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Winter's Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again
The original hardcover upon which the major motion picture is based on! When Winter was a baby, she was rescued from a crab trap, her tail seriously damaged, and rushed to Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Winter survived, but eventually her tail fell off. Then Winter received a prosthetic tail. It was very challenging but now Winter is thriving and using her new tail with great command. Every year, thousands of visitors travel to visit Winter who has become an inspiration to adults and children alike, especially to children who are amputees themselves. And now Winter's story is soon to be a major motion picture starring Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, and Harry Connick Jr.!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2009
13 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
About the author
Craig Hatkoff
18 books10 followersCraig Hatkoff is the co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival and of Turtle Pond Publications. Both Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship and Owen & Mzee: The Language of Friendship are New York Times bestsellers. He lives with his wife and their two daughters in Manhattan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 25, 2011
This is an amazing true story. Winter and the people who helped her survive get five stars all the way!!!
I appreciate this book, suitable for young readers, about Winter's story. But, it has nowhere near the emotional impact of the film and I highly recommend the film to those interested in Winter's story. Though many characters and plot twists are fabricated in the film, the basic progress of Winter's story is true to life and the fact that Winter appears in the film herself and that we can see her swimming and interacting with others is just something that a book cannot replicate. (It should be noted that the book came out before the movie and does use photographs of Winter.)
Still, if you saw the movie and enjoyed it, this book does a nice job of showing the TRUE "true story". The cute kids and many of the other characters are made up for the movie. But, Winter really was rescued by a fisherman in Florida and taken to be rehabilitated at Clearwater Marine Aquarium where the team and volunteers worked tirelessly to help her survive the trauma of her injuries, to regain her strength, and to swim again when her tail fell off. I was interested to learn that Winter was only a few months old when she was found (different from the movie since that was in 2005 and, obviously, the real Winter is much older now), making her story even more poignant and her survival even more remarkable. I was also interested and glad to learn that Winter does not wear her prosthetic tail at all times; but only a few hours each day to help keep her muscles working properly. I had worried a bit about her not wearing it so much in the movie (for all the pre-prosthetic scenes), but it makes sense now. Also interesting is that Kevin Carroll, of Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics contacted the Clearwater Marine Aquarium after he heard about Winter and, being an animal lover, he wanted to help her and create the prosthetic flipper for her. This is a little different than in the film and I think it's just one more beautiful example of how Winter touched so many people with her story.
I appreciate this book, suitable for young readers, about Winter's story. But, it has nowhere near the emotional impact of the film and I highly recommend the film to those interested in Winter's story. Though many characters and plot twists are fabricated in the film, the basic progress of Winter's story is true to life and the fact that Winter appears in the film herself and that we can see her swimming and interacting with others is just something that a book cannot replicate. (It should be noted that the book came out before the movie and does use photographs of Winter.)
Still, if you saw the movie and enjoyed it, this book does a nice job of showing the TRUE "true story". The cute kids and many of the other characters are made up for the movie. But, Winter really was rescued by a fisherman in Florida and taken to be rehabilitated at Clearwater Marine Aquarium where the team and volunteers worked tirelessly to help her survive the trauma of her injuries, to regain her strength, and to swim again when her tail fell off. I was interested to learn that Winter was only a few months old when she was found (different from the movie since that was in 2005 and, obviously, the real Winter is much older now), making her story even more poignant and her survival even more remarkable. I was also interested and glad to learn that Winter does not wear her prosthetic tail at all times; but only a few hours each day to help keep her muscles working properly. I had worried a bit about her not wearing it so much in the movie (for all the pre-prosthetic scenes), but it makes sense now. Also interesting is that Kevin Carroll, of Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics contacted the Clearwater Marine Aquarium after he heard about Winter and, being an animal lover, he wanted to help her and create the prosthetic flipper for her. This is a little different than in the film and I think it's just one more beautiful example of how Winter touched so many people with her story.
October 1, 2019
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 and 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 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.
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.
February 11, 2020
After seeing the new film I was quite excited to find out that Winter also has a book out about her! This book, published in 2009 (four years after Winter's rescue) is about the initial trials and triumphs of young Winter, a dolphin rescued off the coast of Florida, who's injuries sustained from a crab trap caused her to lose her tail.
I love this true-story, and thought it was very well told (especially for this type of children's non-fiction picture book genre). The photos are quite sweet and touching and informative and the text is equally informative and the narrative flows well.
