Hannah Gold, the bestselling, multi-award-winning author of children’s middle-grade fiction has returned with her fourth novel, ‘Turtle Moon’ (HarperCollins, 2024). Her books have a unique magic, exploring the tender relationships children form with endangered animals during times of personal chaos within their family lives. From the very beginning, Hannah has brought us unforgettable stories.

Hannah’s debut novel, ‘The Last Bear’ (HarperCollins, 2021), tells the story of April whose loss of her mother and her distant relationship with her grieving father take a transformative turn when they discover a lonely polar bear on a remote Norwegian island. Together, they find hope, survival, and a new purpose together. Her second book, ‘The Lost Whale’ (HarperCollins, 2022), is one of the most stunning and deeply moving pieces of writing I’ve ever encountered. It explores the mental health struggles of a mother and the impact this has on her son, Rio, who has become numb to joy, who lives each day in anxious despair and concern for his mum. Sent to stay with a long-lost grandmother while his mum undergoes some treatment, Rio embarks on a personal journey filled with discovery, from uncovering the magic of a local pod of migrating whales to finding the courage to embrace life, even when it feels strange or overwhelming.

In ‘Finding Bear’ (HarperCollins, 2023), Hannah revisited April and her polar bear, returning to the world of The Last Bear to give readers a beautiful and heartfelt continuation of their story.

And so to ‘Turtle Moon’…

This time, Hannah takes us to Costa Rica—a vibrant, tropical paradise—and invites us on a journey that is both thrilling and deeply emotional. The story follows Silver and her family, who are struggling in the aftermath of failed IVF treatments that have left Silver’s mum heartbroken and unable to move forward. Her dad, a children’s book illustrator, jumps at the opportunity to work on a turtle rescue project in Costa Rica, hoping the change of scenery will help bring healing to their fractured family. Hannah has a gift for making every reader feel like they are right there alongside her characters, and ‘Turtle Moon’ is no exception. From Silver’s first experience in an airport to the sounds, sights, and smells of Costa Rica, Hannah’s vivid descriptions transport you completely. I often found myself wondering if the real-life conservationists Hannah has met inspired the colourful, passionate characters Silver and her family encounter.

Life at Turtle Beach is nothing short of electrifying. Silver throws herself into caring for the rescued wildlife, developing a natural affinity for the animals—unsurprising, given her mum’s a vet! Along the way, she befriends Raffi, a local boy with an adorable rescued baby sloth named Speedy forever wrapped around his neck, and the perfect sidekick. Their adventures together are full of much-needed fun and wonder, however they soon turn to more serious matters when they try to solve a mystery: turtle eggs, a black-market commodity, are stolen from the conservation centre. When Silver promises a nesting leatherback turtle that she’ll protect her eggs, she has no idea how dangerous keeping that promise will become.

Silver’s mum struggles to find her place in this new world, weighed down by exhaustion and loss. Silver tries to share her daily excitement, but her mum’s inability to engage leaves her feeling defeated. It’s heartbreaking to read, but thankfully, there’s a glimmer of hope when someone at the conservation project encourages Silver’s mum to lend her veterinary skills to the animals in need. As heavy as these themes sound, I PROMISE you this book is filled with so much humour, excitement, and joy. Tickle, the cheeky monkey, who wrecks Silver’s dad’s art studio daily, is an absolute scene-stealer, and his antics had me in giggles more than once.

This hardback edition has gorgeous orange foil artwork under the dust jacket and stunning illustrations on the cover and within by the legendary Levi Pinfold. I’m so happy I have a signed copy, one of the exclusive independent bookshop editions with orange-sprayed edges. Yay!

Finally, I urge you to read Hannah’s ‘Author’s Note’ at the end of the book. Her personal story made me shed a tear—not just from sadness but from the joy of knowing how much she pours her heart into her work. Her gratitude for her readers, especially the children she meets in schools, bookshops, festivals, and through their letters, is palpable. As she says, “my heart feels full.”

‘Turtle Moon’ is a global, touching, unputdownable book that will leave YOUR heart full too. It’s a story of hope, healing, and the beauty of our connection to the natural world. I couldn’t recommend it more. Hannah, where are you taking us on your next expedition, I wonder! I hope, one day, to host Hannah at Happy Reading - now that’d be a dream come true!

Another great read in the series of books. A must read for 9+. I have recommended this to colleagues. Rich full of through provoking themes and rich vocabulary, it is a must read

Perfect for nature loving kids, this is a beautiful conservation adventure that will have children and adults alike engrossed from the very first page. Hannah Gold has a real talent for hopeful storytelling that inspires the reader to fight for the natural world. She brilliantly combines environmental issues with the characters' personal and emotional worries and uses bucket-loads of adventure and empathy to steer the characters and the reader through. With fun and friendship, page-turning peril and heart-warming family healing, this is an absolute winner for key stage 2.

hannah gold books are a particular brand of special. just the most wonderful, thoughtful, stories that children are so lucky to grow up with!

as always, turtle moon is a dynamic read full of emotions, wisdom, and actually fascinating animal facts

I absolutely love Hannah's books. The fact that I've got my hands on a beautiful, signed Indie bookshop copy just make me happier still. As with Hannah's other books the amazing illustrations are all by Levi Pinfold.

