Honey Girl: The Hawaiian Monk Seal, by Jeanne Walker Harvey | Dedicated Review

Review sponsored* by Jeanne Walker Harvey
The Children’s Book Review | March 10, 2017

Honey Girl: The Hawaiian Monk Seal

Written by Jeanne Walker Harvey

Illustrated by Shennen Bersani

Age Range: 5-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Arbordale Publishing (2017)

ISBN: 978-1628559224

What to expect: Non-Fiction, Hawaiian Monk Seal, Conservation, Animal Rescue

Honey Girl: The Hawaiian Monk Seal is a non-fiction picture book that tenderly details one special seal’s almost fateful ordeal and her personal contributions to her own species.

It’s a lucky day to spot a Hawaiian monk seal. They are endangered marine mammals that prefer to live near islands without people. There is one, however, that has become a local favorite around the North Shore of O’ahu. Her name is Honey Girl, but she’s also referred to as “Super Mom” because she has raised many pups. This is the remarkable story, as told by award-winning author Jeanne Walker Harvey, of how she was found sick and injured by a fishhook, rescued, rehabilitated, and released by an excellent team of scientists.

Harvey’s well-researched facts—verified by experts—are giftwrapped with skilled storytelling. She balances the serene and picturesque qualities that many associate with Hawaii and marine life, with the dangerous reality that marine life often face despite their beautiful surroundings. Her writing will appeal to the science-minded as well as those interested in a simply fascinating story. Award-winning illustrator Shennen Bersani’s beautiful artwork embodies tranquility and has a photographic quality that lends itself well to the text.

Complete with a learning segment in the final pages that provides fun facts on conservation, the life cycle of the Hawaiian monk seal, and more, children ages 5 through 8 are bound to enjoy this uplifting story that leaves us—thanks to the most heartwarming happy ending—hopeful for the endangered species. We recommend that readers dive right into this oceanic picture book.

Ages 5-8 | Publisher: Arbordale Publishing | February 10, 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-1628559224

Available Here: 

Book Trailer

About The Author

Jeanne Walker Harvey is the author of several award-winning books, including Astro: The Steller Sea Lion and My Hands Sing the Blues: Romare Bearden’s Childhood Journey. She’s been a language arts teacher and currently gives school tours at a local museum. Jeanne lives near the Golden Gate Bridge in California and walks by the bay every day looking for sea lions. She writes with her gray tabby cat sitting on the desk next to her.

JeanneHarvey.com | Twitter

Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. The author of “Honey Girl: The Hawaiian Monk Seal,” Jeanne Walker Harvey, sponsored* this non-biased review. Learn more about getting a book review …