"One animal has a lightweight shell. The other animal's shell is heavy. Do you know the differences between a turtle and a tortoise?"--P. [4] of cover.

Two sworn enemies learn that they have more in common than meets the eye, and it’s never too late to make a new friend—even if it takes decades! Ever since they were little hatchlings, Turtle and Tortoise decided that they’d forever be separated due to their different shells. As years and years go by, the two reptiles stay on opposites side of the pen and embark on their own adventures, while holding an everlasting grudge. Until one day, Turtle and Tortoise get into a bit of pickle and need each other’s help! This hilarious and heartwarming picture book from Merry Un-Christmas author Mike Reiss and The Most Magnificent Thing creator Ashley Spires is perfect for fans of unlikely pairs such as Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel, Duck and Bear from Jory John’s Goodnight Already!, and Boy + Bot by Ame Dyckman. Turtle has a smooth shell. Tortoise has a rough shell. Goodness gracious! How can they possibly be friends?!

Both turtles and tortoises have shells and move pretty slowly. So what makes them different? Where to terrapins fit in? There’s much more going on with these amazing creatures than just carapaces and plastrons. From their family ties and foot size to their habitats, these animals look, live, and even eat differently. Some of these awesome animals can live for centuries. Readers will discover which of these reptiles can survive hundreds of years longer than humans, along with a host of other fun facts. Vivid photographs of turtles and tortoises in their natural habitat add further fascination for readers ready to tackle the differences between these two reptiles.

This book surveys the myriad of turtle anatomy, habitat, & life cycles throughout the ages. Project director of the International Wildlife Coalition, Orenstein presents a popular book about turtles, the term he uses for almost all marine, aquatic, and terrestrial species of the order Testudines. His own background is in ornithology rather than herpetology, but his work in wildlife conservation has made him aware of the plight of turtles throughout the world, and hopes people will help protect them if they get to know them a little better. He includes many color photographs. Turtles, almost alone among reptiles, have earned both human interest and affection. Our fascination with turtles, though, has not helped them much. Sought after for food, as pets, and for tortoiseshell, their habitats under attack on land and sea, turtle populations are in decline around the world. Understanding turtles is not only interesting, but also important. Turtles, tortoises, and terrapins have been on earth since the Triassic Period, approximately 200 million years ago. Their exact origins are uncertain, though - it is still unclear from which group of reptiles turtles sprang. Although the earliest fossils are clearly turtles, their anatomy has changed dramatically over time. In addition, turtle species vary greatly in such basic characteristics as anatomy and habitat preferences. Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins surveys the myriad of turtle anatomy, habitat, and life cycles throughout the ages. Human activities on the land and at sea pose the greatest threat that turtles have faced in the last 200 million years. The battle to save turtles goes on, and this book provides an important voice in turtle ecology. Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins is the perfect resource for anyone interested in all facets of these amazing and diverse reptiles.

Illustrated throughout, this informative manual answers many questions relating to the upkeep of turtles and tortoises, for both casual and serious owners and breeders.

"Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins explains the astonishing ways turtles cope with their environment, explores the debate on their origins and describes the latest discoveries about their often surprising lives ... Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins explores the threats face around the world. on land and sea, and the efforts being made to conserve them. Fostering awareness about these unique and threatened creatures is among the main goals of this book."--Dust jacket wrap.

The chronicles of a turtle-challenged marriage, in which the unsuspecting bride first thinks the groom's obsession with turtles is--apart from being cute--ancient history. Then she too becomes a "turtle lover" and co-owner of 14 turtles.