Great news for tortoise lovers worldwide! I am absolutely delighted to announce that my Taschendinos book series is going international. To help keepers everywhere provide species-appropriate care, my educational books and handbooks are currently being translated into English.
As with all my Taschendinos projects, this is a charity venture: 100% of the proceeds from these English editions will go directly to supporting my heart-project, the rescue platform Schildkroetensuche.org.
Anna and Mona – Friends for Life
A gentle picture book by Frauke Hustinx | Available on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/01XELn5t
Meet Anna and her tortoise, Mona – the very best of friends! Anna and Mona – Friends for Life is a heartwarming children’s book that I wrote to beautifully teach friendship, responsibility, and mindfulness. Perfect for children aged 3 to early readers (7–8 years), this beautifully illustrated story gently guides young minds on what it truly means to care for a small, slow creature. It instils key values of patience, understanding, and respect for animals, making it the perfect introduction to the world of European tortoises.

- International Release: You can find it worldwide on Amazon.
- Direct Distribution: If you are ordering from the European Union or Switzerland, you can purchase your copy directly from me via Taschendinos.de to support the charity. Please use the order form below.
Modern European Tortoise Husbandry Book Series
My popular handbooks are designed to bridge the gap between traditional methods and modern, scientifically backed tortoise care. I am currently preparing the launch of further titles in English to help you recreate a natural, Mediterranean climate and avoid common husbandry errors.
- International Availability: Just like the Handbook Refrigerator Brumation and my children’s book, all upcoming English handbooks will be available worldwide as print and Kindle eBooks via Amazon.
- Direct Distribution (D, A, CH, NL): Customers from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands can order print copies directly through my website to support our fundraising goals.


Now Available: Refrigerator Brumation Handbook
A Practical Guide to Safe Winter Brumation for European Tortoises
The Refrigerator Brumation Handbook is now available in English!
This practical guide takes tortoise keepers step by step through the entire process of refrigerator brumation, from autumn preparation and choosing suitable equipment to temperature monitoring, essential safety measures and bringing tortoises out of brumation in spring.
Based on decades of hands-on experience, observations of tortoises in their natural Mediterranean habitats and scientific literature, the handbook provides clear, practical guidance for safe and responsible husbandry.
Available Formats and Ordering
Within the European Economic Area (EEA):
Available directly from TASCHENDINOS as a paperback or hardcover A5. Please send me a message via the contact form.
Internationally:
Available through Amazon as a Kindle eBook, paperback or hardcover.
All proceeds from TASCHENDINOS book sales go to Schildkroetensuche.org.
Discover the Refrigerator Brumation Handbook.
Now available as Kindle eBook on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/09vIYYis
Brumation is often the most stressful time for a keeper. In this comprehensive guide, I provide a step-by-step approach to safe, controlled, and modern refrigerator brumation. From the initial temperature reduction phase to the precise monitoring during winter and safe awakening in spring, my handbook helps you avoid risks and eliminate guesswork. It is your guide for a safe, stress-free winter management.

The Poisonous Plant Handbook
Based on my freshly published German edition – English version coming soon!
Before we forage or grow food for our tortoises, knowing which plants are dangerous is paramount. I designed this handy pocket guide as the ultimate safety tool for both beginners and experienced keepers. Across its pages, I introduce the most problematic plant species in clear, concise profiles—featuring a high-quality photograph on one side and a detailed description on the facing page.

Its pocket-sized format makes it the perfect companion to slip into your pocket when you are out looking for food plants in meadows or checking your outdoor enclosure.
- The golden rule for maximum safety: Never feed anything you cannot 100% identify.
The Technology Handbook English Edition
Coming soon!
In this practical guide, I simplify the fundamentals of modern technology in tortoise keeping. I explain how to effectively use lighting and heating systems, measuring devices, and control technology. Highlighting vital safety aspects and common pitfalls, this handbook helps you use technology in a targeted and animal-friendly way—allowing you to simulate a Mediterranean climate in your greenhouse or cold frame to support a near-natural life.

How to order your tortoise books
- For International Customers and Kindle eBooks (outside European Union and CH): Look for the Refrigerator Brumation Handbook and the childrens‘ book Anna and Mona on Amazon. The other handbooks will also be available on Amazon as soon as they are released.
- For Customers in the European Union and Switzerland: Please order your print copies directly through me. You can use my Order Form below to secure your books and fully support my charity goals. As soon as the books are available, they will be shown on the form. If any questions should arise, just contact me in English.
