Based on a real event in 2001, Flipper and Finnegan is the story of two Little penguins, and how hand knitted jumpers from a caring community helped save them after an oil spill. The story begins by describing Flipper and Finnigan’s cosy home and environment on Phillip Island. Details of their days and evenings are beautifully portrayed. When disaster strikes, Flipper, Finnegan and their penguin friends endure a scary journey covered in oil. A brighter ending prevails thanks to wildlife rangers and the kindness of many people knitting tiny jumpers to help the affected penguins.
I especially adore Anil Tortop’s illustrations, her use of colour and lighting express time, place and mood wonderfully while her characters are cute and loveable.
Details of the story origins including photos of penguins in jumpers at the back of the book are lovely and informative.
Sophie Cunningham and Anil Tortop are also the creators of Tippy & Jellybean, a true story of a koala who saved her baby from a bushfire.
Flipper and Finnegan is an educational story which would be great for primary aged children, reading in groups and prompting further conversation.
Title: Flipper and Finnegan
Author: Sophie Cunningham
Illustrator: Anil Tortop
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $19.99
Publication Date: 16 August 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761064814
For ages: 3 – 6
Type: Picture Book
