Winter's Tale review and giveaway




If you want to tell your child an inspirational storiy, look no further than the animal books by Craig, Juliana and Isabella Hatkoff. They're the New York Times Bestselling Authors of Owen & Mazee, as well as two other books that my kids have read and loved: Knut and Looking for Miza. I jumped at the chance to preview a copy of their latest book, Winter's Tail, because I was sure our whole family would love it -- and we have.

The Basics
Winter's Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again tells the true-life story of a young dolphin named Winter. Here's a video of Winter being featured on NBC news:




Here's a synopsis of the book, from the publishers:

Winter is a dolphin. Just over two years ago, when she was a baby, she was rescued from a crab trap, her tail seriously damaged. Winter was rushed to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a marine animal hospital. It wasn't clear that she would survive. She did, but eventually the tail fell off and Winter compensated by swimming more like a fish than a dolphin which was seriously damaging her spine.


But for the last year, Winter has been learning how to use a prosthetic tail. The idea came from a company that makes prosthetics for humans. It was very challenging but Winter is thriving and using her new tail with great command. The word has gotten out about Winter. Visitors are traveling in droves to Clearwater to visit Winter who has become an inspiration to adults and children alike, especially to children who are amputees themselves. The tale doesn't end there. The special technology used for Winter's prosthetic tail is being used to develop prosthetics for Iraq war veterans who have especially sensitive injuries.

And if you want to find out even more about Winter, you can "meet" her on Wednesday, October 7 at 1:00pm, on a Virtual Field Trip to her home at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium! Scholastic is featuring a Winter Webcast featuring some fun facts about dolphins, author Craig Hatkoff, the CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Winter herself!


The Bongga
I can't say enough great things about this book. I love the gorgeous photographs, the informative facts in the afterword. Even the little tail-less dolphin sketch on the inside cover is adorable.

Best of all, of course, is Winter's tail -- I mean tale. Oh, you know what I mean. It really touched me, especially when I thought of all the children who get to read about Winter. I can't even imagine how inspiring this story could be to children who are struggling to overcome adversities or learning to cope with disabilities. If this little dolphin can do it, maybe they can too.

My kids absolutely loved this book, just like they love all the Hatkoffs' previous books. The great thing about all their books is that although their books are about animals, they're really about overcoming adversity through a can-do attitude and the help and support of family and friends. That's something even humans can relate to and admire.


The Blah
How could I possibly say anything negative about Winter, her tail, or her tale? That would be like bashing kittens and puppies and fields of daisies!


The Bottom Line
Like all of the Hatkoffs' animal tales, Winter's Tail combines a heartwarming and inspiring story with a generous dash of animal cuteness -- the perfect recipe for a great children's book.


Win It!
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will be selected to receive a Winter's Tale prize pack, featuring:

* Dolphin Plush
* Dolphin Keychain
* Copy of Winter's Tale: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again book
* Winter's Tale game for Nintendo DS

For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

1) Grab my button -- it's on the left hand sidebar, or click here to get it -- and post it on your blog! (leave a comment here with a link to your site).

2) Leave a comment on any of my blog posts on Finding Bonggamom (leave a comment here with the link to the post that you commented on).

3) Blog about this giveaway and include a link to the giveaway post (leave a comment here with a link to your post).

4) Tweet this giveaway (leave a comment with a link to your tweet). Here is a sample tweet you can copy and paste:

"Winter's Tale" giveaway: dolphin toy, keychain, book, NintendoDS game -- from @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/ybpk3f5


Maximum of 5 entries per person. US mailing addresses only. This giveaway ends at midnight PST on October 20, 2009.; I will draw a winner at random on October 21 and post the winner's name on the comments section soon after. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!



I received a product sample for this post, but no monetary compensation. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

119 Comments, Leave yours here:

Nadi on October 5, 2009 at 8:50 PM said...

Our whole family loves dolphins! We were lucky enough to meet some at a Dolphin Quest in French Polynesia last year. They are so amazing!

treflea4 at gmail dot com

Brooke on October 6, 2009 at 9:00 AM said...

