The Penguin Lady
Carol Cole
Illustrated by Sherry Rogers

Sylvan Dell
Feb 2012 / ISBN 9781607185369
Picture book, animals (ages 4-9)
Amazon

Reviewed by Bob Walch

Here’s a cute picture book about a woman who loved penguins, but when people discovered that she would provide a home for the penguins, things got totally out of hand.

It all began when Penelope’s brother sent her one penguin from the Galapagos Islands. Then her sister decided to send two Rockhopper penguins from Argentina. But this was just the beginning. Penelope opened her door one day to discover three Antarctic Chinstrap penguins on her porch and later four baby African penguins mysteriously arrived on her doorstep. And they just kept coming!

Eventually enough was enough. Since her waddling guests had taken over her house, garage, and yard, Penelope had to do something. That’s when the local zoo stepped in and said they’d take over the care of all these different penguins. The Penguin Lady was more than happy to say, “Thank you!” and drove her penguins in a truck to their new home.

Not only is this a counting book but it also provides a geography lesson about where the different penguins come from and shows the different types of penguins. At the end of the book there are four pages of learning activities which include greater detail about the varieties of penguins.

Carol Cole makes learning about penguins a lot of fun and since the birds are so popular, this book is guaranteed to keep young readers occupied.