Tacky's Christmas

September 1, 2010

In the latest amusing addition to the long-running Tacky the Penguin series, the irrepressibly individualistic penguin saves the day once again. The penguins are celebrating Christmas in Nice Icy Land, and during their celebration, the proper penguins dress Tacky as a combination Santa and Christmas tree. During their present exchange, Tacky gives his friends gifts of shaving cream, squirting everyone so it appears that the penguins all have beards. When three familiar hunters appear, they mistake the penguins for "Sandy" and his "elfies," and they all celebrate Christmas together in friendly fashion. The comical illustrations, silly mistaken-identity concept and the impossibly dim hunters' hilarious comments all add up to a funny, entertaining read proving once again that Tacky is "a nice bird to have around." A CD of Tacky's Christmas songs is included. (Picture book. 3-7)

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October 1, 2010

K-Gr 3-When Christmas comes to the Nice Icy Land, so do hunters. But thanks to Tacky and his penguin crew, holiday antics ensue. Because there are no trees to be had, Tacky's friends decide to decorate him as a Christmas tree (over his Santa outfit). The hunters mistake him for "Sandy Clawz," whom they revere, and think that his friends are elves. There's nothing to do but enjoy a convivial evening of fish pudding, songs, and games. Munsinger's signature illustrations continue to delight. And with a CD and a songbook of Tacky's carols included, fans of the series will not be disappointed.-Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2010
Preschool-G When Christmas comes to Nice Icy Land, Tacky dons a Santa suit, and five penguins organize the present wrapping, ornament making, and tree trimming. Three hunters arrive, looking for penguins. But, believing that Tacky is Santa, they put aside their traps and stay for Christmas dinner. Though perhaps not the funniest picture book in the popular Tacky the Penguin series, its still solid for reading aloud, especially in December. Munsingers appealing watercolors illustrate the story with humor and finesse. A CD and booklet of Tackys Carols, five rewritten Christmas songs, tuck neatly into an endpaper pocket.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)