Turtle Moon by Hannah Gold

Hannah Gold, award-winning author of The Last Bear, The Lost Whale and Finding Bear, has written another impressive and engaging story about an endearing endangered animal species. In this story turtles are fighting for their survival and 11 year old Silver Trevelon and her parents will join the battle to try to save them.

Silver’s father has been commissioned to paint the turtles in order to promote the dire threat to their species. The connected and loving family are seemingly struggling with a deep sense of loss and this change of scenery may be the perfect opportunity to learn to live with their sadness. After initially expressing their doubts, Silver and her mum agree to go and the family travels to a remote area of Costa Rica where they will spend four months at a Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

The remoteness and beauty of the rainforest for Silver is a blessing. She loves trees and feels at one with them. Silver embraces the jungle, the house they will live in for the next four months and feels alive. She instantly connects with the older turtles being cared for and spends many of her days helping look after Luna, a 60 year old green sea turtle who has only two flippers. Silver’s mother though does not respond to the surroundings, the animals or the sanctuary, and seems lost and broken. Added to this Silver’s father is struggling with his commission. For Silver, her worries about her parents are causing confusion and anxiety. Will they both be able to accept what this new life may bring as Silver has done?

Meeting Rafi, the son of one of the trusted staff, opens up a whole new world of learning and adventure for Silver. Together they help to keep the turtle eggs safe and put themselves in grave danger when poachers strike. Both Silver and Rafi are instrumental in trying to thwart the poachers but will they be able to save the eggs of the leatherback, hawksbill and green sea turtles?

There are many themes shared throughout this story. Perhaps the theme of motherhood loss is one of the strongest and author Hannah Gold sensitively shares this with readers. There is also the pressing need for more support for turtle protection and education. Coping with a new environment, a new language, a new way of thinking plus a new friendship is life-changing for Silver and her growth throughout this narrative is heartwarming to read.

In the final pages of the book there is an Author’s Note, a Resources List and Acknowledgements, all important to read to gain a clearer insight into some aspects of this wonderful story. Illustrations by Levi Pinfold are spread throughout the text and provide a striking dark and moody visual backdrop.

Themes: Costa Rica, Family, Friendship, Turtles, Survival, Danger, Adventure, Environmental Damage, Hope, Facts.

Kathryn Beilby