March 2011

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, NC, Features Works by Bob Palmatier

The NC Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, NC, will present exhibit, North American Endangered Turtle Series, featuring children’s book illustrations by Bob Palmatier on view in the Museum’s Nature Art Gallery, from Mar. 2 through Apr. 7, 2012. A reception and book signing will be held on Mar. 2, from 6:30-8:30pm.

Looking for a way to get children interested in reading? North Carolina author and illustrator Bob Palmatier believes that sitting with young children and reading to them at a young age has “everything to do with them developing a lifelong love for reading.” He uses this belief to inspire the illustrations in his children’s books about North American endangered turtle species. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences will sell copies of Stormy’s Return and The Tiny Turtle of the Marsh in the Museum store, and the Nature Art Gallery will showcase some of Palmatier’s original drawings. All exhibited art will also be for sale.

A retired schoolteacher and field researcher, Palmatier has two decades of experience observing native species of turtles. This experience is obvious in the scientifically accurate and engaging stories he tells in a straightforward manner. The drawings are scientifically accurate, yet will grab children’s attention with their bright colors and playful nature. Children from kindergarten to fifth grade will enjoy these books, layered with themes and details that provide new insight upon each read. “The road to a life-long interest in natural history and conservation advocacy sometimes begins with a children’s book about the lives of wild animals,” Palmatier said.

Palmatier’s books follow this model, especially the second in the series, The Tiny Turtle of the Marsh. This book introduces young readers to plants and animals of a tidal salt marsh, and explains the dangers that they face. Palmatier’s first book, Stormy’s Return, opens students’ eyes to the connections between man and nature. Students are drawn into the story of the plucky little turtle and his determination. Each book also contains an extensive illustrated glossary which details more than 50 native plants and animals. Palmatier continues to work on his next book, Little Tess the Turtle and the Mystery of the Mangrove Keys, coming out in December 2012.

The Nature Art Gallery is located on the mezzanine of the Museum Store.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences documents and interprets natural history of the state of North Carolina through exhibits, research, collections, publications and educational programming. The Museum is an agency of the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Dee Freeman, Secretary.

For further information check our NC Institutional Gallery listings, call the gallery at 919/733-7450, ext. 360 or visit (www.naturalsciences.org/store/nature_gallery.html).

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