Review: The King Penguin

By Vanessa Roeder

New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2023. Picture Book.

Percival is a king penguin, which obviously means that he is the king of his penguin colony. Unchallenged in his power, Percival sits upon an icy throne with his crown, wig, velvet robe, and royal scepter. Because his authority is absolute, Percival establishes selfish and unpopular rules for his colony until one day he goes too far and is banished by his subjects. Percival sets off in search of a new colony to command, but instead encounters various arctic critters -- with one thing in common: they want to eat Percival! Percival's harrowing journey ends with a run-in with an emperor penguin, who finally helps Percival understand the value of good leadership.

This picture book is delightfully hilarious with a well-delivered message about leadership, fairness, and kindness. The illustrations are cartoony and silly and enhance what is already a great read-aloud. Adults will laugh, kids will laugh, everyone will laugh as you read The King Penguin.

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