Penguin
Ben has unwrapped a terrific present—a new penguin! When Ben asks Penguin, “What shall we play?” Penguin says nothing. Frustrated, Ben tries everything he can think of to get Penguin to say something, including dancing, wearing a happy hat, and launching Penguin on a rocket to the moon. Nothing works. Yet when Ben is in danger, Penguin comes to his rescue, and reunited with Ben, says “everything” in his own unique picture story style. Dunbar’s art and engaging story help young readers understand that even those who cannot speak always have much to share.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Encourage the child to read the repetitive words in this book. Penguin almost always says ‘nothing.’ When reading this book aloud, pause and let the child read Penguin’s ‘nothing,’ pointing to the word for the child. If appropriate, when Penguin says “everything” at the end of the book, point to the word and discuss the difference between ‘nothing’ and ‘everything’.
Encourage your child to illustrate a simple event from their day as Penguin does in the book. Talk with your child about how pictures can tell a story.