Winter's Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swin Again [Hardcover]

I've realized that this series is based in stories about resiliency or overcoming adversity as told through animal stories. Why it took several books for me to get it, don't know. But each has shown some of the critical features in the recovery from what are devastating blows, like losing family, re-location, injury, and how adaptation has gone on- thanks to the intervention of a team of concerned people.

Winter is a dolphin that loses her tail. She's a young baby also losing family when her tail gets entwined in ropes. People see her struggle and respond, first a fisherman, and he works to save her, but her tail isn't so lucky. She's named Winter for the season. Eventually due to broadcasting her story from her rescue another person works to develop a prosthesis tail. Winter then learns within her life and these pages to survive using this tail.

It's a really good story especially for children learning to overcome obstacles as a part of what they need to do. Of course she makes a friend and she appears to have a fulfilling life.

The series has been a very good one for inclusion in the teaching. I would definitely recommend it.

Wonderful heartwarming uplifting book of hope and encouragement for any of life's challenges that we face. The Hatkoff authors are creating a series of beautiful stories that have helped many many children and adults face issues that are so difficult. This is also very educational in the material presented.

It is the story of how Kevin Carroll who designed Winter's Tale worked miracles with Winter as he does with human's and their prosthetics all over the world. He is presently working on Chrissie, a beautiful sandhill crane (almost 50" tall bird) who lost her lower leg on a golf course. Chrissie lives at Save Our Seabirds ([...]). in Sarasota, Florida which is only an hour away from Winter's home in Clearwater, Florida! She is now going through the fittings that Winter did for her tail! She was named "Chrissie" short for Christmas because that was the first day she strutted in her initial prosthetic!

True stories of hope are excellent gifts for those overcoming adversities in their lives. This little girl dolphin has definitely done that!

The writing and stunning photography are beautiful and simple but so powerful in their message. All ages from very young to adult will enjoy this story of the people surrounding this adorable dolphin who is now thriving in her own new home. She just celebrated her 5th birthday and is doing great --learning new tricks and skills all the time. Encouragement galore for us all!!

Don't hesitate!! Definitely buy the book today for yourself and grab a copy for a big or little friend. You won't be disappointed. A great children's or adult's non-fiction book to add to any and all collections.

Also, when in Florida, definitely come visit Winter AND Chrissie! They'd love to see you!

The Hatkoffs' Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship was a popular choice for school libraries with its theme of survival and friendship between two unlikely companions, a baby hippo and a giant tortoise.

Like Owen the hippo, Winter the baby dolphin, was also in distress when she was found, entangled in the ropes of a crab trap. Although she was rescued and well cared for, Winter eventually lost her tail because of her injuries. Kevin Carroll and the experts from Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics worked to design a prosthesis for Winter so she could swim properly and avoid damage to her backbone. The need for the prosthesis was medical, for Winter's health--not for appearance. I appreciated that this point was emphasized

Winter has generated a great deal of interest among children and veterans with prostheses and other medical devices. Whether the need for these devices is the result of accident, illness or a grievous war injury, coping with the aftermath can be challenging and emotionally difficult.

There is reassurance in a story of adults who will go to extraordinary lengths to care for these animals. A child can see themselves in both roles, the child needing help and the kind and caring expert who provides it.

I was interested in reviewing this title because of my library "dolphin girls." Every year there are one or two girls who want to read and reread every nonfiction book in the school library on dolphins. This book is an excellent choice for them. It includes facts and information about these mammals, their physiology, their care, socialization and training.

The story is well reported and there is no anthropomorphizing of the dolphin. In fact, Hatkoff emphasizes that humans cannot know what Winter is thinking. Winter's story is well documented with full color photos including some very interesting photographs of the prosthetic tail.

Additional background on the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Kevin Carroll and Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics is included. Interestingly, Hanger was founded in 1861, during the American Civil War.

The Hatkoffs have found a nice publishing niche here with true stories of animal rescue.