'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Wednesday 11 July 2018

Review: The Penguins Are Coming

The penguins are coming to join the zoo and everyone is excited, especially the other animals. The only problem is that a squirrel doesn't know what a penguin is.

They are soon described in great detail by the giraffe, otter, anteater and other animals.

Penguins are small and round, fly, and love eating pizza and going to the beach where they wear colourful swimming costumes, amongst other things.

Really?!

Perhaps the animals are not as well informed as they should be, but they tell many stories about penguins and soon the whole zoo is in uproar at the though of the antics of a bunch of party loving penguins.

Fortunately there is a much more informed zookeeper, who soon brings the zoo's residents up to speed. He tells them what penguins are not, before explaining all the wonderful things to know about penguins.

The zookeeper is just in time, because as he finishes his rundown, a trail of penguins appear behind him (and there might be a spot of trouble).

The Penguins Are Coming (previously published as The Truth About Penguins) is a great introduction to the black and white creatures loved by many.

The story by Meg McKinlay is imaginative and entertaining. Lots of different animals are featured, with the illustrations by Mark Jackson showing the zoo's inhabitants interacting and imagining the life of the penguins (in all kinds of odd situations). Readers could easily play 'I Spy', there are so many well known and lesser known animals depicted.

The Penguins Are Coming is entertaining, educational, and highly recommended.

Title: The Penguins Are Coming
Author: Meg McKinlay
Illustrator: Mark Jackson
Publisher: Walker Books, $16.99
Publication Date: June 2018
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760650391
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture book