The Boy and the Pond Turtle

Noah spends his days by the pond close to his home, watching a small turtle with a dark green shell, yellow markings and bright orange eyes glide among the lily pads. His best friend Lily often joins him, and the two of them count the turtles and feel fortunate to live near such a special spot.

One morning Noah spots plastic bags and soda cans floating near the shore, and when the turtle swims away from the rubbish, he realises the pond is no longer the clean home the animal needs. Noah and Lily knock on doors and invite their neighbours to a Saturday cleanup, where families gather with gloves, bags and a wagon. Ranger Maya arrives to explain why pond turtles need clean water, plants and mud to rest and hide. Written by Jane MEADOW, this gentle tale about responsibility and teamwork can be read on Kids Tale Book.