Peter Loves Penguin

Starred review from October 13, 2014
McPhail follows Ben Loves Bear and Bella Loves Bunny with another tender and thoroughly comforting story of friendship between a child and a (sentient) stuffed animal. Penguin awakens Peter one night—snow is falling, and there’s clearly only one thing to do. Donning scarves and coats, the two head outdoors, build a snowman, then return inside to warm up (“Penguin shares his cocoa. Peter shares his toast and jam”). McPhail highlights Peter’s autonomy and capability at every turn (once again, no adults appear), but also the cooperation and generosity that are intrinsic to a successful friendship. Ages 1–4. Agent: Faith Hamlin, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.

A little boy and his stuffed penguin enjoy an early-morning romp in the snow. This companion title to Ben Loves Bear and Bella Loves Bunny (both 2013) is equally warm and playful. In full-page and double-page scenes set against white backgrounds, Peter and Penguin bundle themselves up, engage in a snowball fight and construct a snowman. The two journey inside for hot cocoa and toast with jam when Penguin, surprisingly, gets chilly and Peter gets hungry. One or two sentences per page narrate the action. McPhail is able to capture emotion and affection in a few deft pen-and-ink lines, and his muted watercolors are perfect for the wintertime setting. Since Ben, Bella and now Peter are all Caucasian, here's hoping future offerings will include more diverse representations. A sweet addition to a winning series. (Board book. 18 mos.-3) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.