Baby Penguins Everywhere!

PreS-Gr 1—"Once there was a penguin…" begins this story of the joys and difficulties that come with parenthood. An endearing, egg-shaped penguin sits on an ice floe in the wide ocean; she enjoys being alone, but discovers that it can also become lonely. When she spies a hat floating in the water, she is pleased to find a little penguin inside. Now she will have company. Amazingly, the hat continues to pour out little penguins until there are, as the title states, "baby penguins everywhere." Now this mother needs a bit of time to herself, "though being together is a lot more fun!" Watercolor-and-pencil art depicts the frozen habitat of the intrepid penguins, and superb composition leads readers from page to page, showcasing the birds' antics. Spreads showing them playing in the snow, jumping rope, and tumbling are especially effective, and children will enjoy looking from group to group, discovering the variety of sports. This title can be used to talk about family, friends, and the occasional need to be alone.—Sharon Grover, Hedberg Public Library, Janesville, WI