The determination and dedication of, not only Winter herself, but every person involved in her rescue, recovery, rehabilitation and creation and use of her new prosthetic tale, is truly amazing.
I also found the back matter enlightening and love that the author emphasizes the way Winter's tale continues to help those who help her - how Kevin Carroll and Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics have been working at creating artificial limbs for people (since the founder created one for himself after the Civil War in 1861 - very cool!) and then decided to help Winter, and in the process of helping Winter were able to better help people, etc., etc., etc. Or how by helping Winter, she's not been able to help and inspire others with disabilities.
I think it's such a great message - and all the better because it's true!
**Four stars overall, five compared to other books in this genre.**
I love this true-story, and thought it was very well told (especially for this type of children's non-fiction picture book genre). The photos are quite sweet and touching and informative and the text is equally informative and the narrative flows well.
The determination and dedication of, not only Winter herself, but every person involved in her rescue, recovery, rehabilitation and creation and use of her new prosthetic tale, is truly amazing.
I also found the back matter enlightening and love that the author emphasizes the way Winter's tale continues to help those who help her - how Kevin Carroll and Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics have been working at creating artificial limbs for people (since the founder created one for himself after the Civil War in 1861 - very cool!) and then decided to help Winter, and in the process of helping Winter were able to better help people, etc., etc., etc. Or how by helping Winter, she's not been able to help and inspire others with disabilities.
I think it's such a great message - and all the better because it's true!
**Four stars overall, five compared to other books in this genre.**
January 14, 2022
After visiting the aquarium in Clearwater and seeing Winter when she was 2-3 years old was an honor. I loved her story and how one little dolphin in overcoming life’s obstacles went on to influence and help others. She was a remarkable dolphin that inspired many in her 16 years living at the aquarium. What a joy to read such a book.
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May 22, 2018This is my review on the non-fiction book “Winter’s Tail”.
This book is based on a true story of a dolphin that learns to swim again. The incredible story of Winter, the dolphin, with a prosthetic tail, has touched and inspired millions of people around the world. Winter currently leaves in Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
The Dolphin Tail, an emotional book to read about the brave marine mammal that lost its tail when he was only three months old, in a trap for crabs in Florida. Winter was found in a trap off the coast of Florida, with an infection that had him on the verge of death and made him lose his tail. The dolphin survived the winter and the doctor created silicone prosthesis, which was the solution so that he could swim and lead a normal life.
His exciting story has turned him it into a symbol of motivation and improvement for many children with disabilities
This book can be use in the classroom to explore the world of dolphins with science and vocabulary. Students will learn about dolphin biology and marine life through language arts activities
This book is based on a true story of a dolphin that learns to swim again. The incredible story of Winter, the dolphin, with a prosthetic tail, has touched and inspired millions of people around the world. Winter currently leaves in Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
The Dolphin Tail, an emotional book to read about the brave marine mammal that lost its tail when he was only three months old, in a trap for crabs in Florida. Winter was found in a trap off the coast of Florida, with an infection that had him on the verge of death and made him lose his tail. The dolphin survived the winter and the doctor created silicone prosthesis, which was the solution so that he could swim and lead a normal life.
His exciting story has turned him it into a symbol of motivation and improvement for many children with disabilities
This book can be use in the classroom to explore the world of dolphins with science and vocabulary. Students will learn about dolphin biology and marine life through language arts activities
January 29, 2010
A sucker for all of God's helpless creatures, when I heard about Winter's Tail, I decided to pick this book up from the library. It was such a touching story. For those of you who have not heard about this amazingly resilient dolphin, here is what actually happened.
On December 10, 2005 a baby dolphin, about 2-3 months old was spotted in Mosquito Lagoon, Florida with lobster trap ropes wrapped around it's tail and mouth. The fisherman who helped rescue the dolphin, later named "Winter" was Jim Savage. Realizing that the injuries to the creature were serious, he contacted fish and wildlife conservationists who responded and took the frightened, injured dolphin on a (3) hour journey to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to mend. Although, the dolphin did lose her tail, she was left with a stump which was later fitted with a prosthetic sleeve and tail enabling her to swim again. The last report I read indicated that Winter (4) years later is still thriving in her closely monitored environment. If you are ever in the Clearwater, FL area, you can visit Winter at the Aquarium.
