Take Your Time

February 15, 2017
A Galapagos tortoise learns that everyone has his or her own appropriate rhythm.Harriet, a slow-moving resident of one of the Galapagos Islands, endures the scolding of her neighbors, swims to another island "to see the penguin parade," appreciates the variety of animals over, on, in, and under the ground and water, tries out speed by riding on a dolphin's back, and returns with a new sense of self-respect. This sweet lesson is made even more palatable with engaging illustrations of cheerful Galapagos flora and fauna, including flamingos, iguanas, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, dolphins, humpback whales, hammerhead sharks, spotted rays, Sally Lightfoot crabs, even centipedes and snakes. Created with block prints and watercolor and then digitally enhanced, they add an informational dimension, their light anthropomorphization echoing the personification of the animals in this imagined tale. The authors, a mother-daughter pair, have chosen to name their character after a real giant Galapagos tortoise. Taken to Australia in the mid-19th century, she died there, in a zoo, in 2006. Their language is relatively simple and the sentences short, making this text accessible to early readers, though unfamiliar plant and animal names may slow them down. Slowing down and taking time to appreciate everything around you is precisely the value this simple story reflects. A journey of self-discovery in a unique environment. (Picture book. 3-7)

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February 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 2-A colorful and cheerful yet timely story about a Galapagos tortoise who is very different from her animal friends. Harriet is big, heavy, and slow. She takes her time, no matter what she does. When pestered by her friends, who think she moves too slowly and not far enough, Harriet decides to visit another island. It takes months for her to swim there, and months more to traverse the beaches, seeing the sights and giving rides to young iguanas. Harriet observes many animals, from blue-footed boobies to red-throated frigate birds to centipedes, all of whom locomote in their own special way. And Harriet decides that she is fine just the way she is and heads back home-slowly. Not even a last-minute ride with dolphins can persuade her to change. Harriet returns to her island, content to have discovered that every creature moves in its own unique way. The illustrations are delightful, made with block prints and watercolor with digital enhancement. The heavy black lines of the block printing intensify the watercolors, creating vibrant and dynamic images. The text is simple but expressive and clear. Repetitive phrases lend a poetic feel. This captivating tale beautifully demonstrates that differences are a great and good thing, while also providing information about Galapagos creatures, and includes a mention of the real Galapagos tortoise named Harriet.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2017
Preschool-G Mother-daughter team Napoli and Furrow bring young readers a story of enjoying life at your own pace with this serene picture-book offering. Harriet, a Galapagos tortoise, likes taking things slow, though the other island animals often tell her she's missing out by not moving faster. So one day she decides to venture from her islandand routine of nibbling cactus pads and smelling swamp hibiscusto see what all the fuss is about. Keeping her leisurely pace, she begins a months-long swim to another island, admiring the wonders of the sea (stingrays, sharks, whales) as she goes, and contemplates those of the land and sky upon her eventual return home. Molk's batik-like illustrations, created with watercolor-and-block prints, offer beautiful large-scale vistas perfect for group sharing. An author's note gives information on the real-life Harriet who inspired this story, as well. This peaceful, meditative read champions the ideas of appreciating the world, near and far, and being true to oneself.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2017
Giant Galapogos tortoise Harriet defies other creatures' jeers and explores the ocean and surrounding islands at her own slow pace: "She was in no hurry. There was plenty to see." A calmly voiced narrative encourages readers to follow their own rhythms, while eye-catching watercolor and block-print illustrations depict the exotic creatures along Harriet's saunter. Note on a real tortoise named Harriet included.

(Copyright 2017 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)