"Winter's Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again" In Bookstores October 2009
NEW YORK, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Turtle Pond Publications, the private media and entertainment company based in New York, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) and Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education and media company, today announced the fall release of "Winter's Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again," the newest children's book by #1 New York Times bestselling children's authors, Craig Hatkoff and his daughters Juliana and Isabella Hatkoff. Written in collaboration with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, this inspiring account chronicles the amazing true story of Winter, who as a two-month old dolphin lost her tail after becoming entangled in a crab trap. Winter was rescued off the coast of Cape Canaveral and brought to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where she was treated and had to learn to swim again, but without her natural tail. The book is scheduled to hit bookstores in October of 2009.
"Winter's Tail" is the official version of Winter's story authorized by Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The book uses stunning photography that chronicles Winter's dramatic rescue and the subsequent heroic efforts and dedication by doctors, CMA staff, engineers and scientists to help Winter by fitting her with a breakthrough prosthetic tail, designed to be flexible enough for movement and durable enough for swimming. Beyond all expectations, Winter has thrived at her home at CMA and has become an inspiration to the disabled and able-bodied alike. "Winter's Tail" will deliver an important message of hope, friendship and universal acceptance.
"My daughters and I were mesmerized by Winter's amazing story and wanted to share it not only as a source of inspiration for those who struggle with and overcome all kinds of disabilities, but also as a way to introduce a difficult topic to a wide range of young audiences in an accessible way that encourages discussion, compassion and understanding. The truly loveable Winter puts everyone at ease through her sheer resilience," said Craig Hatkoff. "The heroic dedication and collaborative solution to her dilemma using state of the art prosthetic technology has captured the world's imagination that anything is possible."
"We are thrilled that our Winter is the first U.S.-based subject of the Hatkoff's collection of true animal stories from around the world," said David Yates, CEO of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. "Winter has already touched the lives of so many and we look forward to welcoming new friends at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium who will learn about her story through the book."
"Winter's story is an inspiration to children and adults around the world who face everyday challenges. This incredible tale of a 'little dolphin that could' will resonate with readers of all ages," said Ellie Berger, President, Scholastic Trade Publishing. "Scholastic is thrilled to collaborate with the Hatkoff family and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium on this amazing and stunning picture book."
"Winter's Tail" marks the fifth installment in the critically-acclaimed Turtle Pond Collection of non-fiction picture books about remarkable animals overcoming adversity, all published by Scholastic. The books by Craig Hatkoff, and his daughters Juliana (14) and Isabella (10), include Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship (2006), Owen and Mzee: The Language of Friendship (2007), Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Changed the World (2007), and most recently, Looking for Miza: The True Story of the Mountain Gorilla Family Who Rescued One of Their Own (2008). The book series introduces kids to real world issues and empowers them to effect change on our planet.
About Turtle Pond Publications
Turtle Pond Publications is a private entertainment and media company based in New York. Its interests include a variety of children's publishing ventures and other media investments including the Tribeca Film Festival; the company's principals, Craig Hatkoff and Jane Rosenthal, are co-founders of the festival along with Robert De Niro.
About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology and children's media. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs and school-based book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, television networks and the Company's Internet Site, www.scholastic.com.
About The Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to marine life rescue, rehabilitation and release, and environmental education. For additional information, visit www.SeeWinter.com.
