click, crack, the baby turtle embarks upon a mysterious nighttime journey. Gentle, tender verse and enchanting illustrations carry this tranquil tale from sand to sea.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2005
326 people are currently reading
999 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Lisa Tara
16 books35 followersStephanie Lisa Tara founded a publishing company that empowers kids to care about the planet, themselves and each other. Her creed is activism, inspiring the next generation to make the world a better place. Adults love her books because they help explain 'stuff' in gentle, giggly ways. Kids love her books because they are super fun to read. Who is Stephanie? A San Francisco mom with a great big heart. As a child she had bright red hair, a little too bright in fact. Being different got Stephanie thinking...our differences are the celebration! Whether scaly, feathered, furry, or human-skinned; we all call Earth home. Lyrical prose that dances on our tongue, breathtaking watercolors that illume our imaginations...these are the hallmarks of Stephanie's work.
PRESERVE. CONSERVE. INSPIRE. TEACH. We've only one planet to save. Stephanie Lisa Tara Children's Books®
PRESERVE. CONSERVE. INSPIRE. TEACH. We've only one planet to save. Stephanie Lisa Tara Children's Books®
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
July 4, 2021
I absolutely loved this charming children’s bedtime story about sea turtles. Written in rhyming verse with gorgeous illustrations, it chronicles baby sea turtles hatching from eggs and “following the moon” to get to their mama in the sea. (I am a sucker for tiny smiling sea turtles.) This was a very relaxing and soothing story that shared the natural journey of baby turtles making their way from their nesting area in the sand out to sea. I would imagine it being highly requested at bedtime from young turtle lovers!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
December 9, 2018
This book has been kicking around in my Kindle library for a while, so I thought I'd read it and cross it off the list. I'm honestly baffled as to why it has such high reviews. Aside from the gentle rhythm and repetition that would make it a good bedtime read (I found it a bit of a soporific myself), this book doesn't have much to recommend it. The pictures are just okay, and the whole premise is flawed.
This is a very unrealistic depiction of baby sea turtles. The reality is far more brutal and depressing, and I have my doubts as to whether this subject could even be turned into a decent children's book while still remaining factual. The baby turtle hatches in the sand, and from there is driven toward the sea, guided by the moon, to find its mother. The problem is, sea turtles (from the information I could find) are pretty much crappy parents. They lay their eggs, and then have to go recover for a year. They don't raise their kids, or even have happy reunions with them in the water. In fact, many of the babies will get picked off by predators before they even make it off the sand. Maybe 1 or 2 in a thousand survive to sexual maturity. (See what I mean about this being questionable subject matter for a feel-good children's book?)
Also, this has nothing to do with the actual text of the story, but I noticed that in all the accompanying text (author bios, reviews, etc.) the word "it's" was continually used as a possessive, as if someone had gone through and edited every instance of "its", thinking it was a mistake. Like I said, it has nothing to do with the story... but I found it really irksome. This is basic English grammar, and I would expect better from an author who makes picture books for a living.
So, overall, I wasn't impressed. I wouldn't give this to a child, because it seems like lying. A baby sea turtle's life is precarious... and this book just glosses over all the danger for the purposes of a saccharine story.
This is a very unrealistic depiction of baby sea turtles. The reality is far more brutal and depressing, and I have my doubts as to whether this subject could even be turned into a decent children's book while still remaining factual. The baby turtle hatches in the sand, and from there is driven toward the sea, guided by the moon, to find its mother. The problem is, sea turtles (from the information I could find) are pretty much crappy parents. They lay their eggs, and then have to go recover for a year. They don't raise their kids, or even have happy reunions with them in the water. In fact, many of the babies will get picked off by predators before they even make it off the sand. Maybe 1 or 2 in a thousand survive to sexual maturity. (See what I mean about this being questionable subject matter for a feel-good children's book?)
Also, this has nothing to do with the actual text of the story, but I noticed that in all the accompanying text (author bios, reviews, etc.) the word "it's" was continually used as a possessive, as if someone had gone through and edited every instance of "its", thinking it was a mistake. Like I said, it has nothing to do with the story... but I found it really irksome. This is basic English grammar, and I would expect better from an author who makes picture books for a living.
So, overall, I wasn't impressed. I wouldn't give this to a child, because it seems like lying. A baby sea turtle's life is precarious... and this book just glosses over all the danger for the purposes of a saccharine story.
May 23, 2012
When I lived in Florida- I patrolled a section of Ponte Vedra Beach for Greenpeace looking for sea turtles! When we found the nests we would call in specially trained rangers. They would come and take the eggs to safe houses. The really cool thing was at high tides - after the babies hatched- we would gather and put them into the water to help them start their amazing journeys!!!! It was beyond COOL!
