The Blurb On The Back:
Meet the penguins.
They really want to make some friends.
But does anyone want to play?
You can order MEET THE PENGUINS by Mike Brownlow from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, or Waterstone’s. I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.
The Review (Cut For Spoilers):
Two penguins want to find someone to play with them. But everyone seems to be too busy, or too tall or too rude to play with them! Will they find anyone willing to give them a chance?
Mike Brownlow’s self-illustrated picture book is a delightful affair about two small penguins who want to make friends but find themselves rejected by everyone they approach. There’s some lovely silly humour, e.g. the giraffe who is too tall to see them and I think that parents and children alike will like the slightly tart ending, which teaches a subtle lesson about being welcoming and inclusive.
There isn’t a great deal that can be said about this picture book because it really features short encounters between the penguins and the various other animals – my favourites being the tortoise on the scooter and deliciously snooty cat who doesn’t even let them get their question out. The illustrations have a lot of charm with Brownlow really getting the personalities of the suitcase carrying penguins across, especially when they seem about to give up. The friendly little bear who approaches them is very cute and I enjoyed the reveal about what the penguins have with them almost as much as I liked the ending, which I suspect many readers will think is more than the other animals deserve.
All in all it’s a charming read that I think grown-ups will enjoy as much as their little ones and there is a subtle message here about being welcoming and inclusive when someone asks you to play.
MEET THE PENGUINS was released in the United Kingdom on 4th April 2019. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.
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