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Take Your Time: A Tale of Harriet, the Galapagos Tortoise
Harriet the tortoise likes to do things slowly. She explores her home on the Galápagos Islands—slowly. She eats—slowly. And when the sun goes down, she slumbers deeply all night long.
When Harriet’s friends tell her to pick up the pace, Harriet decides to journey to a neighboring island to see what there is to see. She parades with penguins and rides with dolphins, encountering adventure at every turn. But is life in the fast lane right for a tortoise who loves to take her time?
When Harriet’s friends tell her to pick up the pace, Harriet decides to journey to a neighboring island to see what there is to see. She parades with penguins and rides with dolphins, encountering adventure at every turn. But is life in the fast lane right for a tortoise who loves to take her time?
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 11, 2017
2 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 16, 2020
When you live to be 175 years old, you can certainly afford to take your own sweet time, and Harriet, the giant Galápagos tortoise does just that. Other animals tried to hurry her along, but slow or fast, clumsy or graceful, straight or wiggly, everyone had a rhythm that worked.
I really loved the batik-looking artwork by Laurel Molk.
I really loved the batik-looking artwork by Laurel Molk.
July 19, 2019
Beautiful story! You don't have to live in the fast lane to truly enjoy life.
November 20, 2017
Check out more picture book reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
Harriet the tortoise explores her home on the Galápagos Islands the way she does best—slowly. As she does so she meets various animals all who move at speeds vastly different from her own. By the time she returns home she decides its okay for everyone to go at their own speed.
I admit I was drawn to the incredible illustrations! The watercolor and ink combination is one of my favorite art forms! And it isn't just on the cover but in spread after spread. We also seriously enjoyed the pages with a whole horde of sea animals and birds and land animals. My nephew enjoys animals immensely and the art shows them to good effect. We used a white crayon to achieve a look similar to the cover... and it turned out beautifully!
I enjoyed the subtle message of the book though I'm pretty certain it went over my nephew's head. And he didn't really want to discuss it much either. That's okay to my mind... this is the type of book you buy for your home library if your children love animals and thus have plenty of time to discuss it when the time is right... Though the message that whatever speed suits you is fine is perhaps NOT one that is needed by every child.
There were a TON of words in this book. That is good for an older child but it is a little too much for my nephew with aphasia. Plus there were quite a few difficult words to the point some of the text was meaningless for him. That won't be a problem for some children but keep it in mind... it won't be a swift read that you can pick up anytime.
Also a great way to celebrate endangered animals and to spread awareness of their plight!
BOTTOM LINE: A Tortoise winning slowly...
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...
Harriet the tortoise explores her home on the Galápagos Islands the way she does best—slowly. As she does so she meets various animals all who move at speeds vastly different from her own. By the time she returns home she decides its okay for everyone to go at their own speed.
I admit I was drawn to the incredible illustrations! The watercolor and ink combination is one of my favorite art forms! And it isn't just on the cover but in spread after spread. We also seriously enjoyed the pages with a whole horde of sea animals and birds and land animals. My nephew enjoys animals immensely and the art shows them to good effect. We used a white crayon to achieve a look similar to the cover... and it turned out beautifully!
I enjoyed the subtle message of the book though I'm pretty certain it went over my nephew's head. And he didn't really want to discuss it much either. That's okay to my mind... this is the type of book you buy for your home library if your children love animals and thus have plenty of time to discuss it when the time is right... Though the message that whatever speed suits you is fine is perhaps NOT one that is needed by every child.
There were a TON of words in this book. That is good for an older child but it is a little too much for my nephew with aphasia. Plus there were quite a few difficult words to the point some of the text was meaningless for him. That won't be a problem for some children but keep it in mind... it won't be a swift read that you can pick up anytime.
Also a great way to celebrate endangered animals and to spread awareness of their plight!
BOTTOM LINE: A Tortoise winning slowly...
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my picture book reviews in a special feature called Boo's Picture Gallery...
July 20, 2017
I loved the illustrations, the insight into Galápagos Tortoises, and the message that we may not all do things the same way, but as long as we get them done and are happy, there's no harm in that!
