Tessy Turtle


Children - Animals
79 Pages
Reviewed on 01/21/2024
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

“I’m Tessy, the Green Sea Turtle, let me be!” Tessy Turtle has a plea for us all to hear. In Anna Casamento Arrigo’s Tessy Turtle, Tessy shares her story and educates us on the fragile life cycle of sea turtles, as well as other turtles. So many things affect the turtles’ survival: raccoons and other predators, humans' relentless pollution, and poaching to use real turtle shells for combs and other ornaments. The list is endless and the result is the decimation of these beautiful creatures. They are now an endangered species and even though there are some protected places where green sea turtles can thrive without fear of being destroyed, more needs to be done. This includes education and action. It’s okay to observe and study the turtles, even take pictures of them, but otherwise, do not touch them!

Anna Casamento Arrigo’s picture book, Tessy Turtle, is an engaging and informative read. Told in rhyming verse, in the first person narrative from Tessy’s point of view, this endearing story will educate young readers about sea turtles and the problems they face just to survive. The language is simple so young readers can easily follow along and improve their reading skills. The important messages are repeated several times to make sure the point is enforced. Young readers will quickly begin to recognize the key catchphrases. The illustrations are bright, bold, and colorful and give the reader a full picture of Tessy’s life as a green sea turtle. Young readers will learn a lot about caring for the environment, as well as the fragile sea turtle. Hopefully, these young readers will be able to educate their elders, too.

Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr.

Tessy Turtle is a rhyming picture book by author Anna Casamento Arrigo. Tessy is a green sea turtle who explores her surroundings and interactions with humans, fish, and other animals. Tessy travels alongside the shore and sea to learn more about sea turtles and other species like her, such as Leatherbacks, Flatbacks, and Ridleys. Tessy learns important values like honor, respect, and life. She is born on the shore and continues to grow as the story unfolds. Tessy realizes it is imperative to maintain order to preserve her endangered species. Her expeditions are often dangerous because of predators, poachers, and pollution. Tessy doesn't mind barnacles attaching to her shell and skin because they do not bother her. Tessy expresses her gratitude for human help and consideration.

Jryona's illustrations are beautiful and will capture the attention of young readers. Anna Casamento Arrigo did a wonderful job of rhyming the narrative. I couldn't help but feel immersed as I watched Tessy grow from beginning to end. Tessy learns to appreciate human endeavors that are made to protect sea turtles, as well as her cousins (Leatherbacks, Flatbacks, and Ridleys). I enjoyed learning about how Leatherback turtles play an important part in reducing the number of jellyfish in the ocean. I did not know that sea turtles were being abused in the fashion that Anna highlighted. The pace was smooth, and I had an excellent, enjoyable reading experience. The book cover is fantastic, and I highly recommend this illustrated story to children.

Rosie Malezer

Tessy Turtle is a children's book written by Anna Casamento Arrigo and illustrated by Jryona. Tessy is a Green Sea Turtle who spreads awareness of life in the ocean and how barnacles grow on her shell. Tessy's shell is her home and without Tessy's shell, the barnacles' offspring would die. When turtle mothers have their babies, they dig a large hole in the sand and lay their eggs before returning to the sea. After incubation, the eggs hatch. Sadly, Tessy was the only turtle to make it into the water. Most turtle foods are found on the bottom of shallow waters. But pollution, poachers, and predators have endangered the turtles. People need to learn that they can observe the turtles they find but never touch them, and to put plastic items into bins where they belong.

Anna Casamento Arrigo's beautifully illustrated story, Tessy Turtle, is significant to the youth of today and tomorrow. With our oceans fast being flooded with toxic pollutants and deadly, discarded fishing nets, turtles need our help now more than ever. People who stop at markets selling animal parts truly need to take a look at their empty souls in a mirror. Humans do not need such things, but the animals killed for 'souvenirs' desperately do. Tessy Turtle raises much-needed awareness of the plight of all marine animals, whether they live above or below the water. The sooner we all do our part in making the world a better place for our animal friends, the better this planet will be. I recommend Tessy Turtle to all audiences over the age of five so that youngsters learn why ocean pollution and disturbing the nests of wild animals is something that needs to end now.

Asher Syed

Tessy Turtle, written by Anna Casamento Arrigo and illustrated by Jryona, follows a Green Sea Turtle who shares her life story and the importance of protecting sea turtle habitats. Born on a sandy shore, Tessy's mother laid her eggs, ensuring the survival of future generations. Tessy describes what is dangerous to her, including natural perils, like predators, and man-made risks, like pollution. Tessy points out her role in maintaining the ecosystem by allowing barnacles on her shell and consuming seagrass, sponges, and other creatures, and asks humans to be mindful of their impact, expressing gratitude for protected areas, urging people to avoid disrupting nesting sites, and advocating against poaching and habitat destruction. Tessy's descriptions are accompanied by full-color graphics that show her home, her anatomical make-up, and both the good and endangered life of the sea.

Tessy Turtle by Anna Casamento Arrigo is an educational picture book that teaches children about the importance of green sea turtles. Tessy is an endearing narrator, and she makes an excellent guide to the oceanic world. I liked that the book provides insight into sea turtles' life cycles, habitats, and the perilous issues they encounter, as well as a heartfelt plea for environmental protection. She makes a great ambassador for environmental responsibility and empathy. The extraordinary artwork by Jryona breathes life into the seascape with a gorgeous palette of jewel tones. Jryona evokes the most incredible range of emotion through Tessy's facial expressions and surroundings, and my youngest daughter's fingers lingered on the page over the artwork multiple times. Overall, this is a cute little resource with a lot to teach and a great deal to look at and appreciate.

Zahid Sheikh

Tessy Turtle by Anna Casamento Arrigo is an interesting educational children’s story about a green sea turtle, Tessy, who is worried because her natural habitat is being polluted. Tessy recalls how her mom used to take care of her when she was just an egg. She asks that communities take measures to decrease pollution so that sea turtles are not affected during the early stages of life. The author encourages children to learn about the effects of pollution on marine life and how important it is to conserve their habitat by avoiding litter and pollution. The story also highlights some countries, such as Mexico, Australia, and Texas, that are working for the welfare of sea turtles. They are taking measures to reduce pollution and preserve the turtles' habitat.

Anna Casamento Arrigo's Tessy Turtle is an amazing and interesting story as it helps children learn about environmental problems and how they can save sea turtles from becoming endangered. The story also teaches young readers the importance of thinking about others when Tessy is concerned about her cousins Leatherback, Flatback, and Ridley. The author’s writing style is heartwarming and informative. She encourages children to take care of marine life. The captivating and vibrant illustrations by Jryona bring the story to life for young readers. Tessy Turtle is a valuable addition to children’s libraries as it raises awareness about being kind to animals and preserving the ecosystem. I highly recommend this story to parents, teachers, and caregivers who want their children to learn about the importance of sea turtles and nature.