When a painted turtle first hatches from its egg, it’s only the size of a quarter. Rick Chrustowski describes how the hatchling hides from danger at the water’s edge, feeding on beetle larva, minnows, tadpoles, and water bugs. In winter, she burrows in the mud and rests in a state similar to hibernation. Painted turtles that survive their first five years are able to develop a hard shell that protects them from most predators, and at this age they mate and produce offspring. Illustrations that capture the beauty of the painted turtles and their watery habitat accompany the straightforward description of their habits and life cycle. (Ages 5–9)