Overview

Yoshi's Big Swim chronicles the impressive true story of Yoshi a loggerhead turtle who was rescued by fishermen then rehabilitated and cared for by scientists for many years. The scientists adored her and Yoshi was happy in her aquarium home. But then many years later Yoshi let them know that it was time for her to move on. Would Yoshi be safe? Would she know what to do? After lots of preparation - and plenty of friendly back scratches for Yoshi - the determined loggerhead set off on her journey.

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9781684465354

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Reviews

Copp and Kajfez's child-friendly take on the famous loggerhead's incredible story focuses mainly on Yoshi's life before her nearly 23,000-mile swim back to her Australian breeding grounds. Colorful, cartoon-style illustrations depict her rescue, her rehabbing at a South African aquarium (becoming Queen of the Ocean Exhibit and growing to 400 pounds), and the endurance training there that readied her for a return to the sea ( She trained for a year and a half, swimming between divers who enticed her with sea squirts ). The narrative personifies the tenacious turtle, emphasizing through a refrain ( and she crept into their hearts ) Yoshi's impact on her human caretakers and admirers. On the fifth anniversary of her ocean release, this animated account will also endear her to young readers. Human characters are portrayed as racially diverse. Back matter about Yoshi and loggerhead turtles concludes. Ages 8-10. (Jan.)-- Publisher's Weekly

"Copp and Kajfez's child-friendly take on the famous loggerhead's incredible story focuses mainly on Yoshi's life before her nearly 23,000-mile swim back to her Australian breeding grounds. Colorful, cartoon-style illustrations depict her rescue, her rehabbing at a South African aquarium (becoming ""Queen of the Ocean Exhibit"" and growing to 400 pounds), and the endurance training there that readied her for a return to the sea (""She trained for a year and a half, swimming between divers who enticed her with sea squirts""). The narrative personifies the tenacious turtle, emphasizing through a refrain (""and she crept into their hearts"") Yoshi's impact on her human caretakers and admirers. On the fifth anniversary of her ocean release, this animated account will also endear her to young readers. Human characters are portrayed as racially diverse. Back matter about Yoshi and loggerhead turtles concludes. Ages 8-10. (Jan.)-- ""Publisher's Weekly"""

Author Information

Mary Wagley Copp graduated from Smith College and earned a masters in public health from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Her career has been primarily focused on strengthening social justice organizations--both as a management consultant and an executive director. She has also taught IB Psychology in Ecuador and set up health fairs in Appalachia. Mary spent several years in the filmmaking world. For one documentary, Mary and her team followed a family as they journeyed from an Ethiopian refugee camp to their new home in Providence, Rhode Island. This award-winning film and the people it featured set the stage for her debut picture book, Wherever I Go. Her nonfiction picture book Yoshi's Big Swim was inspired by an article about Yoshi's rehabilitation in the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, South Africa, her bittersweet release after 17 years, and her incredible journey to her natal beach. Although not nearly as accomplished a swimmer as Yoshi, Mary also loves open water swimming. She has swum across Narraganset Bay, the mouth of Buzzards Bay, and often across the Westport River in Massachusetts. Her love of open water swimming reaffirms her commitment to clean and healthy waters for all who love and inhabit the oceans. As well as writing for children, Mary teaches ESL to newcomers in her area. She lives in Westport, Massachusetts, with her husband, Allyn. They have three grown children.

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