Penny and the Penguin


Children - Animals
36 Pages
Reviewed on 01/19/2013
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Kirin Daugharty was hatched and raised in Great Lakes territory and received her bachelor of fine arts degree in animation from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. After migrating to the west coast, Daugharty created characters for, and animated on, several programs, including KABLAM's "Action League Now!" and "The Simpsons." She has worked at both Hanna-Barbera and Warner Brothers TV Animation studios. With the increase in animation productions drifting offshore, Daugharty rekindled her love of the natural world while volunteering at the Los Angeles Zoo. She made enrichment devices for the animals, completed both the docent and observational research training classes, and years later was hired to oversee the zoo's volunteer programs. Daugharty has twice been selected to act as mentor for high school students on conservation field research trips to Brazil and Ecuador.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite

Young Penny is on a field trip with her class when she sees something from the corner of her eye. She goes to the water to explore and sees something that looks like a bowling ball and yet, it isn't. Upon further inspection, Penny sees that she has come upon a penguin. In "Penny and the Penguin", Kirin Daugharty explores the puzzle of why penguins have wings and yet, they do not appear to fly. Penny does her best to explain to the penguin that its wings are not being appropriately used. She even tries modeling for the penguin and yet, the penguin does not seem to respond. Penny becomes motivated to teach the penguin to fly and she tries various methods until finally giving up in frustration. And then, she sees the penguin jump in the water and she has the surprise of her life!

This book will appeal to young children because of its subject matter and because it is appealingly presented. The questions posed and their potential solutions are those that most young readers would think about. The book incorporates both thought and emotion and as such, is the perfect story to get children involved. There are beautiful illustrations which complement the story and they facilitate the learning of the child reader. I particularly liked the 'Penguin Fun Facts' at the end of the book. When a child has just enjoyed a story of fun and imagination, it is the perfect time to encourage a bit of education as well.