Kid Review – Penguin Pen Pals – picture book

LeCouteur, Rick. Penguin Pen Pals: A charming story of diversity, acceptance, and friendship. 2024.

Guide to Categories – Kid Review – review of books for elementary-aged and younger children

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Summary

“Penguin Pen Pals” is a heartwarming children’s picture book that follows the journey of a curious penguin named Johnny. Growing up in his cozy rookery in the Antarctic, Johnny’s curiosity about the world beyond his home leads him to seek pen pals. With the help of his caring mom, Johnny discovers two pen pals.

As Johnny and his pen pals exchange letters, they come to the surprising conclusion that they must all be the same. They share similar appearances, eating habits, and behaviors. Excited to meet in person, the penguins are in for a big surprise when they finally come face to face. To their amazement, they realize that they are each a different species of penguin – Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adele.

Initially taken aback by their differences, the penguins grapple with uncertainty. However, they quickly realize that their friendship is not defined by outward appearances but by the kindness and understanding they share. Embracing the diversity among them, the penguins learn a valuable lesson – true friendship is based on what is inside, not on external differences.

“Penguin Pen Pals” delivers a powerful message to young readers about the importance of accepting others for who they are, emphasizing that friendships should be built on character rather than appearances. This charming tale encourages children to celebrate diversity and appreciate the uniqueness that each individual brings to the world.

Purchase Penguin Pen Pals on Amazon – https://amzn.to/41NZYA4

My Kid Review

LeCouteur has crafted a delightful story about penguins who are pen pals. In their notes to each other, they discover many ways they are the same. When they meet, the first thing they notice is their differences. Yet, they accept each other as they are.  LeCouteur ends the book with factual information about each type of penguin represented by the characters of the story. 

LeCouteur’s illustrations will help children visualize aspects of the story that they are not familiar with. 

I’m not sure I would place this book in a K-12 Christian school library. While the illustrations are acceptable and most of the information is good, the book opens with a statement based on evolutionary theory. If that statement had been left out, the book would be appropriate for a Christian school library. 

I received a complimentary copy of Penguin Pen Pals. This is my honest review.

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