The authors of this wonderful inspirational and beautifully illustrated book are Craig Hatkoff and his daughters Julianna and Isabella. RECOMMENDED - 4.5/5 stars
On December 10, 2005 a baby dolphin, about 2-3 months old was spotted in Mosquito Lagoon, Florida with lobster trap ropes wrapped around it's tail and mouth. The fisherman who helped rescue the dolphin, later named "Winter" was Jim Savage. Realizing that the injuries to the creature were serious, he contacted fish and wildlife conservationists who responded and took the frightened, injured dolphin on a (3) hour journey to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to mend. Although, the dolphin did lose her tail, she was left with a stump which was later fitted with a prosthetic sleeve and tail enabling her to swim again. The last report I read indicated that Winter (4) years later is still thriving in her closely monitored environment. If you are ever in the Clearwater, FL area, you can visit Winter at the Aquarium.
The authors of this wonderful inspirational and beautifully illustrated book are Craig Hatkoff and his daughters Julianna and Isabella. RECOMMENDED - 4.5/5 stars
January 13, 2019
Short nonfiction book about a dolphin injured in crab traps and subsequently loses its tail. It's rescued and rehabilitated at a marine aquarium and fitted with a prosthetic dolphin tail. Would make a great nonfiction pairing with the fiction book How to Speak Dolphin.
January 15, 2018
Inspiring tale about a dolphin who had to learn to use a prosthetic tail. I really liked the fact that it contained actual photos rather than illustrations. This is a good inspirational story for children.
May 18, 2015
Great true story! Plus I met this dolphin several times so extra special to me!
May 25, 2018
***Full disclosure**** Winter is in a major way responsible for the focus my child has on wanting to help animals through biomedical engineering, rather than animal training. Think about that for a moment. I used to joke that it was fine that she wanted to be a dolphin trainer, because surely one of the 8 people who make money at that would retire before she got out of college... now she works toward and engineering goal, thinking of ways to make lives better for all animals (even people.)
This book is part of the NTSA Picture perfect STEM list of trade books used in teaching STEM lessons.
I am sure you are familiar with the story. Maybe even saw the movie. But STILL I learned some things from this book. (Did you know baby dolphins usually drink their mother's milk until they are 2? And that Winter was only a few months?)
The joy of the story is more than a inspiring tale of biomedical engineering. It's a tale of overcoming heartache. Over coming obstacles. Staying positive and keep on swimming! Winter inspired many people without limbs or who had lost limbs as well.
There was some new and interesting stuff on Kevin Carroll, too. (The man who created Winter's tail.) The end contains (smaller print, adult read) interesting information on Winter's trip, dolphins in general, and more.
This book is part of the NTSA Picture perfect STEM list of trade books used in teaching STEM lessons.
I am sure you are familiar with the story. Maybe even saw the movie. But STILL I learned some things from this book. (Did you know baby dolphins usually drink their mother's milk until they are 2? And that Winter was only a few months?)
The joy of the story is more than a inspiring tale of biomedical engineering. It's a tale of overcoming heartache. Over coming obstacles. Staying positive and keep on swimming! Winter inspired many people without limbs or who had lost limbs as well.
There was some new and interesting stuff on Kevin Carroll, too. (The man who created Winter's tail.) The end contains (smaller print, adult read) interesting information on Winter's trip, dolphins in general, and more.
November 27, 2022
Knocking of a star for ableist framing (“inspirational!”) but a nice nonfiction story about a famous disabled dolphin and the people who helped her. Also does a great job getting into the meat of how animal rescue works, as well as Joe helping animals can benefit humans (such as the technology used to develop prosthetics for Winter is not used to make prosthetics more comfortable for humans).
August 19, 2022
This is the glorious tale of a baby female dolphin off the coast of Florida + the heroic team that helped her survive and thrive. A brilliant example of humans working together with the animals we share a home with. Loved it!!
July 9, 2019
Interesting S nonfiction told in narrative form. Hopeful story about difference but lacked elements of nonfiction that break the text up and create fact finding/ hardy questions.
October 29, 2019
Another inspiring animal story!
November 17, 2019
I really like this book
December 30, 2019
What an inspiring story. This one is for everyone.
August 30, 2020
This was such a neat story!
January 2, 2022
This was actually one of December's book picks for the Nature Center book club! Finally read it to the kids as it is a lengthy picture boom but very informative.
August 13, 2022
Started reading this to my son, but he took it from me and read it on his own. he shut it and held it saying it is the best and dolphins are amazing.
December 29, 2022
Such an inspiring tale of how working together can help so many
April 30, 2023
Very short story about Winter, the dolphin who lost it's tail after it was tangled in a trap. My daughter (8) wants to rescue sea animals and enjoyed reading about the rehabilitation efforts for Winter.
June 15, 2025
I'm proud to say that I use the same liner (Winter's Gel) that Winter used for my own prosthesis.
September 2, 2016
I don't know that this actually "counts" as 'photography' but I'm listing it there for us for our own reasons. That I can't articulate. :)
Sooo... we saw the movie last week! Rented it from RedBox and went straight home to watch it. I personally could have done with more Winter, less everyone else but it's a good movie. I wish I knew exactly how much was exactly true but I suppose it's not as important as I tend to think sometimes. I like to know which details are true and which are the idea of someone behind the movie (book/whatever).
The photos of Winter are magnificent. This is a dolphin that, in another day and time, or even in this day and time, with a lesser person involved, we wouldn't be seeing. Yet we're not only seeing Winter, we're watching her swim and play, make friends, animal and human, and love. If that's not amazing I don't know what is.
I can't remember a book ever making me seriously plan a trip but after seeing the movie, reading this book and visiting the website (I'll link at the end) we have to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. There is no doubt in my mind that I have to take my daughter there. She deserves to see Winter with her own eyes.
Imagine what Winter has done and is doing for kids - and adults - all over this world! Kids who have been made fun of for a defect of whatever kind, kids who are scared or lonely. We don't give animals enough credit.
I said this just a few minutes ago in reference to the people who helped Tarra and Bella (see Tarra & Bella: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best Friends) but it's proves true again.
These are the people we should be seeing on t.v. and reading more about. These people are the ones I'll buy a magazine for. These are the people who deserve to be idolized. Not Jay-Z and Lady BlahBlah. Not any football player or Tiger Woods or Danica Patrick. I wish people would use their heads more. I'm using mine at the moment and I'll die happy if Julia ends up happy, doing something she loves with enough money to have what she needs and to help others. I'll be a happy Mom is she's doing what these people are doing if she so wished. This would make me proud. Not her staring in the mirror, wanting a boob job and wishing she were a rich movie star. And I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure she keeps knowing what's important. ('Keeps' because at 6 years old she already knows... it's later that it gets hard.)
Everyone knows Winter's story so I'll skip that. Julia and I both loved the photos of Winter and the fact that they showed younger people and older people helping Winter. Kevin Carroll (featured in the back of the book) was extremely interesting to me but Julia's a bit too young for that right now. She was interested in the basics, that he cared enough to come up with this tail, that he worked so hard for it, etc. We both loved the pictures of the children with Winter - so touching.
Website time - www.SeeWinter.com - live camera feed people. Top that. When we looked the camera was showing on Winter, Panama and Hope. It's somewhat difficult to see *everything* but you can see them swimming, playing and "jumping". Freaking cool as hell. Julia's mind was blown.
**These people are heroes and that's all these is too it.
I have to admit something - most of the time my ratings reflect the actual book, lesser so the story. In this case and that of Tarra & Bella it's the opposite. I can't help it - I just can't help it. The stories themselves deserve a thousand stars IMO so anything less than the max, from me, isn't acceptable.**
Sooo... we saw the movie last week! Rented it from RedBox and went straight home to watch it. I personally could have done with more Winter, less everyone else but it's a good movie. I wish I knew exactly how much was exactly true but I suppose it's not as important as I tend to think sometimes. I like to know which details are true and which are the idea of someone behind the movie (book/whatever).
The photos of Winter are magnificent. This is a dolphin that, in another day and time, or even in this day and time, with a lesser person involved, we wouldn't be seeing. Yet we're not only seeing Winter, we're watching her swim and play, make friends, animal and human, and love. If that's not amazing I don't know what is.
I can't remember a book ever making me seriously plan a trip but after seeing the movie, reading this book and visiting the website (I'll link at the end) we have to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. There is no doubt in my mind that I have to take my daughter there. She deserves to see Winter with her own eyes.
Imagine what Winter has done and is doing for kids - and adults - all over this world! Kids who have been made fun of for a defect of whatever kind, kids who are scared or lonely. We don't give animals enough credit.
I said this just a few minutes ago in reference to the people who helped Tarra and Bella (see Tarra & Bella: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best Friends) but it's proves true again.
These are the people we should be seeing on t.v. and reading more about. These people are the ones I'll buy a magazine for. These are the people who deserve to be idolized. Not Jay-Z and Lady BlahBlah. Not any football player or Tiger Woods or Danica Patrick. I wish people would use their heads more. I'm using mine at the moment and I'll die happy if Julia ends up happy, doing something she loves with enough money to have what she needs and to help others. I'll be a happy Mom is she's doing what these people are doing if she so wished. This would make me proud. Not her staring in the mirror, wanting a boob job and wishing she were a rich movie star. And I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure she keeps knowing what's important. ('Keeps' because at 6 years old she already knows... it's later that it gets hard.)
Everyone knows Winter's story so I'll skip that. Julia and I both loved the photos of Winter and the fact that they showed younger people and older people helping Winter. Kevin Carroll (featured in the back of the book) was extremely interesting to me but Julia's a bit too young for that right now. She was interested in the basics, that he cared enough to come up with this tail, that he worked so hard for it, etc. We both loved the pictures of the children with Winter - so touching.
Website time - www.SeeWinter.com - live camera feed people. Top that. When we looked the camera was showing on Winter, Panama and Hope. It's somewhat difficult to see *everything* but you can see them swimming, playing and "jumping". Freaking cool as hell. Julia's mind was blown.
**These people are heroes and that's all these is too it.
I have to admit something - most of the time my ratings reflect the actual book, lesser so the story. In this case and that of Tarra & Bella it's the opposite. I can't help it - I just can't help it. The stories themselves deserve a thousand stars IMO so anything less than the max, from me, isn't acceptable.**
January 9, 2013
(Mommy's review from 2/29/12)
I don't know that this actually "counts" as 'photography' but I'm listing it there for us for our own reasons. That I can't articulate. :)
Sooo... we saw the movie last week! Rented it from RedBox and went straight home to watch it. I personally could have done with more Winter, less everyone else but it's a good movie. I wish I knew exactly how much was exactly true but I suppose it's not as important as I tend to think sometimes. I like to know which details are true and which are the idea of someone behind the movie (book/whatever).
The photos of Winter are magnificent. This is a dolphin that, in another day and time, or even in this day and time, with a lesser person involved, we wouldn't be seeing. Yet we're not only seeing Winter, we're watching her swim and play, make friends, animal and human, and love. If that's not amazing I don't know what is.
I can't remember a book ever making me seriously plan a trip but after seeing the movie, reading this book and visiting the website (I'll link at the end) we have to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. There is no doubt in my mind that I have to take my daughter there. She deserves to see Winter with her own eyes.
Imagine what Winter has done and is doing for kids - and adults - all over this world! Kids who have been made fun of for a defect of whatever kind, kids who are scared or lonely. We don't give animals enough credit.
I said this just a few minutes ago in reference to the people who helped Tarra and Bella (see Tarra & Bella: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best Friends) but it's proves true again.
These are the people we should be seeing on t.v. and reading more about. These people are the ones I'll buy a magazine for. These are the people who deserve to be idolized. Not Jay-Z and Lady BlahBlah. Not any football player or Tiger Woods or Danica Patrick. I wish people would use their heads more. I'm using mine at the moment and I'll die happy if Julia ends up happy, doing something she loves with enough money to have what she needs and to help others. I'll be a happy Mom is she's doing what these people are doing if she so wished. This would make me proud. Not her staring in the mirror, wanting a boob job and wishing she were a rich movie star. And I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure she keeps knowing what's important. ('Keeps' because at 6 years old she already knows... it's later that it gets hard.)
Everyone knows Winter's story so I'll skip that. Julia and I both loved the photos of Winter and the fact that they showed younger people and older people helping Winter. Kevin Carroll (featured in the back of the book) was extremely interesting to me but Julia's a bit too young for that right now. She was interested in the basics, that he cared enough to come up with this tail, that he worked so hard for it, etc. We both loved the pictures of the children with Winter - so touching.
Website time - www.SeeWinter.com - live camera feed people. Top that. When we looked the camera was showing on Winter, Panama and Hope. It's somewhat difficult to see *everything* but you can see them swimming, playing and "jumping". Freaking cool as hell. Julia's mind was blown.