June 18, 2017
Harriet lives on the Galapagos Islands. She spends her day slowing going about her routine of eating and sleeping. The other animals on the island want her to start moving faster and explain that she should head out to see the world. Harriet gets curious and decides to set off, she heads off to see the penguin parade on a neighboring island, swimming slowly and steadily. She makes it in time to see the penguins, then takes some iguanas for a ride on her shell, and builds a pool for the sea lions. All of this takes a lot of time, since she does it so slowly. She heads back home finally, slowly swimming in the sea until she meets some dolphins who show her how to go fast. But Harriet is much happier moving at her own pace and getting to see everything she wants.
Based on a Galapagos Tortoise who lived in an Australian zoo, this picture book celebrates both the endangered tortoises themselves and the idea of going slow through life. Children will love the depictions of the various animals and the extreme slowness of Harriet herself. The pacing of the book does not drag, instead showing all of the details that Harriet sees and that others miss. It is about the journey and savoring it all.
Molk’s illustrations show the beauty of Harriet’s world. Done in block prints with watercolor and then enhanced digitally, the illustrations have a timeless feel that works well with the subject matter. They have a great organic quality to them with the deep black lines and the swirls of watercolor for the skies and seas.
A celebration of slow, this picture book is a dynamic look taking your time. Appropriate for ages 3-6.
Based on a Galapagos Tortoise who lived in an Australian zoo, this picture book celebrates both the endangered tortoises themselves and the idea of going slow through life. Children will love the depictions of the various animals and the extreme slowness of Harriet herself. The pacing of the book does not drag, instead showing all of the details that Harriet sees and that others miss. It is about the journey and savoring it all.
Molk’s illustrations show the beauty of Harriet’s world. Done in block prints with watercolor and then enhanced digitally, the illustrations have a timeless feel that works well with the subject matter. They have a great organic quality to them with the deep black lines and the swirls of watercolor for the skies and seas.
A celebration of slow, this picture book is a dynamic look taking your time. Appropriate for ages 3-6.
May 4, 2017
Harriet is a tortoise that does everything slowly. She savors the sights and sounds of her world even though her friends are always encouraging her to pick up the pace. In a quest to see what she might be missing, Harriet explores a nearby island and discovers that there's a nice rhythm when each creature moves about at their own speed.
An author's note gives readers a little information about the real life Harriet who lived to be 175 years old. Watercolor and block print artwork finished digitally gives everything a wondrous look that perfectly complements Harriet's awe of the natural world in the story.
PreK-2.
An author's note gives readers a little information about the real life Harriet who lived to be 175 years old. Watercolor and block print artwork finished digitally gives everything a wondrous look that perfectly complements Harriet's awe of the natural world in the story.
PreK-2.
March 31, 2022
This story concerns living in one's own time frame. There is information about the real Harriet on the last page.
July 10, 2018
What a beautiful book! Miss 3 requested the story several times over. It has a lovely soothing bedtime rhythm and a nice message about it being okay both to try new things and be true to yourself. Very cool having the Afterword as well that Harriet lived to 175 years! (although I feel sad for her that a lot of that was in a zoo).
Miss 3 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
Miss 3 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
July 12, 2017
Charming simple story that's also a great introduction to the animals of the Galapagos Islands. (I knew about the crabs and penguins and marine iguanas and several other creatures, I didn't know they had flamingos!)
Lovely illustrations with bright colors and black lines give a block print texture. They really suit the go at your own pace and see everything theme. (Plus the lines give a sense of motion, emphasizing that she's slow, but never stopped.)
Lovely illustrations with bright colors and black lines give a block print texture. They really suit the go at your own pace and see everything theme. (Plus the lines give a sense of motion, emphasizing that she's slow, but never stopped.)
December 22, 2017
A sweet, gentle story about a tortoise that does everything in her own time. The illustrations are gorgeous, and kids will love poring over the pages and admiring the animals. Interesting author's note at the end. This will make a lovely lap read or read aloud. It might be a good choice if you have a group of kiddos who work at different speeds, to encourage everyone to stick with the speed right for them.
April 25, 2018
Harriet the Galapagos tortoise loves the sloooow pace of life, but her friends convince her that she is missing out on the adventures of life. Heeding their advice, she sets off to see a penguin parade. She enjoys herself for a bit, then decides to return to a slower pace of life. On the way, she meets lots of Galapagos animals. Illustrated in bright, cheery ocean colors. A sweet book that would be enjoyed at story time.
