What's in the Egg, Little Pip?

January 3, 2011
Little Pip, in her third outing, feels snubbed due to the "large, white oval" at her mother's feet. Pip commiserates with her friend, Merry, whose family is also expecting a chick. But when Chapman's acrylic landscape is slashed with sleet, Pip helps keep the egg warm, and on a sunny day when her brother cracks through the egg, Pip names him Sam. The displacement issues addressed are typical, but translate well to this tight-knit penguin community; readers awaiting a similar arrival will relate to Pip's mixed emotions. Ages 3–7.

February 1, 2011

PreS-Gr 2-In this third book about Little Pip, the young penguin wonders what is so special about the egg her parents are so carefully protecting. She experiences all the feelings that single children have when they discover that they are about to have a new sibling. Her parents don't seem to have time or room for her any more, and "I should be enough," she thinks. Her best friend, Merry, also cannot understand what the fuss is all about in her family. The two go off to play, but when a storm comes, Pip rushes back to help her father keep the egg warm and safe. When it finally hatches, she welcomes her baby brother and is happy to see all of the other penguin families with their new members. Lovely full-bleed illustrations in soft colors depict the rough texture of the Antarctic land and the harsh weather. Little Pip's expressions and body language reflect her moods of curiosity, insecurity, concern, and joy. Wilson and Chapman have once again produced an endearing book about a situation with which children can easily identify. Pip, Pip, hooray!-Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2011
Grades K-2 The baby penguin who tackled separation anxiety in Where Is Home, Little Pip? (2008) and learned to swim in Dont Be Afraid, Little Pip (2009) here takes on another childhood challengedealing with the impending arrival of a new sibling. She frets and pouts that I should be enough! until she plays an active role in keeping the egg safe and finally welcomes her new baby brother. Although the message is a familiar one, the universal family drama combines nicely with the naturalistic setting (a warmly depicted rocky beach) and realistic animal behaviors (parents taking turns sitting on the egg) to keep the telling fresh.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)