I used to have a roommate who loved penguins. A lot. Which means that I often pay attention when a good book comes out that has penguins in it. Also, it is the time of year when it is cold and snowy…and I feel like I waddle around in my snow clothes the same way that penguins do. Anyway, all of this is to say that I apparently have penguins on my mind—so I will tell you about five of my favorite penguin-themed picture books. Enjoy!
By Philip C. Stead
Illustrated by Erin E. Stead
Roaring Brook Press, 2021. Picture Book.
In this clever sequel to the Caldecott winner A Sick Day for Amos McGee, Amos McGee plans to have a special day with all of the animals at the zoo—including the penguin. However, he ends up missing his bus and isn’t able to treat the animals to the special outing without a little bit of help.
By Cynthia Rylant
Illustrated by Christian Robinson
Schwartz & Wade Books, 2016. Picture Book.
In this sweet picture book, five little penguins are excited to bundle up and head outside on the first snowy day of winter. Young readers will enjoy watching all the fun these little penguins have while playing in the snow.
By Jory John
Illustrated by Lane Smith
Random House, 2016. Picture Book.
Life is quite happy and carefree—unless you are a penguin that has loads of problems! This hilarious book talks about all of the problems that a particular penguin has, and why the reader should be sympathetic to the penguin’s plight.
By Georgiana Deutsch
Illustrated by Ekaterina Trukhan
Tiger Tales, 2019. Picture Book.
In this silly picture book on manners, all of the penguins are polite—except for Polly. She makes a lot of mischief…which leads to some not-quite-polite moments.
By Lucy Ruth Cummings
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2021. Picture Book.
While a family of vampires visits the zoo a young vampire trades places with a penguin for the duration of the outing. Although the vampire family and other zoo members don’t notice what has happened, the young vampire and the penguin enjoy a day of trading places.
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