Be Brave, Little Penguin

October 9, 2017
A young penguin faces his fear in this rhyming tale from the team behind Giraffes Can’t Dance. While a colony’s penguins frolic in the sea, Pip-Pip stays on shore, building an igloo by himself: “Names like ‘Scaredy-Pip-Pip’/ Echoed in his ears./ He was sad and he was lonely,/ But he couldn’t show his tears.” When Pip-Pip’s parents ask what’s wrong, he responds with a worst-case scenario that includes freezing water, being unable to swim, and being eaten by a monster. Andreae’s story aims to inspire not just bravery but positive thinking, as evidenced by Pip-Pip’s mother’s reply: “What if in that water/ There are friends for you to meet?/ And what if it is light and warm/ And full of treats to eat?” She guides him to the water’s edge, where “he closed his eyes, he held his breath,/ And little Pip-Pip... jumped!” Parker-Rees creates an appealing balance between the sunny yellow sky, crisp white snow, and a shimmering sea of blue in his swoopy and loose images. Through the verse can be cloying or awkward, the message may still hit home with nervous readers. Ages 3–5.

January 1, 2018

PreS-Gr 1-The author of Giraffes Can't Dance is back with another animal story about overcoming obstacles. In this case, it's a little penguin's fear of water. While the other penguins frolic merrily in the icy Antarctic ocean, little Pip-Pip remains ashore, too afraid to join in the fun. Saddened by loneliness and the teasing cries of "Scaredy-Pip-Pip" from the other penguins, the little penguin sits alone until his parents intervene. While his dad is less than understanding, his mother's gentle approach pays off. She validates his fears, provides reassurance and support, and encourages him to think positively rather than let his fears hold him back. The illustrations complement the story, with dark, murky blues depicting the unknown depths of the ocean and vibrant yellow skies representing Pip-Pip's joy at discovering a new ability. VERDICT A welcome addition to the wealth of stories for young children on overcoming fears. The pleasant rhyme scheme makes it an excellent storytime or classroom read-aloud.-Kimberly Tolson, Concord Free Public Library, MA

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2017
A tiny penguin is afraid of the water.Pip-Pip, a roly-poly penguin whose body is mostly head and feet, sees the ocean as a murky, scary place. While all of his friends are splashing and playing, Pip-Pip stays ashore, tears rolling down his cheeks. Mommy penguin gently takes his flipper and encourages him to start slow. "But what if the water's FREEZING? / Mommy, what if I get in / And it's just too dark and deep for me? / And what if...I CAN'T swim?" His mom helps to reframe the situation: "What if in that water / There are friends for you to meet? / And what if it is LIGHT and WARM / And full of treats to eat?" Pip-Pip gathers his courage, tiptoes to the slippery edge, and JUMPS! A tale of overcoming fear is nothing new, but fans of the pair's previous work, Giraffes Can't Dance (2001), will cheer the easy resolution. Parker-Rees exchanges bold jungle colors for the icy cool hues of the Antarctic--with warm, sunny bursts for Pip-Pip's triumphant success. The jaunty rhyme scheme adds a note of cheer to counteract Pip-Pip's nervousness and timidity.Andreae and Parker-Rees team up once again for another zoological confidence booster. (Picture book. 3-6)

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