This book did a beautiful job of tellig the story!
This book did a beautiful job of tellig the story!
December 9, 2018
Nice little story about baby turtles.
April 18, 2013
Five Stars: A charming little book with rhyming verse.
This is a sweet little story that follows a newly hatched sea turtle as he endeavors to reach the sea and find his mama. It starts with the cracking of a small egg and the emergence of a baby turtle. Each step of his journey is covered as he bursts out of the egg and learns to make his way through the sticky sand to the water's edge. Each page has a short verse in rhyme and at the end of each and every page is the touching little rhyme:
"I'm coming, Mama, I'll see you soon. I know just how....I'll follow the moon."
Accompanying the lyrical prose are stunning, colorful illustrations that feature the baby turtle. Truly, the pictures are remarkable.
Both of my children, ages four and two, enjoyed this book. I think they found the verse soothing and they liked the repetition of the turtle following the moon. If you have younger children, this is a wonderful book to get for them. I highly recommend this one!
Posted@ Rainy Day Ramblings.
This is a sweet little story that follows a newly hatched sea turtle as he endeavors to reach the sea and find his mama. It starts with the cracking of a small egg and the emergence of a baby turtle. Each step of his journey is covered as he bursts out of the egg and learns to make his way through the sticky sand to the water's edge. Each page has a short verse in rhyme and at the end of each and every page is the touching little rhyme:
"I'm coming, Mama, I'll see you soon. I know just how....I'll follow the moon."
Accompanying the lyrical prose are stunning, colorful illustrations that feature the baby turtle. Truly, the pictures are remarkable.
Both of my children, ages four and two, enjoyed this book. I think they found the verse soothing and they liked the repetition of the turtle following the moon. If you have younger children, this is a wonderful book to get for them. I highly recommend this one!
Posted@ Rainy Day Ramblings.
May 4, 2013
I'll be honest, the second this book came in the mail and I opened it, I was already sold by the gorgeous cover with the most adorable baby turtle I have ever seen in my life. When I opened the book and read it?
I was not dissapointed!
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful in soft, beachy colors that take you right to the beach immediately. From the eggs to the new hatch-lings to finding the ocean for the first time, these tiny creatures come to live throughout the pages both literally and figuratively. Then jump right out of the book like they are scurrying right in front of you. The story that is painted with words in this book makes a very true process seem almost magical. Between the over-arcing lyrical set and the great use of using words to describe the sights, sounds and feelings of these baby turtles, the book is truly a complete work. I think any parent would struggle to find a child that doesn't get caught up by their story and find a little room in the heart for these animals.
I was not dissapointed!
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful in soft, beachy colors that take you right to the beach immediately. From the eggs to the new hatch-lings to finding the ocean for the first time, these tiny creatures come to live throughout the pages both literally and figuratively. Then jump right out of the book like they are scurrying right in front of you. The story that is painted with words in this book makes a very true process seem almost magical. Between the over-arcing lyrical set and the great use of using words to describe the sights, sounds and feelings of these baby turtles, the book is truly a complete work. I think any parent would struggle to find a child that doesn't get caught up by their story and find a little room in the heart for these animals.
August 7, 2023
نمونهٔ پاسخ موردقبول به پرسش: چگونه در شاعرانهترین وجه ممکن کتابی علمی بنویسیم؟
جای گرفته در قفسهٔ «ارتباط قلبی»
جای گرفته در قفسهٔ «ارتباط قلبی»
April 10, 2013
The blog tour for this book (and her other children's books) is running through April 22nd, 2013. You can enter to win $500 in Amazon Gift Cards (DOUBLED if you review them!) and a Kindle Fire. Tour page is found here: http://www.candacesbookblog.com/2013/...
First thing I notice when reading any of Stephanie's books, is the verse. The story flows so well and is so fun to read. It's also easy for younger ones to memorize, and eventually read themselves, because of the repeated phrases and the easy flow to it all.
The other thing I notice immediately is the gorgeous illustrations. They're calming and are all relaxing colors. They are very eye catching and with the lilt of the story on your lips and the relaxing illustrations I found this to be a perfect bed time story.
This story is about a little baby turtle who is going to find his mama by following the moon. It's adorable and memorable. It's a story I love to read to my kids and they love to hear it. My 4 year old son enjoyed it a lot and frequently hands it to me for the bedtime story. It's one I would recommend to boys and girls alike, especially those who are especially fond of animals. I also love that it inspires some great discussions with the kids about sea turtles and the hazards the environment may make for them. How they are endangered and that we need
As with all of her books this includes academic lesson plans and this book even includes a coloring page in the very back!