**These people are heroes and that's all these is too it.
I have to admit something - most of the time my ratings reflect the actual book, lesser so the story. In this case and that of Tarra & Bella it's the opposite. I can't help it - I just can't help it. The stories themselves deserve a thousand stars IMO so anything less than the max, from me, isn't acceptable.**
I don't know that this actually "counts" as 'photography' but I'm listing it there for us for our own reasons. That I can't articulate. :)
Sooo... we saw the movie last week! Rented it from RedBox and went straight home to watch it. I personally could have done with more Winter, less everyone else but it's a good movie. I wish I knew exactly how much was exactly true but I suppose it's not as important as I tend to think sometimes. I like to know which details are true and which are the idea of someone behind the movie (book/whatever).
The photos of Winter are magnificent. This is a dolphin that, in another day and time, or even in this day and time, with a lesser person involved, we wouldn't be seeing. Yet we're not only seeing Winter, we're watching her swim and play, make friends, animal and human, and love. If that's not amazing I don't know what is.
I can't remember a book ever making me seriously plan a trip but after seeing the movie, reading this book and visiting the website (I'll link at the end) we have to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. There is no doubt in my mind that I have to take my daughter there. She deserves to see Winter with her own eyes.
Imagine what Winter has done and is doing for kids - and adults - all over this world! Kids who have been made fun of for a defect of whatever kind, kids who are scared or lonely. We don't give animals enough credit.
I said this just a few minutes ago in reference to the people who helped Tarra and Bella (see Tarra & Bella: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best Friends) but it's proves true again.
These are the people we should be seeing on t.v. and reading more about. These people are the ones I'll buy a magazine for. These are the people who deserve to be idolized. Not Jay-Z and Lady BlahBlah. Not any football player or Tiger Woods or Danica Patrick. I wish people would use their heads more. I'm using mine at the moment and I'll die happy if Julia ends up happy, doing something she loves with enough money to have what she needs and to help others. I'll be a happy Mom is she's doing what these people are doing if she so wished. This would make me proud. Not her staring in the mirror, wanting a boob job and wishing she were a rich movie star. And I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure she keeps knowing what's important. ('Keeps' because at 6 years old she already knows... it's later that it gets hard.)
Everyone knows Winter's story so I'll skip that. Julia and I both loved the photos of Winter and the fact that they showed younger people and older people helping Winter. Kevin Carroll (featured in the back of the book) was extremely interesting to me but Julia's a bit too young for that right now. She was interested in the basics, that he cared enough to come up with this tail, that he worked so hard for it, etc. We both loved the pictures of the children with Winter - so touching.
Website time - www.SeeWinter.com - live camera feed people. Top that. When we looked the camera was showing on Winter, Panama and Hope. It's somewhat difficult to see *everything* but you can see them swimming, playing and "jumping". Freaking cool as hell. Julia's mind was blown.
**These people are heroes and that's all these is too it.
I have to admit something - most of the time my ratings reflect the actual book, lesser so the story. In this case and that of Tarra & Bella it's the opposite. I can't help it - I just can't help it. The stories themselves deserve a thousand stars IMO so anything less than the max, from me, isn't acceptable.**
May 22, 2018
It was a great book about how one little dolphin learned to swim again. People with disabilities can relate to Winter.
November 5, 2011
This is a wonderful tale about the lucky dolphin who was not only rescued from a crab trap, but also fitted with a prosthetic tail when she lost hers from the injuries. The photographs are terrific and the narrative is informative without being overly detailed. There is a section in the back with much greater detail and it provides more background information, but isn't necessary to the tale.
I love that this book, along with Owen & Mzee: The True Story Of A Remarkable Friendship, Looking For Miza: The True Story of the Mountain Gorilla Family Who Rescued One of Their Own, and Leo, The Snow Leopard (among others), are written by a family. The stories are uplifting and inspiring, and best of all, true. We really enjoyed reading this story together.
I love that this book, along with Owen & Mzee: The True Story Of A Remarkable Friendship, Looking For Miza: The True Story of the Mountain Gorilla Family Who Rescued One of Their Own, and Leo, The Snow Leopard (among others), are written by a family. The stories are uplifting and inspiring, and best of all, true. We really enjoyed reading this story together.
September 12, 2016
Picture book, nonfiction
Genre: Biography
Awards: none
Summary: Winter is a dolphin who was caught in a crab trap, rescued, and taken to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida when she was a baby. There, she was nursed back to health, however, she lost her tail because the trap had cut off her blood flow. After healing, Winter had to adjust to a new prosthetic tail. Now she inspires people with and without disabilities and many come from all over to visit her.
