Penguin by Polly Dunbar

If you've been visiting my blog for a little while, you'll probably know already how much I LOVE Polly Dunbar. She makes me so happy. I don't know how many times I've enjoyed her books over and over and over. And it dawned on me I hadn't blogged about 'Penguin'. Appalling! So, presently, I am amending that.

"Ben ripped open his present. Inside was a Penguin."

ahhh, from simple beginnings... A new present, and such a promising one too! A penguin! who wouldn't want a penguin? Ben sure thought it was the best thing ever. That is, until he realises that it isn't saying anything, no matter what he tries.

He even tires standing on his head and making fun of Penguin, but still gets no response.

What he shouldn't have done is get a passing Lion involved. Because when he begins shouting, the Lion eats him for being too loud.

Luckily, Penguin comes to his rescue because they have actually become friends through all they have done together.

Polly Dunbar's tone is perfect, both the pictures and the text have just enough character and punch, but then plenty of space for you to enjoy what she achieves in her illustrations.

She captures the beautiful absurdity for which picture books are perfect. I Love her work and can happily re-read them time and time again, which is a good thing if a child takes a shine to a particular story, as any parent will know.

 

4.5 Gold Stars

Find it on Goodreads