First thing I notice when reading any of Stephanie's books, is the verse. The story flows so well and is so fun to read. It's also easy for younger ones to memorize, and eventually read themselves, because of the repeated phrases and the easy flow to it all.
The other thing I notice immediately is the gorgeous illustrations. They're calming and are all relaxing colors. They are very eye catching and with the lilt of the story on your lips and the relaxing illustrations I found this to be a perfect bed time story.
This story is about a little baby turtle who is going to find his mama by following the moon. It's adorable and memorable. It's a story I love to read to my kids and they love to hear it. My 4 year old son enjoyed it a lot and frequently hands it to me for the bedtime story. It's one I would recommend to boys and girls alike, especially those who are especially fond of animals. I also love that it inspires some great discussions with the kids about sea turtles and the hazards the environment may make for them. How they are endangered and that we need
As with all of her books this includes academic lesson plans and this book even includes a coloring page in the very back!
October 3, 2015
This book took my breath away when I opened it. The water color pictures are just beautiful and the colors of blue and green against the tan sandy shores are perfect. It's such a tranquil book, just looking at it. And though it's about the birth of a sea turtle and his search for his mother, it's not frantic. The turtle is sure he'll find the way.
"I'm coming mama, I'll see you soon I know just how....I'll follow the moon." This phrase is repeated on each page and it again shows the bond between mother and child. Though the turtle can't see his mother, he knows she's there, just the same, just like the moon. The illustrator keeps the same calmness throughout the book so the words and actions, the background complement one another. Again, I tested this on my beach loving niece and she loved it, following along the repeated stanza towards the end of the book. We discussed the pictures, named the turtles, and mama turtle. This was a winner for both of us.
Again in the back their are Lesson Plans/Activity Pages. The Lesson Plans are divided into preschool and elementary age and there is even a coloring page in the back. Again, if you adapted the plans a bit, you could easily use this at a birthday party, especially if you lived at the beach.
"I'm coming mama, I'll see you soon I know just how....I'll follow the moon." This phrase is repeated on each page and it again shows the bond between mother and child. Though the turtle can't see his mother, he knows she's there, just the same, just like the moon. The illustrator keeps the same calmness throughout the book so the words and actions, the background complement one another. Again, I tested this on my beach loving niece and she loved it, following along the repeated stanza towards the end of the book. We discussed the pictures, named the turtles, and mama turtle. This was a winner for both of us.
Again in the back their are Lesson Plans/Activity Pages. The Lesson Plans are divided into preschool and elementary age and there is even a coloring page in the back. Again, if you adapted the plans a bit, you could easily use this at a birthday party, especially if you lived at the beach.
March 20, 2012
i LOVED the picture of the baby turtle cuddling against the dirt! The text was just okay. The repeated couplet is kind of tidal. The font shtuff was regrettably kitschy.
I read this to the cutest nephew EVAR while he relaxed in his new "nest" (bean-bag chair).
I read this to the cutest nephew EVAR while he relaxed in his new "nest" (bean-bag chair).
August 18, 2017
This was one of the few more modern books that I could find on the free Kindle store just recently. Due to the cute and adorable baby turtle on the front and the title my attention was caught. And with the exception of one or two parts that aren't realistic this book was an adorable read that would be a great lullaby read for children.
Basically there is a very small introduction about green sea turtles on the information page and then an explanation about how this book came to be. From there the story is sweet, a bit rhythmic and full of the hope of parental love. Children will be introduced to what it is like to be able to be on their own and to have a hope that will drive them in their future endeavors.
What will make this book fun for children is the change of font that allows them to feel that the font has movement that is paired to the prose of the words. And although there is a repeated refrain throughout the story it doesn't truly take away from the actual plot.
As for the illustrations they are beautiful and charming while I could just spend some time looking at them. They have a nice and wide touch to them even when the turtles are in the nest thus giving scope to the width of the world when compared to the smallness of the baby. And the colors even of the ocean are gorgeously caught.
All in all it was a good book even with its inaccuracies while I am so happy that the author had this book out for a free download. And again this would be a definite recommend in my opinion again as a lullaby book to help put children to sleep or to even allow for a cuddle time with them.
Basically there is a very small introduction about green sea turtles on the information page and then an explanation about how this book came to be. From there the story is sweet, a bit rhythmic and full of the hope of parental love. Children will be introduced to what it is like to be able to be on their own and to have a hope that will drive them in their future endeavors.
