Product Description

The history of the Mississippi River Valley is told in text and pictures through the adventures of Minn, a snapping turtle, as she travels downstream.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #37037 in Books
• Published on: 1978-10-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 88 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780395273999
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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Review
"Outstanding book with beautiful colored illustrations and marginal drawings similar to those in his previous books. Wide interest level including adults." -- Review

Review

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Customer Reviews

This is a book that will grow with your child.
Within moments of hatching in the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Minn, a female snapping turtle, loses a rear leg when a boy shoots her. She is rescued by a native American boy, who cares for her until she is well enough to go out on her own. She travels down the length of the river, avoiding turtle hunters, cruising over waterfalls and dams, laying eggs, and taking part in the life cycle of the river. The story follows Minn through her 25 year trip down to the Gulf of Mexico. It is told from the turtle's point-of-view and there are many charming full page color illustrations that the younger child will appreciate. Notes, pictures and maps in the margins of the text give details of the geography of the Mississippi, its animals, plants, cities, dams, bridges, that the older child and adult reader will find informative and meaningful.

Every child deserves a chance to read this book.
At age 52, I can vividly remember discovering this book in my local library as a boy in 4th grade, especially the luminous color illustrations and drawings Hollings used to tell the story of the journey of a snapping turtle from the Mississippi's trickling source in Minnesota, to its fullness in the Gulf of Mexico. In following the life of "Minn," from hatchling to a veteran survivor of many predators and adventures, I learned the history and lore of the river and the animals and people who live in it and along its banks. This is a book that does not talk down to its young readers. I am buying one now to read again, and to share with any grandchildren who may come along in our family.

Still wonderful after all these years
I read this book in elementary school and went looking for it again last year as a gift for a niece. Be warned that there's a scene that she found really sad (Minn gets hurt) -- and it made her cry. So maybe it's not for sensitive first-graders. Still, the story is wonderful and little Minn is a great character. There's also a lot of fascinating natural detail. And stunning illustrations. It's a children's book version of a top-notch Nature documentary. "Nova" in print, if you will. Also check out Holling Clancy Holling's other books. They're all great, even looking back at them after three decades.