Juliana Hatkoff

The Hatkoff family, together with co-author Dr. Paula Kahumbu and photographer Peter Greste, are best known for their presentation of the inspiring true story of Owen, a baby hippo orphaned by the 2004 tsunami, who was adopted by an ancient Aldabra tortoise named Mzee. In their latest picture book, Looking for Miza, the team turn their attention to a family of mountain gorillas living in Virunga National Park, in the Congo.

When baby Miza and her mother go missing, park rangers Innocent and show more Diddy begin the search, but it is Kabirizi, the silverback leader of the troop, who finds the little gorilla, and brings her home. Although not the strongest Hatkoff title available, young animal lovers will enjoy this informative picture book, illustrated with beautiful color photographs. Some information about threats to mountain gorillas - one of the most endangered species on earth - are included at the end. show less

Juliana, Isabella and Craig Hatkoff - the author team that produced Looking For Miza: The True Story of the Mountain Gorilla Family Who Rescued One of Their Own and Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated The World (Isabella and Craig also worked on Owen & Mzee: The True Story Of A Remarkable Friendship) - turn their attention to the story of Winter the tailless dolphin in this moving and informative picture-book. Injured when she becomes caught in the lines of a crab trap set in show more Florida's Mosquito Lagoon, a very young dolphin is rescued and brought to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where she is named Winter (due to the coldness of the season) and nursed back to health. When her tail, badly damaged in her ordeal, falls off, and Winter begins compensating by swimming in a manner that her trainers think will damage her spine, Kevin Carroll of Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics steps in, and offers to design a prosthetic tail...

I must be living under a rock, but until a goodreads friend reviewed Winter's Tail, I was unfamiliar with this story, and had no idea that a film had been made from it! Now that I am aware, I am quite keen to see Dolphin Tale, even though I understand that it takes some liberties with the facts of the case. I'd just love to see Winter actually swim around with her amazing tail! I don't think I'd ever really considered prosthetics for injured and disabled animals before, so I found Winter's story quite informative, as well as heartwarming. It was interesting to me that the project to help Winter ended up helping human amputees as well, through the special gel that Carroll invented, to make Winter's tail more comfortable. A wonderful example of everyone benefiting from Carroll's good deed, in volunteering to help Winter!

Illustrated with photographs that document this amazing cetacean's journey, Winter's Tail is a book I would recommend to all young dolphin and marine life lovers, and to any picture-book readers who saw and enjoyed the film. show less

Anyone in search of a heartwarming true story in board book form should look no further than this book about Knut and his handler/adoptive father. It covers a day in the life of this fuzzy polar bear who lives at Zoo Berlin. Adults purchasing this book may remember hearing about Knut when he was first brought to the zoo several years ago, but he will be a new friend for most children who pick up this book.

While it is a board book and therefore meant for very young children, it could even be show more used as an easy reader text, albeit a very short one, due to its simple plot and language. The photographs that illustrate the book are very cute, and they show what is described in the text. The images will appeal to anyone who loves fluffy baby animals. The story and photographs are sweet, but this true story is familiar, even to the youngest readers. It may not be groundbreaking, but it will please animal lovers and anyone looking for an adorable story to read with a child. show less

Surgery can be scary, especially for children. Juliana has a problem with sore throats, and she finds out she has to have her tonsils removed. She is fearful because she doesn't know what to expect. After speaking with her dotor and talking to one of her friends who has had multiple surgeries, she feels a litttle better about the procedure. She hardly remembers anything about the operation, but recalls her down-time afterwards. Promises of ice cream, chewing gum and presents puts Julianna's show more mind at ease. She makes it through this uncomfortable situation unscathed, and looks forward to sharing her experience with her friends. show less