Blue Penguin

Blue Penguin is a story about being ostracized and isolated for being different. As the title tells the reader this is story about a penguin that is a different colour from normal penguins. The other penguins question whether he really is a penguin and he tries to show is like the others by fishing and swimming like a penguin but they still leave him alone. In one strong image the reader sees him standing, alone in a snowstorm: 'Blue Penguin was left all alone. His days were filled with emptiness.' From this point the story starts to change as we are told the Blue Penguin dreamed about a white whale rescuing him and as a result of the dream he creates a song that he sings to himself every morning. This song attracts a little ordinary penguin to him and she asks him to teach her the song and as a result they became friends. The other penguins, who have treated him so badly, also now want to learn the song. Through their singing the penguins attract a huge white whale but the Blue Penguin does not now want to be rescued as he feels he now belongs with the other penguins. This is a simple story, beautifully illustrated, which would be an excellent starting point for discussing difference, acceptance and friendship. Picture book / Ages 4+ / Reviewed by Fiona Collins, consultant.

Suggested Reading Age 5+