This is, like the others, based on animals (with some artistic license involved) with that eco theme we expect from her. However it is also the story of a family Mum- Gerrie, Dad - Jack and Silver their daughter.

Silver knows that Mum and Dad have been trying for another baby. She knows it hasn't happened, the nursery stands empty and they are sad, and they argue a lot. Silver wonders why she isn't enough. Why they need another baby. Is she so bad they need another. They don't have time for her.
One afternoon, Silver sees a letter from Costa Rica in Dad's studio, then she's called to the table for a family talk. Except this one is more of a 'we are doing this talk'. Dad has persuaded Silver's mum to travel to Costa Rica for 3 months so that he can work as an artist at Turtle Beach Rescue Centre. Mum looks worried, Silver doesn't think it is fair.
But they are on their way. None of them are prepared for the heat. Silver certainly isn't prepared for the noise and colour of the jungle. But she soon meets some of the residents of the centre, and it's workers. She quickly becomes friends with Rafi, the son of José, who works at the centre, where Ana is the boss still. she set the centre up many years before.

Rafi asks Silver to join him on patrol - watching for turtle's nesting while the others are eating (during the eating period there is no one on lookout). When Silver goes to the treehouse alone one day - she hears rustling - it is a leatherback turtle, the one Rafi is so desperate to see but she's here now, and he's not. She lays her eggs and looks up almost as if she can see Silver. Silver makes a promise to her to look after the eggs. When she finds Rafi she shows him first - he can hardly believe it - it's been two years. But there they are. Then, Ana is informed the eggs are movede to the hatchery where they are guarded with the others. It'll take two months for them to hatch. Silver will still be there. But when the theft of the eggs is thwarted, Rafi has an idea - he has seem a girl online, Marina and her friend Rio, who put trackers on Grey Whales, and he orders a tracker to put in a decoy egg.
But Mum and Dad don't seem interested at all in the eggs. Mum's sadness has followed them to Costa Rica. Until one day Silver sees Ana talking to mum, then they go inside the centre. Mum says at dinner that she is going to help look after the mother sloth, so that's what Ana wanted. Or was there more?

A violent storm sends lightning crashing into the hospital wing, the animals escape. Silver is told to stay inside, but she wants to check on the turtles, especially Luna her favourite. Then she sees the guard from the hatchery is helping. She heads there but the lock is broken - and the leatherback eggs are gone. Rafi arrives at the hatchery, the tracker can be followed but it's into the jungle - in a storm - in the dark, but the others are all looking for animals.
They have no choice.....

This is everything I expected from Hannah. The fact that she even managed to reference Marina and Rio from The Lost Whale was so clever. The turtle's in the story may not actually all lay eggs at the same time, but they are all endangered and the education provided about this by centre's like that in the story are so important. Against the eco story is a beautifully written story about parents who have become lost in their grief for a child not born (a subject which I'm sure was difficult for Hannah to write about) and the child, Silver, who thinks she isn't enough for them.

Loved it. Need to get Head Teacher to buy a copy for school now.

Another absolutely stunning story from Hannah Gold. It's another really powerful story about pollution and conservation set at just the right level for children. There's also a second storyline about relationships between parents and children and it's told beautifully and many children will relate to it. I read it in one go, it was impossible to put down.

Hannah Gold has established herself as a wonderful author tackling issues related to endangered animals, the environment and climate change, but with characters who feel real and generally have some issue with their relationships with their parents. She provides her readers with a glimpse into the natural world that is vivid and striking and in Turtle Moon, she brings Costa Rica and its rainforests to colourful life. This book also discussed the topic of infertility ,which is one that I have not seen in children’s books but is handled with sensitivity by the author who shares her own fertility issues in the author's note at the end.

Silver goes to Costa Rica to stay in a turtle sanctuary with her parents, a vet and a famous artist who has been commissioned to paint some of the sanctuary’s residents to help promote their work. While she is initially reluctant to go, Silver hopes that the trip will be just the thing to reignite the life in her parents who have both been struggling emotionally. They have been trying to have as baby brother or sister for the past few years, but it just hasn’t happened.

Silver and the readers learn a lot about the turtles, who return to the beach where they were born to give birth. She makes friends with another child who lives in the sanctuary and together they help to care for turtle and other creatures who are injured, as well as protect the turtles’ eggs from predators, poachers and other threats.

