Friends in the Snow

Text: Daniel Postgate

Illustrations: Sam Childs

Year: 2012

Publisher: Scholastic Children’s Books, London

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture book

ISBN: 978 1 40711 539 9

Here’s another delightful book that celebrates a child’s unique ability to imagine much like Bruno’s Box. I liked this book also because it encourages children to explore their creative instincts and to be bold about their expressions. 

Brave little Lucy is startled by the white monster on the stark white bedroom wall. After failing to ignore the monster’s grunts and howls, she befriends him and takes him for a walk to discover new friends.

The adventure doesn't end … :-)

Excerpt

The penguin looked north, south, east and west.

He saw that Lucy was quite right, there was nothing but white.

“Then I’m King of Nothing,” said the penguin. “And Nothing will have to do.”

Little Penguin Lost

Text: Tracey Corderoy

Illustrations: Gavin Scott

Year: 2011

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84895 244 7

Tracey Corderoy spins magic again with a beautiful tale set in the magical frozen land of the penguins.

Little Plip loves his sock toy. At the end of a very playful day, he’s devastated to discover that he’s lost his beloved Sockybug. He’s determined to find it even though his older siblings caution him against wandering away in the fading light.

Their worst fears come true when Plip bumps into Wal-the-Wump, a walrus but they’re all in for a terrific surprise that ushers in a delightful new friendship.

The illustrations are absolutely wonderful and the attention to detail is breathtaking. 

The kids loved the book.

Excerpt

Everyone searched for Plip’s little sock toy.

They checked under the water …then inside all the caves.

“Where can he be?” sighed Plip. “He’ll be wanting a cuddle.”

Henry’s Holiday

Text: Gillian Shields

Illustrations: Rosie Reeve

Year: 2009

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Book, London

Age: 3 - 7 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN: 978 0 23073 633 7

Books that feature penguins on ice are always welcome. :-)

Meet Henry, a sweet little penguin who dreams of living on a tropical island because he just feels too cold on the ice!

His wish is fulfilled but he soon misses the love and friendship at home and, of course, the icy chill!

Excerpt

The island was full of palm trees and coconuts and pineapples. Everything was bright and warm and colorful. Henry was DELIGHTED.

But when he waddled up the beach, the sand wasn't soft and smooth and slippery like the snow.

Wild Things! Penguin in the post

Author: Lisa Regan

Illustrator: Kelly Caswell

Year: 2013

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN:  978-1-40817-942-0

I loved this wildlife book for little children. Friendly illustrations, uncluttered text in an engaging font, neat little chapters each with a whacky “You will need” section are some of the reasons why you might want this book for your little one.

And besides, this book is a fund-raising initiative from the Zoological Society of London, a charity that provides help for animals while also running the ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

Other books in this series include

• Tiger at the door
•  Elephant in the attic
• Giraffe on a sleepover
• Hippo in the house
• Lion who came to lunch
• Monkey in the garden
•  Emu on the loose

Excerpt

Penguins spend most of their time in the ocean.

They eat and play in the water. They come to land to lay their eggs.

You will need

·         To move to the seaside

·         To love the water – as much as your pet!

Bridget Fidget

By Joe Berger 

Year: 2008

Publisher: Puffin Books, London 

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 0 14150 180 2

The book's cover does call her ‘The girl in a whirl who can’t stay still!’. And, that does help explain all the zip-zap-zoom in the book.

Bridget Fidget wants a pet. So when a smaller-than-expected package arrives at home, Bridget decides to settle for a penguin instead of a unicorn. Underneath all the packaging material is a smaller box. So it’s just the right size for a mouse which she thinks ought to make a great pet. 

Her great dreams come crashing down when her dad opens the box. Or is there still hope? :-)

Excerpt

This box wouldn't open.

Bridget sniffed it. It didn't smell.

Bridget shook it. It didn't squeak.

Bridget rolled it. It didn't skitter.