Book Review: Where’s the Penguin?
As a mom often caught in the delightful chaos of bedtime routines, I find myself turning to picture books to help center our evening rituals. Just the other night, with my two little ones jostling for my attention, I reached for Where’s the Penguin? by Ingela Arrhenius. Instantly, the offer of snuggles and reading time turned the tide from a pre-bath squabble to giggles and wonder—a beautiful reminder of the magic books can bring.
This interactive, sensory lift-the-flap book welcomes tiny explorers from ages newborn to about two years. The premise is straightforward yet captivating: a little penguin is hiding, along with other friendly marine animals like a whale, seal, and seagull. Each spread features vibrant illustrations and soft felt flaps that invite small hands to peek under and discover who’s hiding. The final reveal—a mirror—charmed my kids, drawing delighted squeals of “There you are!” from them.
What struck me most was how well-adapted this book is for the young ones. My daughter, at just over a year, loved interacting with the felt flaps. Unlike traditional cardboard ones that buckle under eager little fingers, these soft flaps stood up to her enthusiastic attempts at lifting them. We even had a few laughs as she “discovered” herself in the mirror at the end—her little giggles filled the room, and I could feel my heart swell.
The illustrations are bright, colorful, and captivating. They captured both my children’s attention immediately, sparking countless conversations about the sea creatures that abound in our world. “Look, Mommy! The big whale! Can you make its noise?” became a delightful exchange each time we opened the book.
My favorite moment was when my son asked me if we could “find the penguin again tomorrow.” It’s these unexpected interactions that turn a simple reading session into precious family memories. The simplicity of the text is perfect for a read-aloud, allowing me to use different voices and sound effects to bring each character’s personality to life.
I genuinely believe Where’s the Penguin? is a treasure for any home with little ones. It’s sturdy enough to handle the roughness of toddlers while fostering curiosity and interaction. I wholeheartedly recommend it to parents with babies and toddlers, especially those who love to explore and engage with books in a physical and sensory way. It’s not just a one-time read; we’ve added it to our bedtime rotation, and I can easily see it becoming a family favorite.
As parents, those moments of quiet connection with our children are golden. Reading Where’s the Penguin? has not only kindled joy in my kids but has also deepened my affection for the simple pleasures of childhood discovery. Buckle up for fun adventures in your family library—this charming book is sure to be a delightful companion for your own little explorers!
Dive into fun with Where’s the Penguin? >>
