| Inspired by true events and the author's | | | | wheat planting welcome the reader closer to |
| diabetic Grandmother, Christmas Turtles is a | | | | the farming life. During the harvest season, |
| 32-page festive hardcover book that was | | | | the Magic Christmas Tin, well worn from use, |
| released in October 2006. The winter cabin | | | | is brought out from its special place. Then |
| scene on the protective slipcover is | | | | the four grandchildren, Jeanna, Matthew, |
| identical to the art on the hardcover. | | | | Talia and Sara Ann, sit with their grandma on |
| Perfectly complementing the winter scenery, | | | | the porch to crack pecans. They worked until |
| the book opens to dark green pages - | | | | the box was filled and then carefully, |
| reminiscent of evergreen mountain forests. | | | | respectfully, placed the box in its special |
| | | | place. At Christmas, the box is magically |
| Sara Ann Denson has been a published author | | | | filled with Christmas Turtles, a yummy |
| since the age of 18. This accomplished and | | | | chocolate treat for the whole family. |
| active woman has won awards for her work as a | | | | |
| script and play writer, and has also enjoyed | | | | One year, the grandchildren arrive earlier |
| life as a free-lance writer. She resides in | | | | than usual and discover their grandmother |
| Missouri, USA along with her husband and | | | | making Christmas Turtles from the pecans they |
| their two sons. | | | | harvested and shelled. The process was |
| | | | fascinating for them and they could hardly |
| Illustrations by Tara McMillen, a former city | | | | wait to touch the treats. |
| engineer, are reminiscent of crayon drawings | | | | |
| and bring pleasant feelings from the past of | | | | When Sara Ann discovered Grandma could not |
| cuddling on the floor with a favorite | | | | eat the treats, she realized just how much |
| coloring book. This artist is known for the | | | | her Grandmother loved them all. She endured |
| large number of murals she was commissioned | | | | painful hands, back spasms and throbbing feet |
| to do around Kansas City, Missouri, where the | | | | - just to see them all enjoy the family |
| artist, her two children and husband reside. | | | | tradition of Christmas Turtles. |
| | | | |
| Christmas Turtles is a story of one family's | | | | Christmas Turtles is a soft, enjoyable view |
| holiday tradition. Pecan trees are planted on | | | | into a warm family tradition. The book comes |
| the family farm at the birth of each | | | | with a recipe for families to make their very |
| grandchild, of which there are four. Lovely | | | | own Christmas Turtles at home. |
| scenery and descriptions of fall harvests and | | | | |