What will make this book fun for children is the change of font that allows them to feel that the font has movement that is paired to the prose of the words. And although there is a repeated refrain throughout the story it doesn't truly take away from the actual plot.
As for the illustrations they are beautiful and charming while I could just spend some time looking at them. They have a nice and wide touch to them even when the turtles are in the nest thus giving scope to the width of the world when compared to the smallness of the baby. And the colors even of the ocean are gorgeously caught.
All in all it was a good book even with its inaccuracies while I am so happy that the author had this book out for a free download. And again this would be a definite recommend in my opinion again as a lullaby book to help put children to sleep or to even allow for a cuddle time with them.
April 5, 2013
This is such an astounding little book! I love turtles of all shapes and sizes, but there is something truly magical about these baby sea turtles that made everything seem so perfect.
I am a true fan of rhyme in stories, especially children's books, and I'll Follow the Moon is made more interesting with the precious saying that is repeated throughout its pages:
"I'm coming, Mama, I'll see you soon I know just how...I'll follow the moon"
That saying just rolls right off your tongue like waves gently pushing against the sea. If there ever was a lullaby for the sea and its creatures, this mantra seems perfect for it.
I read this book out loud to all of my children and they seemed to get lost in the words of it. I even had my youngest say he felt like he was right there with the baby sea turtles, trying to find his way to the water too. The words are very creative but simple enough for even the youngest reader to understand everything that happens.
I'll Follow the Moon is perfect to read to your little ones as a bedtime story but also helps all of us learn more about these majestic little animals that rely on the moon to reach the beginning of their lives.
I gave this story five hearts because of how it was beautifully crafted!
I am a true fan of rhyme in stories, especially children's books, and I'll Follow the Moon is made more interesting with the precious saying that is repeated throughout its pages:
"I'm coming, Mama, I'll see you soon I know just how...I'll follow the moon"
That saying just rolls right off your tongue like waves gently pushing against the sea. If there ever was a lullaby for the sea and its creatures, this mantra seems perfect for it.
I read this book out loud to all of my children and they seemed to get lost in the words of it. I even had my youngest say he felt like he was right there with the baby sea turtles, trying to find his way to the water too. The words are very creative but simple enough for even the youngest reader to understand everything that happens.
I'll Follow the Moon is perfect to read to your little ones as a bedtime story but also helps all of us learn more about these majestic little animals that rely on the moon to reach the beginning of their lives.
I gave this story five hearts because of how it was beautifully crafted!
April 6, 2013
This book is so fun and educational! It's a wonderful book to read to or with your children. With rich illustrations, and beautiful writing it is a book that you can enjoy over and over again. My daughter can't get enough of it and I am so happy with how much she enjoys it. It has some repetitive lines that helps younger children to interact and read along which is also awesome for their confidence in learning to read.
This book is about the journey of a turtle from when it first hatches, to finding his mother. I think that it has a valuable lesson to never give up. This turtle keeps telling itself over and over that it will find it's mother. The moon is it's guide, and though the journey seems long, the end result is the turtle getting to where he needs and wants to be.
I think this was a beautiful story about nature, love, and family that both children and adults can enjoy over and over again. If you are looking for an inspiring book for young readers, this one should definitely go on your shelf.
This book is about the journey of a turtle from when it first hatches, to finding his mother. I think that it has a valuable lesson to never give up. This turtle keeps telling itself over and over that it will find it's mother. The moon is it's guide, and though the journey seems long, the end result is the turtle getting to where he needs and wants to be.
I think this was a beautiful story about nature, love, and family that both children and adults can enjoy over and over again. If you are looking for an inspiring book for young readers, this one should definitely go on your shelf.
January 20, 2013
A gentle, comforting storybook with the message that even though the world is a big (sometimes scary) place, and even though we are sometimes asked to do difficult things by ourselves, mom is out there, and she is comforting and safe, and that is a constant. The message is told through the story of turtles hatching on a beach, surfacing, and following the light of the moon to find the water.
The book is illustrated by Lee Edward Fodi, and many of the pictures are not very interesting. Mostly they are expanses of sand on the beach. The fun part of each illustration is the type, which has a life of its own. I love that this book tells about something that really happens in nature (though the reuniting part with mom is not accurate.) I think children will love it, and will love having it read aloud to them at bedtime.
The book is illustrated by Lee Edward Fodi, and many of the pictures are not very interesting. Mostly they are expanses of sand on the beach. The fun part of each illustration is the type, which has a life of its own. I love that this book tells about something that really happens in nature (though the reuniting part with mom is not accurate.) I think children will love it, and will love having it read aloud to them at bedtime.
