MAKANA is a Gift

<p>One bright morning a little green sea turtle basks on the surface of Turtle Cove where he arrived the night before. He hatched from a nest on a shore hundreds of miles away and has spent the first six years of his life swimming through the ocean. Here in Turtle Cove he meets the inhabitants-a wise elder turtle Kato and other sea creatures. He admires the unique features of an octopus and starfish and wishes he could swim with a school of fish. He observes the gulls and terns flying freely overhead and begins to question his identity.</p><p><br></p><p><em>Makana is a Gift</em> is the story of a young sea turtle's quest to understand his unique purpose who and why he is while waiting to be given his name. One morning while hungry for breakfast he mistakes a plastic bag for a jellyfish takes a bite as many sea turtles do and must seek help to survive this too common life-threatening experience.</p><p><br></p><p>In the end he understands that all creatures are needed to help and care for each other; he too has a unique and essential purpose; that life is a gift and so is he. In Hawaiian <em>Makana</em> means gift and thus he receives his name.</p><p><br></p><p>A Discussion & Activities Guide and Resources are included. Children will learn about the biological beginnings of a sea turtle's life as well as their ancient legacy their significance and symbolism and the importance of their ecological protection. Watercolor illustrations are vibrant and life-like. Ages 4 ~ 8.</p>