CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md. — A new children’s book that brings real sea turtle rescue missions to life launches on Earth Day, giving young readers in Southern Maryland and across the Mid-Atlantic a window into wildlife conservation efforts tied to the Chesapeake Bay region.
Turtles Fly Too, a 32-page illustrated story created through a partnership between Chesapeake Mermaid, Inc. and Turtles Fly Too, Inc., follows a Chesapeake-inspired community working together to help cold-stunned sea turtles reach rehabilitation centers. The book, told from the perspective of the Chesapeake Mermaid, blends imagination with factual accounts of volunteer pilots who transport endangered turtles by air.
The official release occurs on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, during an all-day Earth Day celebration and fundraiser at Chesapeake Market & Deli in North Beach, Maryland. Families can visit from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. A portion of proceeds supports environmental education and wildlife rescue work. The book is available for pre-order now and ships following the launch.
All seven species of sea turtles are classified as threatened or endangered. Cold-stunning events, caused by sudden drops in water temperature, have increased in frequency. In Massachusetts, annual cold-stun rescues have risen from an average of 139 to more than 700 in recent years. A major 2021 event in Texas affected more than 12,000 sea turtles, the largest on record.
Turtles Fly Too, Inc. coordinates a nationwide network of more than 2,000 volunteer pilots who donate time, aircraft and fuel for urgent wildlife transports. In one high-volume season, volunteers completed 19 missions moving more than 500 sea turtles. The network also assists with dolphins, otters and seabirds.
“Every flight is a race against time,” said Leslie Weinstein, president and volunteer pilot of Turtles Fly Too, Inc. “You’re not just flying an animal, you’re giving it a second chance. Kids may not see those flights happen, but this book helps them understand they’re part of that bigger story.”
The book targets readers ages 6 and up. It includes a fully illustrated Chesapeake Bay setting, two educational maps, sea turtle science facts, simple environmental actions children can take, and a sing-along companion song. The story emphasizes teamwork and shows how everyday volunteers make a difference in protecting wildlife.
Angela Mitchell, founder of Chesapeake Mermaid, Inc., said the goal is to help children see their own role in conservation. “Children connect deeply through story and play. When they discover that everyday volunteers help move sea turtles to safety, they begin to understand that they can help protect wildlife too.”
Chesapeake Mermaid, Inc. has delivered environmental education through storytelling, books and live programs across the Chesapeake watershed for more than 15 years. The organization marked its 15th anniversary in 2025 with expanded programming. Turtles Fly Too adds to its collection of educational materials, which includes other storybooks and American Sign Language-based activity books.
A new interactive program tied to the book will be presented in the Chesapeake Mermaid’s immersive “mermaid habitat.” It combines storytelling, movement, music and sign language to reinforce environmental themes for young audiences. Additional events, including appearances at NatureFest 2026 at the College of Southern Maryland in La Plata on April 30, will extend the book’s reach in Southern Maryland.
Paperback copies cost $10 and hardcover editions $20. Bulk and wholesale orders are available for schools, libraries and educational programs. Purchases can be made at ChesapeakeMermaid.com/shop.
The Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries lie along important sea turtle migration routes. Cold-stunned turtles occasionally strand in Mid-Atlantic waters, making the region’s connection to national rescue networks especially relevant for local families. The book uses this familiar setting to teach children about habitat threats, climate impacts and community solutions.
Southern Maryland educators and parents seeking Earth Day resources can use the book and its companion materials to spark discussions about conservation. The combination of narrative, facts and actionable steps encourages children to think about how small choices affect larger ecosystems.
The launch timing aligns with Earth Day celebrations across Calvert and St. Mary’s counties. Community members can attend the North Beach event to meet the creators, enjoy family activities and support ongoing wildlife rescue and education efforts in the Chesapeake region.
