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Copies may be available locally in St. Louis at Spine Indie Bookstore & Cafe, The Novel Neighbor, Left Bank Books, the Missouri History Museum Sold on St. Louis gift shop, or Holliday. We recommend calling to check that they are in stock before visiting. You can also request that your favorite local bookstore carry it by having them contact Pen & Publish. Thank you!
Where Did the Turtles Go? follows an observant girl's seek-and-find mission, creating an opportunity to build awareness of the natural world in St. Louis's famed Forest Park.
"Out the door, down the stairs, across the street, over the bridge."
Her eager dog is a constant companion along the way. As the seasons change, their journey sparks curiosity and ultimately a realization that what has seemingly disappeared is not lost.
Katie started writing stories when her two children were preschool age. Their imaginations and steadfast curiosity for the world around them were her inspiration. She began recording the unique characters her kids created through their play, weaving them into stories for them to look back on later in life.
Where Did the Turtles Go? is the first time Katie is sharing her writing with a wider audience. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, across from Forest Park, where this turtle story was born.
Creating the illustrations for Where Did the Turtles Go? has been a delightful journey of discovery and connection. Inspired by walks in Forest Park with Katie Lerwick and her dog Carl, the wonders of childhood exploration became an important theme, communicating the value of our turtle friends and the special places they call home.
Caroline is also a writer, photographer, and filmmaker, and she lives close to creeks and forests in Northern California. She welcomes visitors and hellos at carolinekraus.com.
"Young readers will delight in this urban park adventure, which combines engaging text, relatable situations, and bright watercolor illustrations. Teachers will enjoy sharing this book that provides countless opportunities for exploring STEAM concepts and engaging their ever-curious students in discussion and learning."
—Sheila Oliveri, Early Literacy & Curriculum Coordinator, Ready Readers
". . . a lyric, delightful story of a young girl and her dog finding and following the turtles at nearby Forest Park. Both the story and the accompanying illustrations are winners. A gem that will be read again and again."
—Joe Corbett, Librarian, New City School