Today's read might seem like an off-beat way to hit the beginning of Summer, but I find it very appropriate. This weekend, we will be hitting the 90's with humidity up in the 60-70%. My mother always said that a little snow and ice dreaming can work wonders in warmer temperatures. So, I'm going to take her advice and head into the world of ice and snow with this adorable looking picture book.
Now, I do hope it's original, too. There are more than a couple picture books out there, which center around penguins and eggs. And the crack on the ice on the cover has me wondering if a separation will be involved. Let's see how this tale is handled and what happens, shall we?
PENGUIN'S EGG
by Anna Kemp
Illustrated by Alice Courtley
Paula Wiseman Books
Picture Book
ages 4 to 8
When a penguin dad ends up far away from his nest, he’s determined to make it back to see his egg hatch by any means necessary in this charming and adventurous picture book.
On a frozen sea, where the snow falls fast, and the whirlwinds rage and storm, a rockhopper egg, in a stony nest, was lying safe and warm…
Daddy Penguin’s egg will hatch any day now, so when he gets lost and finds himself adrift in an unfamiliar world, he’ll do anything to get back home! From train to helicopter, hot-air balloon to limousine, Penguin hitches rides with helpful folk—but will he make it in time?
On a frozen sea, where the snow falls fast, and the whirlwinds rage and storm, a rockhopper egg, in a stony nest, was lying safe and warm…
Daddy Penguin’s egg will hatch any day now, so when he gets lost and finds himself adrift in an unfamiliar world, he’ll do anything to get back home! From train to helicopter, hot-air balloon to limousine, Penguin hitches rides with helpful folk—but will he make it in time?
MY TIDBITS
Penguin cuteness meets adventure and a father's love for a quick-paced read, which leaves smiles on the face.
Daddy Penguin is over-excited to see his egg hatch. While Mommy Penguin takes a break and rests, he watches over the egg. But waiting is tiring, and soon, he falls asleep. He sleeps so deep that he doesn't hear the crack of the ice around him and doesn't awaken until he's floated across the ocean to a harbor of a town. Not sure what to do but wanting to head back to the egg, he begins his journey and takes every available transportation means he can find.
If you're looking for a book with a strong message, this isn't it...although it does showcase a father's love and the power of determination. Oh, and a wide variety of transportation possibilities are also presented, which probably does mean there is more to this read than first appears. That said, it is a fun, easy read. The penguin family captures the heart on the very first page and will have listeners rooting for the father the entire way through. The idea that a penguin accidentally ends up floating far away is also nothing new, but it offers an easy begin to the adventure and simply lets readers/listeners sink in. There's also a lot of imagination in these pages as the town's people are all animals...so it's remains a light fantasy with tons of good feelings through and through.
The illustrations are colorful and bring the needed playfulness into each moment. They create a lovely display for group read-alouds and invite in. The text is also very fitting to the age group, stays direct and concise, and brings the tale smoothly on its way. The author doesn't forget short attention spans and makes sure nothing drags out too long but still keeps the story deep enough to draw in and grab readers' sympathy.
It's an easy, fun read, which is sure to delight.
And here they are...
Anna Kemp writes both picture books and middle grade fiction. Her books have been nominated for the Booktrust Early Years Award, the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, Oscar’s Book Prize, and the Dundee Picture Book Award. Her work has also been adapted for television, puppetry, dance, orchestra, and theatre. Anna loves to visit schools and libraries and attend festivals. Visit her online at AnnaKemp-Author.com.
Alice Courtley is an author and illustrator with an MA in children’s book illustration from Cambridge. Her work has been recognized for prizes such as the Klaus Flugge prize shortlist and featured in exhibitions including the AOI’s Inspired to Innovate exhibition in London. Alice has also taught creative skills to students of a range of ages, both in workshop settings and in longer-form courses. Visit her online at AliceCourtley.com.