How amazing! Who doesn't love dolphins? Winter seems like one smart cookie and the people helping her are heros.

natebrooke@yahoo.com

Brooke on October 6, 2009 at 9:00 AM said...

I tweeted

http://twitter.com/Brookehig/status/4658095158

moushka on October 6, 2009 at 3:20 PM said...

It's truly amazing how they created a prosthetic tail to help Winter survive and swim...Awesome!

Dolphin Girl on October 6, 2009 at 3:51 PM said...

Dolphins are my most favorite animal! I would love to win!

Reading on October 6, 2009 at 8:14 PM said...

Please enter me. Thanks for the chance. My little guys just adores dolphins.

lizzi0915 at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

Dolphins are amazing animals. My kids would LOVE this book (and DS game, too)
digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net

Anonymous said...

I posted your button on my blog
http://carolsbloggys.blogspot.com/
digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net

Anonymous said...

I posted a comment on your post called The Ardenwood Harvest Festival.
digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net

Uncles on October 7, 2009 at 10:57 AM said...

I love this story I would love to win this package.

Brimful Curiosities on October 10, 2009 at 5:48 AM said...

Sounds like an excellent non-fiction book for children.

Brimful Curiosities on October 10, 2009 at 5:49 AM said...

tweet: http://twitter.com/iambrimful/status/4759607266

Brimful Curiosities on October 10, 2009 at 5:49 AM said...

Blogged: http://www.brimfulcuriosities.com/2009/10/full-to-brim-kids-book-giveaway-list_05.html

Sandie on October 10, 2009 at 6:26 AM said...

This sounds great. I just tweeted your contest and sent you a direct message.

silverhartgirl on October 10, 2009 at 6:51 AM said...

i tweeted.
http://twitter.com/silverhartgirl/status/4760497740

abfantom on October 10, 2009 at 9:10 AM said...

I'd like to win this for my daughter who loves dolphins.

abfantom at yahoo dot com

Jill Myrick (jsc123) on October 10, 2009 at 9:52 AM said...

My daughter is currently researching dolphins in school and this would be perfect for her.
Thank you so much for the chance to win.

Abby on October 10, 2009 at 9:54 AM said...

What a beautiful story to share with my girls!

ajcmeyer at go dot com

demmi on October 10, 2009 at 11:28 AM said...

what a wonderful story con5459(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I collect dolphins!!!

mzpaw@yahoo.com

HilLesha O'Nan on October 10, 2009 at 1:02 PM said...

I love dolphins. =)

lilacbutterfly [at] earthlink.net

Mysharona on October 10, 2009 at 1:57 PM said...

My son loves dolphins.

Marie on October 10, 2009 at 2:18 PM said...

What a great story, my kids would love this!

marielay@gmail.com

taterbug on October 10, 2009 at 3:28 PM said...

While on a cruise last summer, my grandson saw Dolphins following the ship. He has been fascinated by them ever since then. He would love this book and game. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!

cathyandharold at gmail dot com

taterbug on October 10, 2009 at 3:29 PM said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/taterbugtx/status/4770396680

Freya on October 10, 2009 at 3:36 PM said...

http://twitter.com/freya_valkyrie
Aren't dolphins the most amazing animals??!!
Thanks for the contest!

Michelle AKA blabla3269 on October 10, 2009 at 7:41 PM said...

my daughter collects dolphines and we had never heard of this story to now. I think the whole family would love it

peg42 on October 11, 2009 at 5:12 AM said...

After seeing dolphins for the first time this past summer at the Jersey Shore, my son is now so curious about them. They really are amazing. Thanks so much.

Anonymous said...

My son loves marine life, he would enjoy this!
greenlancer at comcast dot net

Anonymous said...

Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/bellanova85/status/4783041877
greenlancer[at]comcast[dot]net

Elena on October 11, 2009 at 8:45 AM said...

What a sweet story! I know my DD would love this book. Thanks for the contest!

degood on October 11, 2009 at 10:29 AM said...

My seven year old who wants to be a marine biologist would love this story. Thanks for the giveaway

kerrie@mayansfamily.com

degood on October 11, 2009 at 10:30 AM said...

