Penguin (book)


Penguin is a 2007 award-winning children's picture book by Polly Dunbar. It is about a boy who receives a penguin as a present and how they interact.

Reception

Penguin has been favourably received with Kirkus Reviews writing "Visually, Ben’s contortions and Lion’s aplomb hearken back to early Sendak. While it’s at first unclear whether the immutable Penguin is a stuffed toy, a pet or something else entirely, kids will know—by story’s end at the very latest—that this bird’s a friend. An attractively designed, child-appealing package.". Publishers Weekly found "Dunbar’s winsome mixed media illustrations carry the day in a story that pulls a few punches on readers." while Common Sense Media described it as a "Charming, whimsical boy-meets-bird tale."

Awards

It won the Nestlé Children's Book Prize Silver Award, the Red House Children's Book Award for Younger Children and a Booktrust Early Years Award. It was also shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal, and was selected by The Sunday Times as one of the best books of 2007 for children 0 to 3 year olds.

Adaption

Penguin has been adapted for the stage, has played at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has received positive reviews.