Everyone thinks they are special, and penguins are no different. Especially when their name is Percival, and they are a King Penguin. And in the story aptly named, The King Penguin, we see how one penguin realizes that it is not a kingdom that he rules, but a community that he belongs in.
In a simple fiction story by Vanessa Roeder, we learn a little about penguin names, some scientific facts (other animals seem to want to eat penguins, a lot), and some terribly rude sardines. Due late September 2023 this adorably, sparsely illustrated story (also done by Roeder) shows how we all need to work together to make things, well work. The humor of the art will tickle the adult reading, while the younger listener/reader will just enjoy the funny antics of our penguin friends.
I was not sure I was going to like this book, the cover gave it a “too easy” and slightly pretentious air to it. But it turns out that it is a nice story and has a good message. Since this was read online, I do want to see the final product as I was wondering the dimensions of the book (it feels like it could be a good board book, or a hardcover 8×8 sized book (like the fun tie-in titles or Berenstain Bears size). There is enough humor (as said, lots of animals want o eat Percival, and the way the author presents that is clever) to counter the message, without diluting it. The younger reader (toddler to about six or seven doing solo reads) will enjoy becoming reading friends with Percival, a King Penguin.
