Books About Turtles And Tortoises · 241 titles considered

The Best Turtles And Tortoises Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about turtles and tortoises? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Nim's Island
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Turtles And Tortoises

Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1999

Nim's Island

By Wendy Orr, Kerry Millard (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Nim series

A young girl lives on a deserted island with her scientist father and various animal friends.

125 pages· 21,645 words· Est. 3 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 5,914 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Nim, a resourceful girl on a remote island, thrives with her animal friends while her scientist father is away. But when his calls cease, Nim must summon courage and ingenuity to face looming threats. With only a sea lion, an iguana, and a mysterious e-mail friend for support, can she navigate the challenges ahead and ensure her father's safe return? Adventure and resilience intertwine as Nim discovers the true strength of friendship and bravery.
Board Book · Ages 2–6 · 2010

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

By Philip C. Stead, Erin E. Stead (Illustrator)

When Amos falls ill, his zoo friends bring the fun to him.

Caldecott Medal (2011)The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2010)Charlotte Zolotow Honor (2011)
34 pages· 441 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 21,976 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Summary: Amos McGee cherishes his daily visits with his zoo friends, from racing a tortoise to comforting a shy penguin. But when Amos is too sick to visit, the animals embark on a heartwarming journey to return his kindness. Will their surprise cheer him up? Discover the power of friendship in unexpected forms.
Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 1993

The Tortoise and the Jackrabbit

A desert race pits patient Tortoise against speedy Jackrabbit. Who will win?

32 pages· 587 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 152 ratings
$15.95Save 6%
Summary: In a desert showdown, Tortoise challenges the overconfident Jackrabbit to a race. As Tortoise steadily makes her way through the arid landscape, Jackrabbit's carefree attitude might just be his downfall. With Roadrunner, Tarantula, and Gila Monster cheering them on, the race is on. Will patience triumph over speed?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

The Tortoise and the Hare

By Bernadette Watts (Illustrator)

Can a slow tortoise outsmart a speedy hare in a race?

32 pages· 789 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 33 ratings
$8.95Save 4%
Summary: In a surprising challenge, Tortoise bets he can outrun the swift Hare. As the race unfolds, Hare's overconfidence leads him to pause for snacks, while Tortoise steadily advances. Who will triumph in this timeless tale of perseverance and wit? Discover the unexpected outcome in this beautifully illustrated retelling of Aesop's classic fable.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Search for Treasure

A hidden treasure hunt on Dewees Island reveals unexpected truths.

272 pages· 56,839 words· Est. 8 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 676 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Jake returns to Dewees Island, hoping to lift his dad's spirits after Afghanistan. With friends Macon and Lovie, he embarks on a treasure hunt, uncovering secrets and facing challenges. As they search for a hidden box, they confront unwelcome island guests and discover that the real treasures are closer than they imagined. Will their quest bring the healing and happiness they seek?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

Isadora Moon Goes on Holiday

A holiday turns into a rescue mission when a baby turtle needs help finding its way home.

128 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 438 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Isadora Moon, half-fairy, half-vampire, wins a dream holiday, but adventure calls when she and her mermaid friend Marina find a baby turtle in distress. Can they guide it back home? With the sun, sea, and sand as their backdrop, Isadora must use her unique abilities to navigate this unexpected challenge. Will her magical heritage be enough to save the day, or will the ocean's mysteries prove too daunting? Dive into a tale of friendship, courage, and the quest to reunite a lost creature with its family.
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2016

Pipsie, Nature Detective

A nature hunt turns into a mystery when lunch goes missing.

40 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 118 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, embark on a thrilling school trip scavenger hunt. As they race to find the 'Seven Wonders of Nature,' their PB&J sandwiches mysteriously vanish. Following animal tracks, they encounter deer, birds, and beavers. Can Pipsie solve the mystery and complete the hunt before Alfred's hunger takes over?
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2007

Turtle Summer

A journal reveals the secrets of sea turtles and coastal life.

32 pages· 1,351 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 344 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Summary: Toy creates a heartfelt journal for her daughter, Little Lovie, capturing the wonders of sea turtles' nesting cycles and coastal life. Through vivid photographs and engaging entries, explore the southeastern coast's natural beauty, from shore birds to sea turtle hospitals. This scrapbook journal invites readers to discover nature's mysteries and encourages young minds to engage with the world around them. What secrets will the coast reveal, and how will this journey shape Little Lovie's understanding of the world? Dive into a summer of discovery and connection with nature's wonders.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

The Book of Turtles

By Sy Montgomery, Matt Patterson (Illustrator)

Discover the surprising world of turtles and their ancient wisdom.

40 pages· 2,947 words· Est. 23 min read-aloud
4.5/5 Goodreads · 403 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Explore the captivating world of turtles, from Lonesome George, the last of his kind, to Myrtle, the social media star. With over 300 unique species, these ancient reptiles reveal surprising traits like glowing shells and long necks. As they face unprecedented threats, this beautifully illustrated book invites you to uncover their secrets and perhaps inspire action to protect them.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

Yoshi, Sea Turtle Genius

By Lynne Cox, Richard Jones (Illustrator)

A sea turtle embarks on a 23,000-mile journey to return home.

