Penguins are cute and interesting even to adults. They’re flightless waddle and little tuxedo outfits also endear them to children all over the world. The way they walk, the fact that they are flightless and their little tuxedo clad look makes them a favorite of children around the world. That’s why there’s World Penguin Day, which is being celebrated this year on Thursday, April 25th.
And we’re especially pleased to report that parents have plenty of opportunities to bound with their children over penguins and books. Specifically, books about penguins. Check out these five great reads that cover the famous penguins and the more obscure….
Mr. Popper’s Penguins, written by Richard and Florence Atwater
This classic children’s story is a 1939 Newberry honor winner–and there was a recent 2011 film adaptation starring Jim Carrey. The movie didn’t quite capture the original book’s story of love, compassion, and determination. It’s a great book about grown-up living, and also an opportunity to talk about the differences between a film and a book. Nothing personal against Jim Carrey, but we’re thinking this book makes a good case for reading over watching something on television.
Penguins: The Smithsonian Series, written by Seymour Simon
This beautiful picture is easy to read and full of amazing facts about penguins. In fact, this book also makes a great introduction to photography, and will capture your children’s imaginations as they realize that some people make a living following around penguins–and exploring the world in other ways.
Please Play Safe: Penguin’s Guide to Playground Safety, written by Margery Cuyler; illustrated by Will Hillenbrand
This playful book about keeping safe and following rules in the playground is a fun book to read together with your child. The perfectly careful penguin gives a lesson to his other zoo friend’s on how to respect each other, how to properly use playground equipment, and the importance of leaving the playground clean when you leave to go home.
Penguin and Pinecone, written by Salina Yoon
This is a sweet and heartwarming story about two unlikely friends. The penguin named Penguin has to give up his pal Pinecone, since pinecones can’t stay in the cold. Each character learns about the other’s habitat and the importance of how their different worlds can impact their own–and the ending is happy and heartwarming.
Busy Penguins, written by John Schindel and Jonathan Chester, illustrated by Jonathan Chester
When you’re a penguin, life is always busy! Frankly, we didn’t know that, either. We do know, however, that children love this books rhyming text and colorful pictures as they follow penguins dashing, splashing, jumping, and bumping their way through a busy day.
