'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Thursday, 22 February 2018

Review: Be Brave Little Penguin

From the creators of Giraffes Can’t Dance comes this story in rhyming verse, of a little penguin named Pip-Pip who is frightened of the sea. Ridiculed for his feelings of fear, he becomes sad and isolated from the other young penguins that enjoy endless frolics and games in the chilly waters.

His mum encourages him to have a go. She assures him that everyone has fears that they must try to overcome slowly. Pip-Pip’s negative ‘what ifs’ are replaced by his mum’s positive ones, and he gives it a try.

This is a stunning book full of warmth, tenderness and love between a mother and child, as together they face and solve the fears that many youngsters experience when trying new things for the first time; things that appear threatening or too hard for them.

Themes of confidence and self-esteem, and being brave, are strong and well-presented. Each page is a gem, beautifully illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees in superb colour, while the lavish text, orchestrated by the super-talented Giles Andreae, comes in waves of soft musical sounds across the page. 

While enjoying the brilliance of this beautiful book, kids will read words and their opposites, learn new sounds from the rhythm of the text which curves and waves on the page in sync with the moving penguins. It’s an utterly breathtaking production!
 
Title: Be Brave Little Penguin
Author: Giles Andreae
Illustrator: Guy Parker-Rees
Publisher: Hachette, $15.99
Publication Date: October 2017
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781408338384
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book