6 penguin books to love

Penguins have got to be the the coolest critters waddling the earth.

They definitely know how to capture the imagination of authors and mere mortals alike.


A mere mortal, I love reading penguin books with my kindergarten kids.




Here are six of my faves.  They are all penguin books, but most are not really "about" penguins. 



I guess cute bundles of black and white waddlingess can carry a deeper message ...


Penguin
author and illustrator: Polly Dunbar
publisher: Candlewick Press (2007)
awards
Nestle Smarties Book Prize (2007), 
Red House Book Award for Younger Children (2008)

summary  Ben unwraps a gift, but is disappointed when the gift - a penguin - refuses to speak.  He dances, sings, sends the penguin into space, all to entice the penguin to speak, but silence.  In frustration, he tries to feed the penguin to a passing lion.  But the lion consumes Ben instead!  Penguin saves the day, and recounts his adventures to Ben in his own penguin way.

what the book is really about check it out

Enjoy [watching] the story. 
Learn about Polly Dunbar at her [website].  

Lost and Found
author and illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
publisher: Harper Collins (2005)
awards 
Nestle Smarties Book Prize 2005
Blue Peter Book Award 2006

summary  A boy opens his door to find a penguin standing there. He determines to the the "right thing" and return the penguin where it came from.  After dark nights, fierce storms and many stories, they arrive at the South Pole.  But neither are happy.  Don't worry, the lost friends find each other again.


what the book is really about  Friendship lost - and found.



check it out
Enjoy a [book trailer].
Watch an [animated short].
Oliver Jeffers' [website] can make short work of a couple of hours. 
Oliver Jeffers shows us [how to draw a penguin]. 
Small world play to retell the story from [One Perfect Day]. 


The Emperor's Egg
author:  Martin Jenkins
illustrator:  Jean Chapman
publisher: Candlewick Press (1999, 2003)

summary  The male Emperor Penguin must be the world's most devoted dad.  While mama penguin goes off for a 40 day feast at sea, dad's job is to keep the egg safe and warm without benefit of food, shelter or the occasional football game.  


what the book is really about  Caring for the next generation is a parent's prime directive.


check it out

Enjoy [watching] the story.
Book review and activities from [rubberboots and elf shoes].


Penguin's Hidden Talents

author and illustrator: Alex Latimer
publisher: Peachtree Publishers (2012)

summary  Penguin wants to participate in the talent show, but does not appear to be "talented". Since he cannot go on the stage, he makes posters, sends emails, makes phone calls and polishes the trophy.  He leaves the talent show dejected, not joining the celebrations, because, after all, he did not get a medal.  But his friends want to throw him a party to say thanks for all his organizing work.  But their talent was not organizing parties - and Penguin found where his talent was hiding.

what the book is really about  We all have talents - even if they are hidden and we have not found them yet.


check it out
A football player [reads] Penguin's Hidden Talent.


Pierre the Penguin
author: Jean Marzollo
illustrator: Laura Regan
publisher: Sleeping Bear Press (2010)

summary  Pierre, a penguin at the California Academy of Sciences began to lose his feathers.  As a result, he would not swim since he could not stay warm in the water, and the other penguins began to shun him.  A rain shower inspired a biologist working with Pierre to make him a penguin sized wet suit.  


what the book is really about  Caring and creativity can make a huge difference in life. 


check it out

Book review and activities from [rubberboots and elf shoes].


Penguin and Pinecone
author and illustrator: Salina Yoon
publisher: Walker and Company (2012)
awards
 Great Lakes Great Books Nominee
Keystone to Reading Book Award Nominee
Charlotte Award Nominee

summary  Penguin finds a lost pinecone and they become friends.  But Pinecone is always cold, and Penguin learns that his new friend cannot grow unless he returns it to a forest in a warmer climate.  Penguin takes Pinecone to a forest far far away, and sadly says good bye.  For now.


what the book is really about  Love grows.


check it out
Enjoy a [book trailer].

Penguin has his own [blog]. 
Salina Yoon has Penguin colouring pages and a teacher guide on her [website]. 
Penguin and Pinecone learning invitation from [Maureen's Strongstart]
P is for Penguins and Pinecones from [Teach Preschool].



What are your favourite penguin books?










1 comment

  1. Haven't heard of most of these-will look for them at the library! Love Oliver Jeffers so I can't wait to try that one out. Thank you for sharing!

    Not Just Child's Play

    ReplyDelete

Back to Top