April 12, 2013
I'll Follow the Moon is absolutely delightful. It focuses on the journey of baby turtles as they are growing in their eggs, hatch, and make their journey to the sea. The author has written the story in such a way that will capture your child's attention, as the baby turtles journey to find their mother. In addition to be a wonderful story, I'll Follow the Moon also teaches your child about nature. As an added bonus, Stephanie Lisa Tara has also provided learning activities in the back of the book that you can do one on one with your child, or in a group. There are activities for children as young as 3, on up to an older child. I loved this book and definitely recommend it. I'll Follow the Moon is a wonderful addition to your child's library.
January 9, 2013
The illustrations first drew me to this book – they are delightful! Although, with the exception of the line which is repeated on every page, I did find the rhyming a little hard to read since it didn't entirely flow. I have read some of the reviews which argue the point that this tale is far from factual in terms of the beginning of life as a turtle. Although I have to agree with this, it is worth bearing in mind that this will probably be read to very small children who won’t be too worried about the minor details. It is just a charming story about a baby turtle hatching and vowing to find its mummy, which I am sure both parents and children (possibly 2 – 6) will find very appealing.
April 9, 2013
Reviewed by Jessica for Book Sake.
Of all of Stephanie’s books this one had the most lyrical beauty of all. While there are two lines that are repeated on every page, it adds to the story in showing what the newly hatched turtle has it’s mind set on. The illustrations were simple and sweet all on their own. This is a story to get kids interested in learning more about nature!
Book Received: For free from author in exchange for an honest review.
Of all of Stephanie’s books this one had the most lyrical beauty of all. While there are two lines that are repeated on every page, it adds to the story in showing what the newly hatched turtle has it’s mind set on. The illustrations were simple and sweet all on their own. This is a story to get kids interested in learning more about nature!
Book Received: For free from author in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2012
I live in Florida, but have not had the opportunity to watch sea turtles hatching and making their way to the ocean. I enjoyed the children's story, the repeated phrase and the soft pastel colored illustrations. I will read it to my 3 yr old great- niece when I see her in a couple of weeks, to get a child's reaction. The ending seemed abrupt to me, but overall a pleasant children's story.
September 26, 2012
This was a very sweet children's book. I loved the illustrations of the turtles hatching and making their way to the ocean. It was a nice read, in a very sing-songy way that was pleasing to the ears. I could definitely see younger children loving this book and quickly picking up on the catch phrase that is repeated throughout the book.
July 20, 2016
Turtle-heart leap!
This was a cute book. I got mine (kindle edition) from Amazon for free and read it off my browser. It gets a little brainwashing but I suppose that mimics the baby turtles' single-mindedness to return to their mother. If I had a collection of children's books, this one would definitely be part of it.
April 1, 2013
This was a cute and touching story with great illustrations! I remember when I was a kid looking at pictures in these types of books for hours. This book is like the ones that hooked me. It has catchy word phrases, but the best part is the adorable pictures. I can see this being a child's favorite, especially if they like turtles.
June 24, 2013
So adorable! I picked this up for free for my Kindle. I had a few moments between shiny things and decided to read it. There isn't much of a story but the illustrations were sweet. I, especially, liked the smiling turtle baby coming out of its shell. Not very scientifically correct, but would do well as a bedtime read.
August 12, 2016
The pictures are beautiful. There is a coloring page on the kindle version and links for related preschool activities. I thought the poetry was just ok but my four year old asked a lot of of questions about sea turtles so it does engage young children.
January 15, 2013
Cute, rhythmic, and soothing. The beautiful illustrations enhanced this book. A wonderful tale about the caring nature of mothers. A definite great freebie find!
Jinky is Reading
Jinky is Reading
September 10, 2016
I read this to my grandson, he liked the turtles and the way they hatched from eggs. It was sweet how they swam to thier mothers.
January 28, 2012
Too cute!! A lovely little book about baby turtles hatching.
April 30, 2012
Have just started reading this a few nights to Pooger. He loves the pictures tho he's still a bit little to understand the text. It' a beautiful book. The new babies will love it too.
February 6, 2013
inspired
March 14, 2013
A comforting story that follows the path of a newly born sea turtle who is trying desperately to connect with its mother. The illustrations make the story come even more alive.
January 19, 2020
Charming story with a gentle rhyme scheme. Could be a quiet bedtime story. Lovely fiction but need to remind readers it is not a realistic depiction of what happens when sea turtles hatch.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews