Little Penguins

July 18, 2016
Five small penguins and their mother chill out in this playful, minimalist approach to winter. Rylant (the Mr. Putter and Tabby books) supplies only a few words per spread as the pointy-beaked penguins peek out of their blue-green igloo: “Snowflakes? Many snowflakes. Winter is coming!” The penguins call and respond as they gear up: “Mittens? Many mittens. And matching scarves. Socks? One for each foot!” Outfitted individually in red, blue, green, and white, four of the five sled and stomp until their mother and cautious yellow-scarfed sibling—sliding on their bellies—come out to collect them. Caldecott Honor–winner Robinson (Last Stop on Market Street) illustrates in cut paper and simple strokes of acrylic, envisioning the silhouette-black penguins as birdlike toddlers (or toddler-like birds). His snowflakes are shreds of white scattered on shades of blue, and captivating endpapers show walruses, a whale, gulls, and other wildlife. Visually and thematically reminiscent of Ezra Jack Keats’s beloved The Snowy Day, Rylant and Robinson’s story warmly celebrates a parent’s attentive presence amid an enticing winter backdrop. Ages 3–7. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House.

"Winter is here."Five little penguins who live in an igloo with their mother are very excited. They see snowflakes, which means it's winter, so naturally, it's time to go outside. Imaginative and lovable illustrations of acrylic and cut-paper collage show the curious young birds as they dress up in their mittens, scarves, socks, and boots and head out into the very deep snow; children will easily identify with their mounting excitement. Minimal text makes this a very good choice for toddlers and other young listeners while leaving room for counting and giggling, and the mixture of make-believe and realistic detail works nicely, creating a winsome world full of gentle adventure. But wait, what's happened to Mama? She's watching over them from close by, of course, and soon it's time for five little penguins to come in out of the cold, shed their winter gear, and have some cookies and "sippies" before burrowing into their inviting beds. Robinson's penguins are created from elemental shapes: large circles form their heads, and then beaks, bodies, wings, and flippers in triangles of various sizes make up the rest of them. The combination of clarity, simplicity, warmth, light humor, and striking visuals makes this an excellent tale for the very young. A very warm and satisfying bedtime book and a paean to penguins and winter delights. (Picture book. 1-5) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from October 1, 2016

PreS-The first snowfall of the season is greeted with excitement by five playful penguins. After rooting through the clothes cupboard for coordinating ensembles ("Socks? One for each foot! What about boots? Red ones"), the siblings head outside. The spare, minimal text asks, "So, how's the snow?" As one penguin sinks down to his tummy, the succinct answer is "Very deep." After frolicking for awhile, they shiver: "Brrr. Let's go home." Outerwear is doffed, jammies are donned, and following a snack of warm cookies and "sippies," Mama tucks the quintet into bed. Cut-paper snowflakes float down in Robinson's fetching acrylic and collage illustrations. The charming penguins have teeny triangular feet, big round noggins, and rectangular bodies. Personalities shine through with the quizzical tilt of a head or an impetuous nosedive into a snowbank. Individuality is also expressed by each bird's penchant for apparel color. Whimsical details like fish-patterned curtains, a fish weather vane, and a mailbox at the tip of the iceberg add to the clever fun. VERDICT A splendid, wintry delight for little ones everywhere.-Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ont., Canada

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from August 1, 2016
Preschool-G *Starred Review* Caldecott Honor winners Rylant and Robinson collaborate in this visually stunning depiction of winter in Antarctica, but it's really about winter fun anywhere. Five silhouetted penguins are intrigued by the many snowflakes they see through the window of their iglootheir clue that winter is coming. They excitedly dig through the winter clothes basket, selecting different colored mittens and scarves to match. Then socks. Then boots. Out they go to sled and stomach-slide into the deep snow, until Mama comes to rescue them. Then . . . off go scarves, boots, socks, and mittens. Now jammies, warm cookies, and sippies before they wrap up tight to watch the night. The simple text uses only one or two words on a page, and each double-page, full-bleed spread shows the action. Done in acrylic paint and cut-paper collage, the background of warm winter hues in deep blue and stark white sparkles with touches of colorful detail. The penguins' playroom and bureau and snuggly beds are familiar environments for little ones. Young children will have fun matching the Arctic animals on the end papers and the colored accessories of the little birds as they go about their winter fun. Pair with Ezra Jack Keats' classic The Snowy Day.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)