By Green Minute News:
For the Green Sea turtles, Andaman & Nicobar Islands has always been its home. One of the largest sea turtles, they are found most extensively in these islands with more than 80 nesting beaches in the Andamans. However, three more species – Hawksbill, Leatherback and Olive Ridley too have found the best nesting beaches in these islands.
And to know more about the species and its nesting sites, a new book – Waiting for Turtles aims to bring awareness about turtles and also some new information about Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It also highlights the issues confronting turtles in this part of the world.
The book is authored by Pankaj Sekhsaria who is based in the Andaman Islands. He is a long-time researcher of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Through an interesting narrative for children Waiting for Turtles sets out to raise awareness about the oldest group of reptiles, the turtles. It also enlightens readers about the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the various environmental issues encompassing the turtles through its informative back matter.
Photo Credit: Pankaj Sekhsaria
In fact, the book beautifully captures the enthusiasm of children with colourful illustrations that can be easily understood by kids. The story captures the emotions about a child and his researcher mother who is waiting to spot the elusive Green Turtle. “Samrat is giddy with excitement. He and his mother Seema, a sea-turtle researcher, are headed to Tarmugli island in the hopes of observing nesting turtles. On a quiet, empty beach, under a blanket of stars, they wait. Will the turtles come?”
The short story illustrated exquisitely by Vipin Sketchplore unfolds on the small island of Tarmugli in the Mahatma Gandhi National Park in the Andamans. Samrat is accompanying Seema, his mother and turtle researcher in the hope of seeing his first nesting – Green Sea Turtle that nests on the beaches here. There is disappointment for Samrat but there is also a surprise…And for that, read the book.
Radhika Suri, Director, Environment Education, WWF-India says, “The book beautifully captures Samrat’s excitement about the magic of turtle nesting and will inspire children to think of studying and working in this field of science. The illustrations on every page take you to the shores of the Tarmugli Island, where you can almost see the stars and feel the breeze. This is experiencing nature vicariously – a must-read for every child!”
Waiting for Turtles is Pankaj Sekhsaria’s fifth book on A& N islands but this is his first one for children. It has also been published in translation in Hindi by Karadi Tales with support of the Dakshin Foundation and in Telugu by Manchi Pustakam.