Another wonderful book from Hannah Gold with a fantastic protagonist and important themes and messages about the natural world.

There are few books so completely honest and utterly courageous as those written by the brilliant Hannah Gold. Turtle Moon gave me shivers as I followed Silver and her family on their adventure of a lifetime to work at Turtle Beach Rescue Centre in Costa Rica.

All 11-year-old Silver wants is to climb trees and spend time being wild! All her parents want is another baby. Their silent longing for a child they’ve never known is confusing for Silver. She can’t help but feel not quite good enough. Mum is sad – unable to fully cope with the stress that comes with fertility struggles and her job as a vet. Dad loves to paint but can’t quite find his muse.

When the opportunity arises for Dad to paint wildlife portraits at a turtle sanctuary thousands of miles from home, they figure this is a great chance to get away and take a break from reality. Silver isn’t sure at first but she soon finds herself thrown into jungle life. With trees everywhere, her new friend Rafi and the most incredible animals (including a lovely sloth called Speedy and a mischievous little monkey called Tickle), she grows in confidence, awareness of the world and compassion. Mum and Dad are transformed too but it’s a difficult journey.

The description of Costa Rica – one of the most bioodiverse places on earth – is stunning. Much like Hannah Gold’s depiction of the Arctic in her ‘Last Bear’ books, this setting is completely immersive. Readers are able to really understand the essence of the place, not just the geographical facts. Silver’s connection to the trees, her relationship with the animals and the very real dangers they face pull readers deep into the jungle.

Themes of animal conservation and environmental protection are powerful. The rarity of the different species of turtles, the urgency in protecting their eggs and the importance of cleaning up pollution comes across so clearly. Turtle Moon would make a wonderful stimulus for a geography project or class topic. There is so much for children to learn from the text.

But it’s the story of family and messages about the value (and fragility) of life that make this book so special. Both adults and children will take so much from this story as they think of their own experiences or those of others. As I let the final chapters wash over me, I didn’t want the story to come to an end. Connections between Silver, her parents and Ana (the founder of the turtle sanctuary) reflect the power of creation energy and how we can all support each other through the most difficult times, coming out the other side stronger and ready to take on the world.

Thank you to Harper Collins Children’s for a copy of this beautiful book!

Hannah Gold books are perfection in every which way. They remind me of how I felt when my Grandad would read me stories when I was younger - pure magic in every word. Another truly joyous story.

As a bookseller at Hannah's local Waterstones, we've long been supporters of her books and I enjoyed this as much as the previous three. I'm looking forward to our signing event this weekend and sharing this book with young readers.

Silver's parents have been trying unsuccessfully to have another baby for years and it's making them miserable. Although they try to hide it from Silver, she is aware so when her dad (an artist) gets the chance to take them all to Costa Rica for four months where he has been commissioned to paint at a turtle rescue centre, he jumps at the chance, hoping the change will help them. Although a very different way of life, Silver settles into routines but when some rare turtle eggs are stolen, things get very dangerous.

Hannah has the most wonderful way of writing that lulls the reader in with her gentle style, whilst also highlighting important environmental issues and tugging on readers' heart strings. And Turtle Moon is no different.

Silver is aware that her parents long for another baby and she quietly worries that she's not enough for them. It's a situation that I can imagine many parents find themselves in and my heart broke for them. Whilst Silver's dad hopes that the four month change will help them all, it seems to have the opposite effect on her mum who becomes more withdrawn. Whilst Silver worries for her mum, she heads out to explore and meets Rafi whose family live at the centre. When he's not at school, Rafi loves nothing more than caring for the turtles and their eggs, and this is how Silver discovers so much about the creatures. Silver is a strong character whose love of nature shines through in the book. But when danger lurks, can she and Rafi save the day?

I also liked the fact that there was strong involvement from adults throughout the book and I need to give a particular shout out to Ana, whose outlook on life was rather wonderful.

The descriptions of Costa Rica and Turtle Beach in the book are rich and wrap the reader in a warm hug. As I read, I could almost hear the thrum of nature from the jungle and feel the warmth of the sun on my skin (just what I needed as the weather turns chilly!).

Turtle Moon is a wonderfully written book that highlights the plight of turtles and the threat to their eggs from poachers (the author's note at the end is a very interesting read). It sensitively deals with families going through IVF in a way that children will be able to understand.

Publishing 26th September, Hannah most definitely has another huge hit of a book on her hands with Turtle Moon.

Turtle Moon by Hannah Gold 🐢

Hannah Gold delivers again with another heart-warming middle grade animal novel, this time focusing her attention on endangered turtles along the Costa Rican coast.

Her protagonist, Silver, is another plucky young girl whose family situation leaves her feeling outcast and isolated, and is then thrown into the unfamiliar and potentially dangerous environment of the rainforest. Here Silver rediscovers her own worth as a friend and a daughter through her determination to save the turtkes she comes to love.