October 21, 2020
A sweet, well-written story about Harriet the tortoise. At the time of her death, Harriet was the oldest animal in captivity at 175 years old, but this book joyfully focuses on her life spent moving at her own slow and steady pace, enjoying the beautiful world around her. Lovely illustrations in a mix of wood cut and watercolors.
Themes: Ocean, Migration, Try New Things, Fast and Slow, Turtles
Age range: 3-7
Themes: Ocean, Migration, Try New Things, Fast and Slow, Turtles
Age range: 3-7
June 27, 2017
Harriet travels at her own pace, and that is perfectly fast enough for her. She takes in the world around her at a slower speed, even when her friends tell her how much better life could be if she picked up the pace. Colorful illustrations help readers see the beautiful aquatic world she is enjoying. Loosely based on a real tortoise named Harriet who lived to be 175.
February 27, 2018
Harriet, a sea turtle, does everything slow. She takes her time with life, but wonders what she is missing. She decides to see the world, and goes off on an adventure. She meets numerous fellow sea animals and experiences new things.
A cute picture book about a sea turtle who learns what others have to offer, but is happy with her slow paced lifestyle. Loved the bold artwork.
A cute picture book about a sea turtle who learns what others have to offer, but is happy with her slow paced lifestyle. Loved the bold artwork.
May 6, 2017
Harriet the tortoise is setting out on an adventure. All the animals keep telling her to go faster but is faster really better? Loved Harriet's outlook on life.. Right toddlers or preschool and up. also liked the author's note at the end about the real Harriet!
July 24, 2017
Great message about exploring outside of our personal comfort zone, but being able to remain true to oneself.
Bold colors with heavy black outlines clearly define shapes of animals & plants. Heavy text spaced against light backgrounds makes it easy to read.
Bold colors with heavy black outlines clearly define shapes of animals & plants. Heavy text spaced against light backgrounds makes it easy to read.
January 22, 2018
A sweet story about Harriet, who takes her time getting from place to place. While other animals sped past, Harriet always enjoyed the experiences of her slow journey. You don't always have to move fast, sometimes you can take your time and enjoy the little things you might have missed.
May 6, 2017
Would love to read this for storytime. This is absolutely lovely and the concept behind it is wonderful.
February 18, 2018
Picked on for going slow, this tortoise doesn't let it bother her or slow her down.
May 19, 2017
what a great message! and wow i couldn't get enough of this illustration style. lots of different techniques, and what i think is linocuts (a way of printmaking) in particular caught my eye.
June 15, 2017
Like the dark black lines used in the illustrations which give it a folk quality, a simple story about a tortoise who takes her time that has great connections to topics like being yourself.
November 3, 2017
Lovely illustrations and an interesting, informative story!
January 21, 2018
A thoughtful story, with very nice block print and watercolor illustrations.
July 11, 2018
Taking your time is the way to go. Harriet the Galapagos tortoise learned that lessons. Illustrations and text structure are well done in my opinion.
February 8, 2019
Illustrations in this are gorgeous.
November 21, 2019
I absolutely loved the colors in this book. Also, I loved the motto throughout for the turtle to "take it's time".
December 16, 2019
This book is about a turtle named Harriet traveling to an island and coming back very slowly. I like how the illistrater's drawings are so colorful.
August 2, 2022
I love that Harriet is able to see and show that each creatures experience is valid for them and there is no need to conform to other's expectations of you.
September 4, 2025
I loved this book!! I thought it had such a sweet message and really portrayed the beauty of our world well. I love how this book can teach kids how to slow down and really be in the moments around us. I also loved how it touched on doing things your own way and not doing things just because someone else is doing it. I think this would teach students a lot about peer pressure and how it's ok to do things a little differently then their peers. I think this book would be perfect in a kindergarten-3rd grade classroom.
December 10, 2023
Story of a Galapagos island tortoise who likes to take her time getting places in spite of her animal friend’s encouragement to go faster. Lots of the island animals are featured
Fun illustrations
Back matter about the real Kate, whose life ended in captivity at Steve Irwin’s zoo in Australia estimated age of 175 years as the Oldest animal in captivity.
Fun illustrations
Back matter about the real Kate, whose life ended in captivity at Steve Irwin’s zoo in Australia estimated age of 175 years as the Oldest animal in captivity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews