Sea turtles are large reptiles that live in the ocean. They have strong shells that protect their bodies. Sea turtles use their flippers to swim long distances across the sea. Many kinds of sea turtles travel between nesting beaches and feeding areas every year.
When it is time to lay eggs, a mother sea turtle comes onto a sandy beach at night. She digs a hole in the sand with her flippers and lays many eggs inside. After covering the nest, she returns to the ocean. The mother does not stay to care for the eggs — the baby turtles must hatch and make their own way.
Weeks later, tiny hatchlings break out of their eggs and crawl toward the water. They usually go to the ocean at night when it is cooler and safer. Strong light can confuse the babies, so dark beaches are best. Many dangers wait on the way to the sea, such as birds, crabs, and trash.
In the water, young sea turtles must find food and avoid predators like sharks. They eat different things depending on their species — some eat jellyfish, some eat seaweed, and some eat small animals. Sea turtles grow slowly and may live for many decades if they survive.
People can help sea turtles by keeping beaches clean, using less plastic, and protecting nesting areas. Some groups also watch nests and help babies reach the sea safely. By taking small steps, we can help these ancient animals survive for future generations.
Nora loved flying kites. Every windy Saturday she went to the big hill near her house. She had a bright blue kite with a long tail of red ribbons. When the wind was strong, the kite would soar high and dance in the sky like a happy bird.
One evening, Nora stayed late because the wind was perfect. The sun set and the sky turned pink and purple. She kept the kite flying and watched the ribbons flutter. As the stars began to appear, Nora noticed something strange — the kite felt lighter and pulled higher than before.
Suddenly, the kite lifted Nora a little off the ground. Her feet left the grass for just a moment and she felt like she was floating. The kite did not pull hard, but it held her gently. Nora laughed softly and felt excited, not scared. The hill looked small below, and the neighborhood lights twinkled like tiny stars.
Nora drifted around the top of the hill, guided by the kite. She saw her dog, Max, barking happily, and Mr. Lee mowing his lawn far away. The kite seemed to know the safest path and moved slowly as if it were carrying a secret. After a few minutes, Nora’s feet touched the ground again and the kite settled back into her hands.
That night at dinner Nora told her family about the flying kite. Her little brother wanted to try too, but Nora said the kite only did that on very special nights with the perfect wind. She kept the memory in her heart and watched the sky for stars and ribbons, hoping the kite might take her for another gentle ride someday.
What do sea turtles use to swim long distances?
When do mother sea turtles lay their eggs?
What do baby turtles do after hatching?
Why do baby turtles go to the ocean at night?
What can confuse baby sea turtles on their way to the ocean?
What do young sea turtles eat?
How can people help sea turtles?
What did Nora feel when the kite lifted her?
Where did Nora go to fly her kite?
What time of day did Nora stay out flying her kite?
Who did Nora see while flying her kite?
What did the kite seem to know?
What did Nora tell her family at dinner?
What does Nora hope for in the future?