Sea turtles are considerably larger than those of the land, with legs streamlined into flippers appropriate for an aquatic life. Only the females return to land, and then solely for laying eggs. The green turtle is one of five species living in the ocean. In this easy-reading story its life is followed from the time it hatches from an egg laid in warm sand until it is an adult and has itself fathered many young. It must constantly be on the lookout for hungry crabs and fishes—as well as for man, since the green turtle is highly favored as human food.

This accurate life story has been written without sentimentality by a well-known marine naturalist and his wife, both of whom have observed turtles for many years. The artist, like the authors, lives close to water life in Florida and has illustrated many books and articles on aquatic and land animals.

From the dust jacket