The Chilly Penguin

How can this lonely, cold penguin get warm? He tries several ways, knitting a long scarf, building a fire, (thankfully the illustrations show the ice melting below the flames, Penguin tumbling into the water. Watch his ever present bowler hat come adrift in the water, but as always, it is retrieved and popped back on his head…) Penguin tries skating to warm himself but he is still chilly. He looks about to give up his efforts when a friend appears, and Mmmmmm. A warm and snuggly cuddle chases away those chills. The thick board pages with well-rounded corners are painted icy blues and are definitely chilly throughout. A careful picture studier will spot the friend appear on the skating page, wearing orange skates which are later discarded for the cuddle. The final page is wordless, and depicts three huddled penguins. Maybe children will interpret the three as “a crowd”, whilst others will decide the third is an addition to the family! There is repetition in the text to encourage participation, and the book will spark lots of discussion; ‘Why does he always wear a bowler hat?’ ‘Where did he get all those logs from, to make a fire?’ Worth seeking out.