Critique: Winter's story is truly inspiring to readers. "From children who have prostheses, to veterans who lost a limb fighting in war, to one little girl who didn't want to wear a hearing aid until she met winter, people see how Winter has learned to adapt and are inspired by her story" (Hatkoff, 2009, p. 24). Readers of all ages will enjoy this book.
Teacher Prompts: On page 15, ask students how "Winter helps others to understand what it means to have a disability and how people can adapt to almost any circumstance" (Hatkoff, 2009, p. 15).
Craft Elements: Many people have written letters and sent birthday cards to Winter. Have students write a letter to winter about how she inspires them.
Genre: Biography
Awards: none
Summary: Winter is a dolphin who was caught in a crab trap, rescued, and taken to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida when she was a baby. There, she was nursed back to health, however, she lost her tail because the trap had cut off her blood flow. After healing, Winter had to adjust to a new prosthetic tail. Now she inspires people with and without disabilities and many come from all over to visit her.
Critique: Winter's story is truly inspiring to readers. "From children who have prostheses, to veterans who lost a limb fighting in war, to one little girl who didn't want to wear a hearing aid until she met winter, people see how Winter has learned to adapt and are inspired by her story" (Hatkoff, 2009, p. 24). Readers of all ages will enjoy this book.
Teacher Prompts: On page 15, ask students how "Winter helps others to understand what it means to have a disability and how people can adapt to almost any circumstance" (Hatkoff, 2009, p. 15).
Craft Elements: Many people have written letters and sent birthday cards to Winter. Have students write a letter to winter about how she inspires them.
April 4, 2012
After seeing the movie, "Dolphin Tale," I decided to check out the book that detailed Winter the dolphin's rescue and rehabilitation. As a children's book this is pretty good. It has nice pictures of Winter and her trainers and gives a good description of her rehabilitation. Perhaps I should be giving it more stars. I guess I was hoping for more. Granted, I am an adult and this is aimed at children. As someone who has had immense curiosity and interest in marine biology for years, I hope that at some point a more detailed account of her rescue, rehabilitation and the trials and errors of designing her new tail can be written in adult format. I guess I'm thinking more along the lines of things I've read by Richard O'Berry (Behind The Dolphin Smile).
I do love how this book could really peak young peoples interest in marine life, conservation and science. I enjoyed all the resource listings, websites, and extra information at the end of the book as well to help those who would like to learn more.
I do love how this book could really peak young peoples interest in marine life, conservation and science. I enjoyed all the resource listings, websites, and extra information at the end of the book as well to help those who would like to learn more.
Read
September 22, 2013The book Winters Tail: How one Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again by Juliana Hatkoff, Isabella Hatkoff and Craig Hatkoff is a true story that children would take to liking because many youngsters have empathy for hurting animals and want to do something to help. This story is not only inspiring due to the fact that a dolphin fought all odds and survived with a prosthetic tail, but this story can be relatable to young children as well because they are just beginning to experience the sting of life and its unfairness as it continues to knock them down over and over again. However, just like Winter the dolphin, these children learn to stand up and jump over the negative obstacles and prove all the doubting bystanders wrong. The illustrations are my favorite part of this piece of writing was the realistic pictures because the reader had the opportunity to see the progression of the dolphin through all the hard times.
June 8, 2010
My mom found this book at a book fair at the school she works in. She had showed it to me, explaining how people had made a brace for a dolphin. I wasn't very interested. I paid no attention to it, and picked out a different book, the #4 in the Humphrey (hamster) series.
On Christmas, 2009, my mother gave it to me as a present. I immediately whined i didn't like the book. she asked why. I lied saying it scared me. She looked down, sadly.
One night after that, I was feeling sad and I wanted to cheer myself up (note I didn't have the Blue Day Book For Kids). So, I pulled this book from my shelf. I sat on my bed and read. I smiled when I saw the dolphin swimming in a picture, looking happy.
I now read this book when I feel sad. It's a great cheer-up!
On Christmas, 2009, my mother gave it to me as a present. I immediately whined i didn't like the book. she asked why. I lied saying it scared me. She looked down, sadly.
One night after that, I was feeling sad and I wanted to cheer myself up (note I didn't have the Blue Day Book For Kids). So, I pulled this book from my shelf. I sat on my bed and read. I smiled when I saw the dolphin swimming in a picture, looking happy.
I now read this book when I feel sad. It's a great cheer-up!
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