Anita Salzberg (a.k.a. Turtle Wife) is available to speak at school and local libraries, at elementary/middle schools, and at meetings of reptile clubs or other organizations in the five boroughs and Nassau or Suffolk Counties.

PROGRAM #1: TURTLES

An interactive presentation on turtles based on Anita and her husband Allen’s book, Turtles (Franklin Watts), for ages 8 through 12. This talk can be customized for children, adults, or families.

Each 30- to 45-minute presentation is an entertaining and informative look at these well-loved creatures that have been around since the time of the dinosaurs.  Anita talks about:

• The reasons turtles have survived for over 200 million years;
• The differences between turtles and tortoises;
• The differences between side-necked and hidden-necked turtles;
• Different and unusual turtle species — the South American mata mata turtle whose head is shaped like a leaf, or the leatherback sea turtle that can grow to 7 feet long and weigh up to a ton on a diet of jellyfish, or the diamondback terrapin, a turtle that thrives in local marshes and once graced the tables (in the form of soup) of the New York elite;
• Some of the world's most endangered turtles and the reasons turtles are endangered;
• Easy ways kids can help turtles.

Anita shows a number of slides of unusual turtle species.  She brings along a few (small) turtles and some turtle shells.

She shows children how to make a paper turtle.  Kids are galvanized by seeing the live animals and the hands-on project.  They leave excited and want to read more about these familiar yet unusual reptiles.

For Schools:  Anita will be happy to provide you with a take-home letter for students to give to parents a few days before her visit.  The letter will inform parents that they may purchase autographed copies of her book for their children.

There is, however, no obligation for the school or parents to purchase books.  Anita will bring the books with her the day of the presentation.

“It’s important for children to see people in the real world who are involved in science in other than predictable ways.…The class loved seeing your excitement about the turtles and the natural sciences.”

— Sharon Lasher, Glenwood Elementary, Short Hills, New Jersey   

PROGRAM #2: CONFESSIONS OF A TURTLE WIFE

A 45–60 minute reading/presentation from Confessions of a Turtle Wife.

It’s a laugh-packed look at a turtle-challenged relationship and escapades ranging from finding turtles on every vacation to doctoring sick turtles, to living with a snapping turtle in the bathtub to trying not to trip over the tortoise and the box turtle that roam around the house!

Anita talks about turtles themselves, creatures that have been with us since the time of the dinosaurs.  Her slide show of various unusual turtle species (and some of the people who love them) can, if you wish, be part of her presentation.

Finally, Anita offers lots of information about the best ways to get along with your significant other who is significantly involved with a hobby — anything from baseball to bungee jumping.

"It was a lot of fun being taken into your turtle world." — Margaret Stetler, Bayside, New York