I tweeted http://twitter.com/kmayans/status/4788154782

kerrie@mayansfamily.com

Sunnyvale on October 11, 2009 at 11:13 AM said...

This would be great to have in our collection

tawndam on October 11, 2009 at 11:55 AM said...

my daughter is 'mildly' obsessed with dolphins... this would be a great surprise

ohstac on October 11, 2009 at 1:10 PM said...

What a nice book and giveaway-thanks for the opportunity.

ohstac on October 11, 2009 at 1:11 PM said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/ohstac/statuses/4791481155

Anonymous said...

Aww, this is great. I love dolphins.

hebert024 at aol dotcom

Jennai on October 13, 2009 at 12:46 AM said...

I'd love my kids to learn more about these wonderful creatures!
HobartsMama at AOL.COM

Jennai on October 13, 2009 at 12:46 AM said...

I blogged
http://jennaisblogg.blogspot.com/
HobartsMama at AOL.COM

Jennai on October 13, 2009 at 12:46 AM said...

Got your button
http://jennaisblogg.blogspot.com/
HobartsMama at AOL.COM

Jennai on October 13, 2009 at 12:48 AM said...

I follow you on Twitter (jennai) and I tweeted
http://twitter.com/Jennai/status/4830288547
HobartsMama at AOL.COM

Erica C. on October 13, 2009 at 6:54 PM said...

Our one daughter is all about dolphins and the ocean. She'd love this set. Thanks!

Terra Heck on October 13, 2009 at 11:00 PM said...

I'd love to win this for my step-daughter who likes all things ocean. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Michelle @ Women Who Win on October 14, 2009 at 5:30 PM said...

Sounds like an incredible journey!!! Thanks for the giveaway! --Michelle, blogattoday[-at]gmaildotcom

Michelle @ Women Who Win on October 14, 2009 at 5:31 PM said...

Tweet! http://twitter.com/sweepstakesgirl/status/4876251427. :) --Michelle, blogattoday[-at]gmaildotcom

Gina on October 14, 2009 at 6:37 PM said...

Great Giveaway! My boys would love it!

sweetsue on October 14, 2009 at 7:00 PM said...

I love dolphins and have heard they are very intelligent!
smchester at gmail dot com

judybrittle on October 15, 2009 at 8:04 PM said...

I have loved dolphins since my first viewing of Flipper. What a great prize pack! Thank you!

judybrittle on October 15, 2009 at 8:04 PM said...

I tweeted
http://twitter.com/kewpiedoll04/status/4906467020

Winning Readings on October 16, 2009 at 5:03 AM said...

We've posted about this at Winning Readings:

http://winningreadings.blogspot.com/2009/10/winters-tail_16.html

Casey said...

We are wild about dolphins!

caseypitts@hotmail.com

Jim W. on October 17, 2009 at 7:42 AM said...

Dolphins are such great creatures

mail4rosey on October 17, 2009 at 6:50 PM said...

My daughter is a HUGE dolphin fan and she would flip if we won this. Thank you for the neat giveaway.

msurosey@yahoo.com

idahomom on October 17, 2009 at 7:58 PM said...

Swimming with the dolphins is an awesome experience.

JACLYN on October 17, 2009 at 9:54 PM said...

Dolphins are amazing! What an awesome giveaway!
firstrosegrrl@yahoo.com

JACLYN on October 17, 2009 at 9:54 PM said...

Tweet!
http://twitter.com/jaclynfett/status/4960349285

firstrosegrrl@yahoo.com

ossmcalc on October 17, 2009 at 10:22 PM said...

My grandson loves dolphins. This would be a wonderful present for him and Grandma would love to read the book to him.

Thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

ossmcalc on October 17, 2009 at 10:26 PM said...

I commented on your blog post about the play Cheaper By The Dozen.

Thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

ossmcalc on October 17, 2009 at 10:28 PM said...

I tweeted about this giveaway under my Twitter name of ossmcalc http://twitter.com/ossmcalc/status/4960939208

thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

Kim (Randominities) on October 18, 2009 at 3:58 PM said...

