Join bestselling author Sy Montgomery and award-winning illustrator Matt Patterson for a discussion about their book “Of Time and Turtles.” This captivating work delves into humanity’s connection with nature, focusing on turtle conservation. “Of Time and Turtles” blends elements of science, memoir, and philosophy to convey a powerful message of hope and the need to embrace a slower pace in our hectic lives. Through heartfelt tales of injured turtles and their dedicated rescuers, Montgomery encourages readers to cultivate mindfulness and deepen their connection with the natural world.
Sy Montgomery is a distinguished author celebrated for her remarkable contributions to the world of literature and wildlife conservation. A finalist for the National Book Award, Montgomery has penned over 30 books, captivating readers with her insightful narratives that seamlessly blend science, memoir, and philosophy. Her extensive body of work encompasses diverse subjects, from the intimate lives of octopuses to the conservation efforts surrounding endangered species. Renowned for her adventurous spirit, Montgomery has undertaken daring expeditions, including scuba diving with sharks and interacting with wild orangutans. Her profound dedication to wildlife conservation is reflected not only in her writing but also in her hands-on involvement, such as assisting in the rescue of sea turtles and providing rehabilitation for injured wildlife. Montgomery’s profound empathy for the natural world resonates throughout her work, inspiring readers to develop a deeper connection with the environment and its inhabitants. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, the writer Howard Mansfield, several turtles, and their border collie Thurber.
Matt Patterson is a professional artist who has exhibited in galleries all over and won many awards for his work. He specializes in realistic drawings and paintings of animals and frequently creates art to raise money and awareness for endangered animals. There’s almost no distance he won’t go, almost nothing he won’t do, to learn all he can about his subjects to make his paintings of wild animals as accurate and lifelike as possible. He’s been bitten by snapping turtles and caught alligators with his bare hands from a kayak. He’s been all over the world, he’s camped in the Everglades, and has visited 48 US states. He lives and works from a home in New Hampshire that he shares with his wife (to whom he proposed in a field full of buffalo), his tortoise, Eddie, his two dogs Roo and Monte, and his snake Ernie. When he’s not painting, he spends his free time looking for turtles and snakes, fishing, and kayaking.
Copies of the book Of Time and Turtles will be available for purchase and author signing courtesy of Breakwater Books. Generously funded by the Lana Ferguson Literary Festival and the Friends of the Guilford Free Library. Meet a live turtle after the talk, courtesy of local rehabber Turtle Haven.
Click here for information about the children’s event “Turtle Time with Sy & Matt.”
This program is free and open to all.
Please register.