The littlest penguin and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade by Penguin Foundation and Jedda Robaard

The Littlest Penguin & the Port Phillip Island Penguin Parade is a delightful story about a group of penguins from their birth to adulthood. Little Penguin is the main character and with Scruffy, Cheeky and Big Chick, they learn to navigate life after leaving their burrows.

The story begins with Little Penguin as a chick safe with her parents. As she grows, she is apprehensive about moving from her burrow but begins to experience hunger and it forces her to be brave and join the other young penguins as they begin their long search for food. The four friends encounter dangers along the way but all support each other as they continue their search. With full bellies they return home and prepare for the next stage of their lives. Throughout the story, readers are able to learn key facts about the life cycle of penguins, their characteristics, habitat, diet, and the threats to them and their environment. At the end of the book is valuable information about the little penguins, fun facts, plus details about Jedda Robaard and the Penguin Foundation.

This story is beautifully told with both humour and an understanding that life is not easy for the little penguins. The gorgeous illustrations on each page complement and break up the text which allows the story to become more accessible and engaging for independent or reluctant readers. The Littlest Penguin & the Port Phillip Island Penguin Parade would be a wonderful story to read aloud to a class from Reception to Year 3 and with its small hardback presentation would make a perfect gift for Christmas or birthday. Teacher's Notes are available.

Themes: Penguins, Characteristics, Habitat, Diet, Danger, Environmental issues, Friendship, Humour, Bravery.

Kathryn Beilby