This sounds like such a wonderful story!

I use books in PT sessions to motivate the kids I see to stand taller, sit straighter, walk farther, etc. This sounds like a book they'd walk a mile to see!

Thanks so much for this giveaway!

Kim (Randominities) on October 18, 2009 at 3:59 PM said...

I added your button to my blog!

http://randominities-etsy.blogspot.com/

Kim (Randominities) on October 18, 2009 at 4:03 PM said...

I blogged about your giveaway!

http://randominities-etsy.blogspot.com/2009/10/dolphin-contest.html

Erica G on October 18, 2009 at 5:42 PM said...

My daughter has a thing for dolphins. This would be great for her. Thanks!

egreca (at) hotmail {dot} com

rbailey1958 on October 18, 2009 at 5:55 PM said...

Would Love This. Thanks 4 The Chance 2 Win
pkbailey@charter.net

Jen on October 19, 2009 at 7:03 AM said...

My 2 youngest love dolphins. I had never heard of this book before. I am going to look for it at the library. Would love to win this set for my girls.

ssovrnej(at)gmail.com

Jen on October 19, 2009 at 7:03 AM said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/Greatgiveaways/status/4991521909
ssovrnej(at)gmail.com

turboterp on October 19, 2009 at 7:51 AM said...

My entire family would be thrilled with this wonderful prize! Thanks!

MELANIE said...

Ive heard alot of sweet things about Winter's Tail. We love Dolphins!



clarkmurdock@yahoo.com

denyse on October 19, 2009 at 10:02 AM said...

What an amazing giveaway. We love dolphins.

denyse_g@hotmail.com

Molly K on October 19, 2009 at 1:13 PM said...

What a great story. I would love to be able to share it with my children with this great prize pack.

Anonymous said...

I would love to read this to my niece Hannah!

theyyyguy@yahoo.com

ky2here on October 19, 2009 at 3:31 PM said...

OUr granddaughter loves dolphins. We will give this to her.

ky2here on October 19, 2009 at 3:31 PM said...

Here's a tweet: http://twitter.com/ky2here/status/5002436001

Unknown on October 19, 2009 at 8:08 PM said...

I am a huge dolphin lover. To me the dolphin resembles love. My daughter would love this.

Unknown on October 19, 2009 at 8:13 PM said...

http://twitter.com/Jammie79/status/5009163322 I tweeted

Angela C on October 19, 2009 at 8:21 PM said...

I love Dolphins,I'm glad poor Winter received help.

Angela C on October 19, 2009 at 8:22 PM said...

Tweet http://twitter.com/angelasbits/status/5009359442

Unknown on October 19, 2009 at 8:34 PM said...

My daughter loves dolphins.

hafner611{AT}gmail{DOT}com

CanAmBlond on October 19, 2009 at 11:32 PM said...

This sounds like an incredible story, thanks so much for hosting such a neat giveaway!

sasquatch1bmf[at]gmail[dot]com

ShesAnAngel on October 20, 2009 at 12:03 AM said...

Awesome, I love dolphins and anything that can help my children have a respect for nature :D

justine417@comcast.net

ShesAnAngel on October 20, 2009 at 12:04 AM said...

I tweeted

http://twitter.com/ShesAnAngel417/status/5013287525


justine417@comcast.net

Crystal F on October 20, 2009 at 5:32 AM said...

My girls would love this! thanks for the giveaway!

Gina said...

What a sweet story! I'd love to win this!

subaruhack@sbcglobal.net

tlcfromtn on October 20, 2009 at 8:06 AM said...

Dolphins are beautiful creatures. We'd love to win this! Thanks...

braaisjo at gmail dot com

tlcfromtn on October 20, 2009 at 8:08 AM said...

tweeted-

http://twitter.com/tlcfromtn/status/5020415345

Mtlgrl4evr on October 20, 2009 at 8:12 AM said...

This story is amazing. My daughters love dolphins!

Mtlgrl4evr on October 20, 2009 at 8:13 AM said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/Mtlgrl4evr/status/5020534404

susan1215 on October 20, 2009 at 10:48 AM said...

