Penguin

Story

Ben opens his present and finds a Penguin! He’s over the moon with excitement, but Penguin doesn’t seem so interested in Ben’s funny faces, silly moves and funky outfits. When a Lion passes by, Ben finds out something that was really worth waiting for.

Why we chose it

Penguin is a story of friendship and communication, and appeals to children all over the world.

Where it came from

Author and illustrator Polly Dunbar drew a small sketch of a Penguin biting the nose of a little boy when her brother gave her an old toy penguin. All he said was: “You have to look after this Penguin, he’s very precious, but watch out he BITES!” Little did she know that would be the start of a lovely picture book.

Where it went next

Publishing experts, families and - most of all children - love Penguin. This funny picture book won several awards as soon as it was published in 2007 - such as the Booktrust Early Years Award and the Red House Children’s Book Award. It was also shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal and considered to be one of the best books of 2007 by The Sunday Times.

Penguin has been translated into many different languages and adapted for the stage by Long Nose Puppets, bringing interactive puppetry to Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Associated stories

Polly Dunbar has written and illustrated many other stories, including Dog Blue (2005) and A Lion is a Lion (2018).