Baby Honu Saves The Day

by Tammy Yee

What difference can one tiny turtle make? Not much, thinks Baby Honu, until a baby dolphin trapped on the beach inspires him to try. Follow Baby Honu as he persuades a moray eel, a porcupinefish, a shark and even a humpback whale to help him in his quest. Young children learn that even the smallest efforts can cascade into meaningful consequences.

Includes a helpful glossary that teaches young children about Hawaiian marine life.

Genres: Childrens

36 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1999

About the author

Tammy Yee is the author and/or illustrator of more than 40 children's books. She grew up in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi where she explored tide pools, swam in streams, and wrote and illustrated spooky stories her teachers politely read. After she graduated from college, she worked as a pediatric nurse.
Having children rekindled her love for picture books, so in 1994 she exchanged her stethoscope for a paintbrush, and she's been writing and illustrating ever since. In 2022, she was inducted into the Children's Literature of Hawaii's (CLH) Hall of Fame.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The baby turtle learns that even though he's small, he's smart enough and brave enough to save a stranded baby dolphin. Yeah!

[Kaylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite children's books of all time because the illustrations are so beautiful that even as a young child I felt that I wanted to go to the ocean. It also is culturally responsive because it adds a lot of native Hawaiian language. Lastly the message was very heartwarming telling any child that no matter their size or how important they feel to others, that they can do what they set tier mind to.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally love this book, with the beautiful illustrations, important message, and use of Hawaiian words as names for the animals. It is a bit much for preschool storytime however--raises too many questions.

I did give it as a gift to my favorite 3 year old boy, who loves it. He reads it with mommy and daddy every single night. It's a daily request. His favorite part is when the stingray gets knocked into the shark. He demands you go back to that page at least 10 times. He is also very concerned that Baby Honu doesn't have a mommy, and asks ever night where she is.

[Jessica Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughters love this book set in Hawaii that uses Hawaiian words for the animals. Baby Honu, a small sea turtle doesn't think he can make a difference, but when Mama Nai'a tells him her little Keiki is stranded on the beach Baby Honu seeks help from larger sea animals. They all respond by telling Baby Honu "It is the way of the ocean", but Baby Honu doesn't give up. Read to the end to see how Baby Honu Saves the Day.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story - with Tammy Yee's inimitable illustrations. It's a bit too cute for my taste, but it is a tale about determination and how even the smallest creature can make a difference. A good book about creatures around Hawaii (with their Hawaiian names) to introduce to young children. We've read this one a few times.

[Petrie Serrano · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating myth-type story from Hawaii in which a baby turtle saves a young porpoise by tricking the bigger sea creatures into helping. The illustrations are wildly colorful and detailed enough to attract and keep a toddler's interest for multiple readings.