Beginning and ending with the words “Peter loves Penguin. Penguin loves Peter”, the simplicity of this book is one of the things that makes it work so well. There is just one short, simple sentence on each page, and an uncluttered picture to match, with plenty of white space.
Peter and Penguin make their way through the day, sharing it with each other. After getting out of bed they get dressed and go outside. It’s cold and they turn making a snowball into building a snowman. Peter and Penguin work together, helping each other to build their frozen friend.
What one can’t do, the other can - Penguin can’t reach the top of the snowman, so Peter helps, and they each find something to decorate it with. Soon Peter gets hungry and Penguin gets cold (funny thing for a penguin to feel!) and it’s time to return inside and share a snack - hot cocoa and toast and jam.
If you want to teach young children about sharing and helping others, this is a lovely and subtle way to start introducing the concept.
Title: Peter Loves Penguin
Author/Illustrator: David McPhail
Publisher: Abrams, $15.99 RRP
Publication Date: October 2014
Format: Hardcover (board book)
ISBN: 9781419713378
For ages: 2-4
Type: Picture book