This is a companion book to Mary Alice Monroe’s novel, Swimming Lessons, the sequel to The Beach House. In the novel, the readers witness a young mother, Toy, writing a journal for her daughter, Little Lovie. This is the journal Toy is writing. Using original photographs, this scrapbook journal explains the nesting cycle of sea turtles and the natural life along the southeastern coast, including local shore birds, shells, and the sea turtle hospital. Adults and children will enjoy the images, information and the journal with or without the novel.

Written By:  Mary Alice Monroe Photos By: Barbara J. Bergwerf Illustrated By: Lisa Downey	32 pg 8.5'' X 10'', ages 6-10, Lexile Level: 780 Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-9777423-5-6, $16.95 Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9777423-7-0, $8.95
Purchase:

"The story's presentation (with the interaction between a mother and daughter as they share the turtle encounter) will draw readers into the experience, encourage turtle habitat preservation, and increase awareness of the plight of the sea turtle." – NSTA Recommends

"Snapshots, calendars, seashells, flowers, and illustrations frame the poignant text in this telling of the tale of the loggerhead sea turtle. The author weaves text as though wielding a paint brush to canvas. This book has an endearing quality that will make it a favorite with children and adults." – Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database

"This is a splendid mixture of photos, drawing, and text. Children, ages 4 – 9 will relate to this book and its activities, hopefully clamoring to create a similar journal with their siblings and parents." – Midwest Book Review

Barbara J. Bergwerf nature photographer extraordinaire, has done it again. Barbara has collaborated with best-selling novelist Mary Alice Monroe on Turtle Summer: A Journal for my Daughter which joins her other photographic book about loggerhead sea turtles, Carolina’s Story: Sea Turtles Get Sick Too! Both books stem from Barbara’s volunteer involvement at the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital, the Island Turtle Team on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, and the South Carolina Center for Birds of Prey. Barbara thought that she was retiring when she and her husband left the Chicago area and moved to the South Carolina Lowcountry. Somehow “retirement” doesn’t seem to be in her vocabulary! Visit Barbara's Website