In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

Reviewed by:
  • Baby Penguins Everywhere!
  • Jeannette Hulick
Guion, Melissa . Baby Penguins Everywhere!; written and illus. by Melissa Guion. Philomel, 2012. 32p. ISBN 978-0-399-25535-9 $16.99 R 4-6 yrs.

An adult penguin is lonely until she discovers a bevy of baby penguins in a top hat that washes up onto the shore of her icy home. The grownup is delighted with the company, but she's soon tuckered out looking after all the young'uns ("Happy as she was, she needed something. Just a minute to herself "). Refreshed by a momentary breather, she's then able to rejoin the chicks for more penguin fun. While parents and teachers will immediately recognize themselves in the adult penguin, the theme of needing occasional time alone can certainly apply to children as well, and kids for whom socializing is sometimes stressful may particularly relate to the grownup penguin's need for some space. The very idea of a plethora of baby penguins will sell this to numerous animal lovers, and Guion's simple illustrations of the penguin chicks render them satisfyingly adorable. The casual pencil outlines, watercolor paint, and rounded figures with widely spaced dot eyes are stylistically similar to some of Oliver Jeffers' art, although looser in feel. The soft gray and white capering penguin chicks are expressive as they jump rope, juggle balls, play in the snow, and generally frolic around (and occasionally on) the black and white adult penguin. This might partner well with some of Mary Murphy's titles featuring penguin characters (I Make a Cake, etc.) for a family storytime audience, but it would also be a pleasant (and perhaps useful) selection for a tired parent to read to a child. [End Page 246]

...

pdf

Share