The truth about penguins by Meg McKinlay
Ill. by Mark Jackson. Walker Books Australia, 2012. ISBN 9781
921720772.
(Ages 5+) Re-issued as a paperback. Picture book. The zoo is agog
with excitement, as the animals have heard that the penguins are
coming. The story does the rounds, going through the zoo from the
meercats, to the giraffe, to the otters, the owl, the bats, the
anteaters and so on, each adding their own bit of information about
what penguins are like and what they do. All the while,
illustrator Mark Jackson draws the penguins to reflect what the
animals say about them, adding gaudy beach outfits, suitcases, party
hats, all causing laughter from the audience, whether it being read
alone or in a group.
The penguins are said to fly south for winter, love pizzas, love
wearing jazzy beach wear but don't like putting their feet into the
cold water. When the animals start telling stories about the
penguins' parenting skills, the zoo keeper calls a halt to all the
misinformation and tells them the truth about penguins. But in the
background we can see the penguins arriving, and guess who is right?
A very funny look at truths and half truths, this book will cause
great delight amongst the audience as kids will giggle about the
half truths, calling out what they know, they will giggle with the
beautiful drawings of the animals in the zoo, look out for their
favourites, marvel at the correct information at the end and then
laugh all over again at the last page. What a treat.
Fran Knight