Zenguin

PreS-Gr 2–Penguin loves living with his friends in Antarctica, but sometimes they stress him out with their constant noise and movement. One day, when the squawks, pips, and thumps get to be too much, Penguin can’t take it anymore. He shouts at his friends and then waddles away in search of zen. What Penguin learns ends up helping him save the day when another penguin is in trouble. This gentle story by Smith (The Hawk of the Castle) has a calming effect, with soft brushed illustrations by Hanson (I Love You Like No Otter) in a light palette of whites, blues, and browns, and the repeated phrase “This is how I feel zen,” in larger text that rolls like an ocean wave. Readers may relate to the adorable penguin, differentiated from his friends by the heart in the middle of his chest, as he describes what it feels like when he gets overstimulated: “Sometimes, his heart beat fast like a drum. Other times, he got angry like a fierce Antarctic storm.” Caregivers reading with children may share techniques to help them relax and stay calm; along with the suggestions of Penguin’s friends in the story, the back matter offers more ideas, including belly breathing and drawing.