Gold has found the winning formula for these novels and Turtle Moon does not disappoint. It is perfectly paced which makes it very difficult to put down, the setting is vivid (helped by Levi Pinfold's always stunningly atmospheric illustrations), and the character development is strong amongst the entire cast.

As always, Gold presents the environmental message of her novel front and centre, but there are other equally important themes at play, including motherhood and fertility struggles. I will never not read one of Hannah Gold's books ❤️

Thanks to netgalley/Harper Collins for the digital proof.

The Trevalon family go to Costa Rica for four months when Silver's dad is offered the opportunity to paint animal portraits at a wildlife sanctuary. It has come at a time when the family are struggling and immersing themselves in the jungle life and helping with the rehabilitation of the local animals could be just what they need.

The underlying story about Silver's parents struggles with secondary fertility is handled sensitively and in a very accessible way for the children who may be reading.

Another excellent and highly recomended read from this author!

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Children for my copy of Turtle Moon By Hannah Gold

I absolutely loved this book! It beautifully highlights the significance of animal restoration and nature. Hannah's storytelling truly brings the world to life, with Silver at the heart of the adventure during her family's visit to Costa Rica.

I found myself empathizing with Silver's parents as they navigate through IVF, and I appreciate the inclusivity of this storyline. It's a great way to show both children and parents that there are various paths to creating a family, sparking important discussions. This book skillfully addresses two challenging topics while delivering a captivating story.

The quick, easy-to-read chapters make it perfect for young readers. I highly recommend

#TurtleMoon #HannahGold #FamilyJourney #NatureConservation #InclusiveStorytelling #YouthReading #ParentingDiversity #EnvironmentalAwareness #CostaRicaAdventure t!

When Silver and her parents go to Costa Rica to visit the turtle rescue sanctuary, she is told that turtle eggs have been disappearing all over the country, including at that sanctuary.

With the help of a newfound friend, Silver starts investigating the robberies and that’s all I can tell you without spoiling. If you want to know more, make sure to read it yourself!

Hannah Gold has once again written a wonderful environmental story centered around an endangered animal including fantastic illustrations by Levi Pinfold. I recommend you read all her books, you won’t be disappointed. Plus you will get to travel to California, Costa Rica and the Arctic, how cool is that?

I can’t wait to meet Hannah Gold again at the Dublin Book Festival in November.

Ella, 11 years old.

Thank you to @harpercollins and @netgalley for the E-Arc of Turtle Moon in return for our honest review. Turtle Moon is out now!

A story with a lot of heart! Great for linking to a rainforest topic, or environmental. Silver and her parents travel to the rainforest in Costa Rica where her dad has been hired to produce some artwork for the turtle sanctuary. Silver finds herself trying to protect the turtle eggs from people who would try to steal them. Descriptions of the rainforest are beautiful and the relationships and connections in the books are heart-warming. Would fully recommend, the illustrations aren’t numerous but are beautiful too.

Another stunning read from Hannah Gold ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Set on a turtle sanctuary in Costa Rica, Gold transports the reader to the lush jungle to read about Silvers new life there. Silver has travelled there with her parents , hoping the new location will bring some adventure and joy back to their family. She makes new friends and discovers the wonder of the landscape and its inhabitants.
Adventure and mystery ensues.

My ten year old loved this book, the plot, characters, turtles, location and illustrations. Gold’s messaging is so gently powerful and empowering for the generation who will hopefully help to solve the environmental crisis we are on the cusp of.

A beautiful beautiful read.

Hannah Gold's "Turtle Moon" is a magical, moving story about a twelve-year-old boy named Eric and his friendship with a strange turtle. The story takes place in a beach town and is about family, friendship, and protecting the earth. While Eric is still dealing with the death of his father, he forms a deep bond with a unique turtle that takes him on a trip of healing and self-discovery. The colourful images and likeable characters in Gold's book make it a touching story for kids that shows how important it is to protect animals and how powerful it is to grow emotionally. A nice and interesting book for kids and nature fans alike.

Another amazing book from Hannah Gold. This time she is highlighting the plight of the sea turtles.

A beautifully written story about a young girl, Silver, whose family goes to live at a turtle/animal sanctuary in Costa Rica. There Silver learns about how endangered the sea turtles are, the dangers that humans and nature can inflict on the sea turtles and how we can be educated in protecting them and their environment.

Added to this there is Silvers parents who are struggling with being able to conceive another baby, and how this is putting a strain on their relationship and how it makes Silver feel.

A heartwarming story, 4 and a half stars.

Another fantastic story from Hannah Gold, set in the rainforest of Costa Rica at a turtle sanctuary.
This book includes important environmental information but also touches on fertility difficulties and the impact on families.