Penguin

Title: Penguin
Author: Polly Dunbar
Publisher: Candlewick Press
http://www.candlewick.com/
Publication Date: 2007
Genre: Picture book, animals
Audience: preK - 2nd grade
Overview: Ben receives a penguin as a gift. All Ben wants the penguin to do is talk to him, but the penguin does not say a word. Frustrated and desperate, Ben tries everything to try to get the penguin to talk. He tries tickling the penguin, singing songs, dancing, poking the penguin, strapping penguin to a rocket, and even trying to feed penguin to a lion! The lion does not want to eat penguin but is annoyed with Ben for making so much noise and ends up eating him. The penguin then bites the lion on the nose so it will spit up Ben. The penguin showed that through it's actions it is a true friend, even though it does not talk.
Activity: I would use this book to discuss with my class how to respect animals. Even though they are very different and do not talk to us, we must respect them and treat them nicely. They can still be a valuable friend even though they cannot hold conversations. The children can have the opportunity to share what they do with their pets to have fun.
Reviewer's Name: Rachel Bartee