Review: Harris the Hero

Harris the puffin is lonely. All of the other seabirds seem to have friends, just not him. So to cheer himself up, he decides to set off on an adventure, but it's not long before he hears a cry for help — a baby seal has become lost and doesn't know how to get back to his island home. It's Harris to the rescue!

Harris flies low over the water, guiding the baby seal home. But the ocean is stormy and the little seal struggles in the big waves.

Fortunately, Harris spots a piece of wood for the seal to hold onto, and then a fish pops up to help, tying a piece of seaweed to the wood so that together Harris and the fish can tow the seal home. But they're just not strong enough and it looks like they're in trouble until a dolphin arrives to help … and then a duck … and then two otters … And in no time at all, the baby seal is safe back on the island with his mum!

Harris is a hero! And not only that, he's found a new group of friends and won himself a lovely puffin admirer, Isla. And as we leave Harris in his new home, he and Isla are happily making a nest together.

This beautifully illustrated story, told in rollicking rhyme, combines a fun adventure and loveable characters with a heartfelt message. After all, 'It just goes to show that whatever you do, if you help someone else, it might just help you too!'

Title: Harris the Hero
Author: Lynne Rickards
Illustrator: Gabby Grant
Publisher: Picture Kelpies, $11.95 RRP
Publication Date: March 2013
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780863159527
For ages: 3–7
Type: Picture Book