40 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 330 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Yoshi, a loggerhead sea turtle, embarks on an epic 23,000-mile journey across the ocean to return to her birthplace and lay her eggs. From her rescue by a fisherman to her rehabilitation, Yoshi's adventure is filled with peril and wonder. Will she overcome the challenges of the deep sea and find her way back home? Dive into this true story of resilience and instinct, where the stakes are as vast as the ocean itself.
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Browse by age

Turtles And Tortoises Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about turtles and tortoises for the youngest readers and listeners.

Little Green Frog

Ages 0–5 · 2016

Discover pond friends with flaps that reveal surprises and build skills.

Back to School Tortoise

Ages 2–5 · 2009

Tortoise faces school fears. Will he find courage or crumble under worries?

Ice Hockey

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover ice hockey basics as Turtles face Hares in a thrilling game.

Grumpy Tortoise

Ages 0–3 · 2019

A grumpy morning turns brighter with friends' help.

That's Not My Turtle...
Sale price
$1099

That's Not My Turtle...

Ages 2–5 · 2023

Explore textures and find the hidden mouse with turtles.

Owen & Mzee: Best Friends

Ages 2–5 · 2007

A baby hippo and a tortoise form an unbreakable bond after a tsunami.

Little Turtle Tries
Sale price
$799

Little Turtle Tries

Ages 2–5 · 2021

A turtle's struggle to get dressed becomes an adventure.

Little Sea Turtle

Ages 0–3 · 2014

Join baby sea turtles on their first ocean adventure.

Splish Splash!

Ages 1–4 · 2011

Discover river sounds with touch and feel surprises.

Half-Shell Heroes

Ages 2–5 · 2023

Turtles face a robotic menace. Can they save the day?

Skate Like a Ninja!

Ages 2–5 · 2017

Heroes face a mysterious villain in a thrilling showdown.

Heart of a Ninja

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Discover what the Ninja Turtles love most in this playful adventure.

View all turtles and tortoises board books
Browse by age

Turtles And Tortoises Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about turtles and tortoises for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Follow the Moon Home

Ages 5–8 · 2016

A new girl unites a community to save sea turtles.

The Disappearing Caterpillar

Ages 5–8 · 2015

A caterpillar vanishes. Can a young detective and her turtle solve the mystery?

A Mama for Owen

Ages 4–8 · 2007

A baby hippo finds unexpected friendship after a tsunami changes everything.

Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School!

Ages 3–7 · 2022

Can Little Tortoise reach school on time despite unexpected delays?

Rodney Was a Tortoise

Ages 3–7 · 2022

A child navigates loss and finds solace in unexpected friendship.

Turtle in a Tree

Ages 3–6 · 2021

A greyhound and bulldog debate what's in the tree, leading to an unexpected discovery.

The Big Adventures of a Little Tree: Tree Finds Friendship

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A tree defies nature to explore the world, discovering friendship and possibility along the way.

The Hug
Sale price
$1595

The Hug

Ages 3–6 · 2019

A hedgehog and a tortoise seek a hug but face unexpected challenges.

While We Can't Hug
Sale price
$1595

While We Can't Hug

Ages 0–5 · 2020

Two friends find creative ways to show love without touch.

The Box Turtle

Ages 3–6 · 2020

A little box turtle's search for a new shell leads to unexpected discoveries about identity and friendship.

Alfie

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A turtle vanishes before a birthday, embarking on a secret quest.

Owen & Mzee

Ages 4–8 · 2006

An orphaned hippo and ancient tortoise form an unlikely bond, defying nature's odds.

Browse by age

Turtles And Tortoises Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about turtles and tortoises for developing and independent readers.

The Islanders

Ages 8–11 · 2021

Three kids must protect a sea turtle nest from predators on a remote island, facing personal challenges and unexpected adventures.

The Loch Ness Punster

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A boy inherits a mysterious castle, but secrets and family tensions loom large.

Dream of the Blue Turtle
Sale price
$699

Dream of the Blue Turtle

Ages 6–9 · 2014

A mermaid foresees danger. Can she prevent it before it's too late?

Sea Turtles

Ages 6–9 · 2011

Discover the secret life of sea turtles and their incredible journeys.

The Worst Witch to the Rescue

Ages 8–12 · 2007

A witch's stormy rescue mission for her stolen tortoise.

Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1099

Hicotea

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A magical realm needs Sandy's help to complete a mysterious painting.

Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A tiny boy faces a deep-sea monster and unexpected friendships on a mysterious island.

The Turtle

Ages 6–10 · 2005

In a foggy mystery, a lighthouse family hears a voice from the cliffs. Who awaits them below?

Out of My Shell
Sale price
$1799

Out of My Shell

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A girl must choose between avoiding heartbreak or saving endangered sea turtles.

Don't Judge Me
Sale price
$1799

Don't Judge Me

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A girl must confront a list ranking classmates by looks, risking everything to speak up.

Magic by the Lake
Sale price
$999

Magic by the Lake

Ages 8–12 · 1957

A wish for magic leads to a lakeful of enchantment and unexpected adventures.

Everyone Gets a Turn

Ages 3–6 · 2022

Four friends find an egg and learn the power of sharing and teamwork.

Keep exploring
Books about empathyBooks about father-daughter relationshipsBooks about hard workBooks about sea creaturesBooks about survival storiesBooks about the zoo

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