Pearls in the sand Protecting sea turtles in Oaxaca

Hernández highlights the work of tortugueros--those who "dedicate their lives to sea turtle conservation"--in this deeply felt story. A former sea turtle hunter and egg poacher, Papá Grande educates young narrator Gabriela about the endangered reptiles as the duo participate in a moonlit beach watch in Oaxaca, gathering eggs that they carefully relocate to a secure hatchery. Informative text speaks solemnly about the nature of the conservation work (each egg is "precious, like a pearl"), and dialogue serves a teaching focus ("This yolk sac keeps them nourished and energized for days"). As the intergenerational pair, portrayed with brown skin, await the hatchlings' emergence, they observe various dangers. In minty greens and cool teals, smooth acrylic gouache and colored pencil artwork emphasizes the quiet patience the undertaking requires, while closing remarks offer a resounding takeaway: "Diving deeper into the world of sea turtles can strengthen our appreciation for nature." An English-Spanish glossary, life cycle chart, and map conclude. Ages 4--8. (Sept.)

A poacher turned protector teaches his grandchild about sea turtle preservation. An Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Honor recipient, Gutiérrez Hernández draws from her own experiences visiting Oaxacan turtle sanctuaries to craft an intimate portrait of conservation work, seen through the eyes of young Gabriela, who joins Papá Grande on nighttime beach patrols as he watches over transported "nidadas" (sets of eggs laid by turtles). The author doesn't shy away from the challenges; when beetles destroy a nest, leaving only broken shells, the moment provides authentic emotional weight that distinguishes this tale from more sanitized nature books. Papá Grande's transformation from turtle hunter to "tortuguero" (turtle enthusiast) reflects the real stories of many Mexican coastal communities that shifted from exploitation to protection. The lovely gouache and colored pencil illustrations capture both the magical nocturnal world of nesting turtles and the methodical work of egg collection and hatchery maintenance. Rich blues and teals dominate the underwater scenes, while warm oranges and pinks highlight moments on the beach. The art particularly shines in depicting the four turtle species that visit Oaxaca's coast. Extensive backmatter elevates this work beyond a simple story: A comprehensive glossary, detailed life cycle information, a map of conservation sites, an author's note with photographs, and additional resources make it invaluable for reports or curious readers wanting deeper knowledge. A satisfying blend of storytelling and science that honors both sea turtles and the people working to save them. (glossary, life cycle information, map, author's note, additional resources)(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.