I love Dolphins!

Honey + Lime on October 20, 2009 at 11:16 AM said...

This is great. I would love to share this story with my son!

Anonymous said...

Dolphins are smart and amazing-
Diane baum
esldiane@gmail.com

Sheila Hickmon on October 20, 2009 at 12:43 PM said...

My daughter would love this! THanks for the chance!
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com

Sonya on October 20, 2009 at 5:17 PM said...

We love dolphins! Thanks!

susansmoaks on October 20, 2009 at 5:28 PM said...

we love dolphins, they are so cute and smart

susansmoaks on October 20, 2009 at 5:29 PM said...

http://twitter.com/mrstls/status/5031766878

Charity S on October 20, 2009 at 5:47 PM said...

I've always loved dolphins, they so intelligent and adorable. Thanks


charisscharity (at) yahoo (dot) com

Jinxy and Me on October 20, 2009 at 6:24 PM said...

We love dolphins and this set looks great!

Jinxy and Me on October 20, 2009 at 6:25 PM said...

tweeted http://twitter.com/ThriftyJinxy/status/5032918884

Gloria's Bits and Pieces on October 20, 2009 at 6:33 PM said...

What a neat giveaway! I love dolphins!

kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces on October 20, 2009 at 6:36 PM said...

http://twitter.com/kngmckellar/status/5033166099

tweeted
kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces on October 20, 2009 at 6:37 PM said...

http://kngmckellar-glorias.blogspot.com/2009/10/httpbonggafindsblogspotcom200910winters.html

blogged
kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Gloria's Bits and Pieces on October 20, 2009 at 6:42 PM said...

http://kngmckellar-glorias.blogspot.com/

have your peppermint button now

kngmckellar@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

My kids would love this. They both love marine animals.
jcristig@hotmail.com

Cakeblast on October 20, 2009 at 7:18 PM said...

I bet my oldest son would love this book, and I am interested in reading about Winter's prosthetic tail.

Cakeblast on October 20, 2009 at 7:20 PM said...

I follow you on twitter at http://twitter.com/cakeblast and I tweeted..

http://twitter.com/cakeblast/status/5034185740

dvice12 on October 20, 2009 at 7:54 PM said...

We would love this one

Sand on October 20, 2009 at 8:54 PM said...

Dolphins are such amazing animals!

Deb K on October 20, 2009 at 8:57 PM said...

Please enter me~Thanks for the chance! My granddaughter just adores dolphins.

deb55106(at)gmail(dot)com

Deb K on October 20, 2009 at 9:00 PM said...

Tweet!
http://twitter.com/Deb55106/statuses/5036276793

deb551069at0gmail(dot)com

Unknown on October 20, 2009 at 9:31 PM said...

My granddaughter loves dolphins. She would love this prize pack. garrettsambo@aol.com

/\Heather/\ on October 20, 2009 at 9:50 PM said...

Ahh, dolphins. The saviors of the seas. Amazing creatures.

cman on October 20, 2009 at 9:50 PM said...

My kids love dolphins :)

lilyk on October 20, 2009 at 10:51 PM said...

This prize looks very nice. Thanks for the great contest!

Kathy P on October 20, 2009 at 10:59 PM said...

we love everything ocean it is so fascinating and dolphins are so cute.i swear when shark week comes on my tv is tuned to that channel all week. we love learning about all sea creatures :)

Kathy P on October 20, 2009 at 11:03 PM said...

http://twitter.com/klp1965/status/5038180831

Bakersdozen on October 20, 2009 at 11:32 PM said...

This sounds like something my kids would love. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com

ZESTYWONDERLAND on October 20, 2009 at 11:35 PM said...

The kids love all sea critter & dolphins!
They would be thrilled if I won this for them.

zestywonderland@gmail.com

bonggamom on October 23, 2009 at 1:54 PM said...

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all who entered, and congratulations to the winner: #95, tlcfromtn!

tlcfromtn on October 26, 2009 at 9:11 AM said...

I am so happy to have won! I hope you got my email with my info. thanks!

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