“Ben tried to feed Penguin to a passing lion.
Penguin said nothing.
Lion didn’t want to eat Penguin.”

The first time we read this book I laughed out loud. It’s a lovely story about a little boy called Ben who receives a penguin as a present and nothing he does (even sending the penguin into outer space) will make the penguin speak.

This is one of the books I picked out at the library. Jeff tends to pick books based on recommendations and authors we’ve read and enjoyed before. I pick based on the pictures, I can’t help it. I’ve always loved children’s picture books. As much as I love grown-up books, I’d love them even more with pictures and I’m always always swayed by a cover. The simple, bold cover of Penguin caught my eye. I’m always impressed by illustrators who convey so much, bring so much to life, with a few pen strokes and a bit of colour and Penguin shows Polly Dunbar as one such illustrator.

This funny little story is brought to life by simple narrative and wonderfully expressive, little illustrations. I think this book could easily be read over and over resulting in giggles every time.

(all illustrations and quotes are from Penguin by Polly Dunbar, 2007 Walker Books Ltd, London)