Author Visits

Annapolis, M.D. - Turtles In My Sandbox (Sylvan Dell Publishing), an illustrated children's book written by local author Jennifer Keats Curtis, is making its way into area schools, parks, and other fun venues.

Curtis and her shelled pal, Rascal, are telling kids about Turtles In My Sandbox, which is based on a popular diamondback terrapin headstarting program in which experts gather this reptile's eggs each summer, hatch them, then provide a handful of students with an extraordinary experience.

Besides reading the book and giving students the opportunity to see their state reptile, Curtis is helping engage and motivate students to learn more about conservation and stewardship of natural resources. She is also informing them about www.terrapinbook.com, a unique website that allows students raising terrapins to transmit data online to experts who are trying to learn more about this elusive animal. The website also virtually opens up the headstarting program to students who do not have the opportunity to participate in the hands-on program.

Funded by a grant from Maryland's Department of Natural Resources (DNR), www.terrapinbook.com partners include the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, Maryland State Department of Education, and the author.

These partners have also made it possible for Curtis to donate a copy of Turtles In My Sandbox to the school library of every school she visits.

To see the author's schedule, visit http://www.sylvandellpublishing.com/events.htm#Sandbox.

For more information or to request a visit from the author, visit www.terrapinbook.com or send an email to jcurtis@cablespeed.com.