Take Your Time: A Tale of Harriet, the Galapagos Tortoise

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.

"Harriet, a slow-moving resident of one of the Galápagos 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 Galápagos 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." - Kirkus Reviews