Little Penguin

September 1, 2011

PreS-Gr 2-Simple text and pleasant illustrations in pencil, watercolor, and digital media recount the months in the life of an emperor penguin from spring hatching to his midsummer dive into the sea. As in the many books for young readers about this popular animal, this one emphasizes the father's role in keeping the egg and then the chick warm under the belly flap just above his feet. The chick is fed the milky mix from his father's gullet, and the youngster and his hungry parent soon welcome the mother penguin returning from her feeding months at sea. The adults trade feeding and child care, protecting their offspring from the elements while he grows, plays with other young penguins, and begins to lose his baby down. "At five months old Little Emperor and his clan waddled down to the sea. They hopped...and leaped...and tobogganed...WHOOSH! until they reached the ocean." The text and competent paintings convey a realistic sense of the Antarctic world and the birds' life cycle, although both are at times a bit cute. A straightforward author's note briefly explains aspects of the emperor penguin's physiology and life experiences. Some adults will enjoy the cozy tone for reading aloud, and libraries that are not amply stocked on this appealing subject will find this a useful and attractive introduction.-Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

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