Description:
THE TURTLE DOVE'S JOURNEY: A STORY OF MIGRATION follows a turtle dove on his 4,000 mile migration from England to
Mali, Africa.
Brief description: Marlo Garnsworthy is an Australian American author, illustrator, editor, science communicator, and birder. Her published works include fiction and nonfiction--with her illustrations being featured most recently in VOLCANO DREAMS: A STORY OF YELLOWSTONE, written by Janet Fox. Marlo is the veteran of two scientific research expeditions in Antarctica and looks forward to returning. Marlo lives with her husband and daughter in Wakefield, Rhode Island. To find out more about Marlo and her books, visit www.wordybirdstudio.com.
Review Quotes: Named one of "The Best Children's Books of the Year" by the Children's Book Committee and the Bank Street College of
Education
to rural Mali. Dunphy's account is based on the migration of a real bird of this species that was tracked with satellite
telemetry by Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. A series of warm, colorful illustrations is paired
with a narrative describing each stage in the bird's journey. The conversational third-person narration folds in lots of
information: about how the bird knows where he is going--instinct, the sun, and recognition of landmarks from previous
flights; why he flies at night (to avoid predators); where he hides during the day; and the various dangers of the trip,
including heat, dust, and weather. Interesting details are included, such as the astonishing fact that the dove travels
over the English Channel faster than the ships crossing it. The moving, engaging story is told with just the right blend
of poetic warmth and factual detail to satisfy curious budding naturalists: "Luckily, this [Sahara Desert sandstorm] is
relatively mild, and the turtle dove flies above it--much like an airplane can fly above a rainstorm." A closing essay
describes why this species is thought to migrate and notes that it is sadly on the decline due to changes in
agricultural practices, hunting, drought, and disease. A compelling introduction to the miracle of migration. (map,
resources) (Informational picture book. 6-10)"--
Kirkus Reviews
"Every year, turtle doves living in England and throughout Europe set out on an epic journey. In August or September,
these birds fly off on a migratory pathway that takes them to Mali on the continent of Africa. This trip will encompass
four thousand miles of flight and will take a month to complete. Flying at night to avoid predators, the doves first fly
across the European continent, then cross over to Africa at Gibraltar, fly over the Sahara Desert, and finally arrive at
their migratory destination. For six months, the doves live in their African habitat before returning north to raise
their families in Europe. It is the story of the turtle dove, and its amazing migration, that readers will encounter in
this lovely illustrated book. The story of the turtle doves migration is well-told in the informative text, and the
colorful illustrations are a true augmentation to the story of these redoubtable birds. The author concludes the book
with an informative summation of these amazing birds and the extreme challenges they face in their battle to survive as
a species. Turtle doves are in danger of extinction due to habitat loss and environmental damage wrought by human
beings. By learning more about the fantastic journeys turtle doves undertake, perhaps young people will better
understand that our actions can have dire consequences for other living beings. This lovely book is a wonderful source
of information and one that young readers with a bent for nature studies will enjoy."--
Children's Literature "This turtle dove's journey was based on the migration of a real turtle dove that was tracked by satellite telemetry.
Readers can follow the turtle dove as he begins to become restless in a garden in Suffolk, England and knows that it is
time for him to migrate south. The turtle dove waits until night, when it is safer from predators, to travel the 4,000
miles from England to Mali. His month long journey takes him through England, France, Spain, and Africa until he finally
arrives in Mali. Flying over land and water he stops each day to rest and eat for the next night's journey. This
beautifully written story about the journey of one turtle dove gives young readers a glimpse into the natural world of
migration. (Ages 4-8)"--
KIDSbookshelf "Starting in the prim hedges of Suffolk, England, instinct drives the dove high into the night skies for a 4,000 mile
trip to the savannahs of Mali, in West Africa. Along the way there are lonely, moonlit flights above the sea, a cozy
hideout in the bushes of Bordeaux, France, a meeting of the birds at Gibraltar, the fountains of Casablanca, winds
flowing "like a river" down canyons of the Atlas Mountains, and a Sahara sandstorm churning below. A combination of
hero's journey and guided tour, 'The Turtle Dove's Journey: A Story of Migration' is picture account of the turtle
dove's annual migration that will carry children's imaginations into unexplored territories. With carefully researched
prose by author Madeleine Dunphy and showcasing beautifully luminous paintings by artist/illustrator Marlo Garnsworthy,
'The Turtle Dove's Journey: A Story of Migration' is especially recommended for family, elementary school, and community
library collections as being perfect for any young reader ages 5-9 who has ever wondered about the mysterious journeys
of the Turtle Dove."--
Midwest Book Review