Pierre the Penguin: A True Story

A wonderful addition to my letter of the week, "Pp Week" studies!

Marzollo, Jean.
Pierre the Penguin: A True Story.
June 1, 2010.
Sleeping Bear Press.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Based entirely on the true story of Pierre the Penguin, an African penguin living at the California Academy of Sciences, Pierre the Penguin: A True Story introduces children to the extreme measures some scientists will go to in order to care for the animals they love so much! At age 25, Pierre began losing the waterproof feathers that protect him against cold water temperatures. It was obvious that something had to be done, and Pam, the scientist who worked with the penguins, took it upon herself to come with a plan of action. When heat lamps and medication failed to provide the help Pierre needed, Pam remembered about the watersuits that help humans keep warm in cold water temperatures and decided to enlist the help of others to create such a suit for Pierre. Pierre the Penguin: A True Story follows Pam and Pierre as they embark on the incredible journey that ended with miraculous results!

How could anyone not love (and be inspired by) this incredible story?!

Learning/Reading Activities:

• Research further details about Pierre here.
• Read the June 2, 2010 news release, "Pierre the Penguin" - a story with a happy ending, about Pierre, the penguin featured in Jean Marzollo's book!
  
• Read about Ralph, the humboldt penguin who was second in line to receive a wetsuit. You can also find videos of Ralph in his wetsuit!
• You can also check out the Teaching Guide provided by Sleeping Bear press, a wonderful resource for parents and teachers!
  

If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

National Bird Feeding Month

February is National Bird Feeding Month, so somewhat on topic, I have a couple of reviews for today!

Martchenko, Michael.

Birdfeeder Banquet.

1990.

Annick Press Ltd.,: Toronto, CA

Ages: 5-8
Genre: Fiction - Birds
Guided Reading Level: N/A

This is a hilarious story that I was not familiar with prior to finding it in a search for books about bird feeding! Jenny notices all the birds outside the kitchen window at the family bird feeder. However, she feels that they dislike the birdseed because of the way it's flying around. Her mother insists its the finest birdseed available, but when Jenny tries it, she agrees with the birds! She concocts her own birdfeed mixture and feeds it to the birds daily. But as they eat more, they quickly gain weight until they are no longer able to even fly! The mayor and townspeople are disgusted and order Jenny to do something about the problem. She tries, but even her exercise program fails. Finally, the mayor calls in a plane, promises the bird a buffet and ships them southward. Little do the birds know, they're headed to the health spa!

This story was not only funny, but it does teacher readers that birds need to follow a healthy diet, just as people do!

Fromental, Jean-Luc.

365 Penguins.

2006.

Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Ages: 4-8

Genre: Fiction - Penguins, Math

Guided Reading Level: N/A

Uncle Victor decides to surprise the family with a special Christmas gift, set to start in the new year! Every day, the doorbell rings and a delivery man delivers the family a package - a penguin. By the end of January, there are 31 penguins living in the family home. With each penguin comes unplanned for expenses - namely feeding them all! Finally, the last day of the year has arrived, New Year's Eve, but there's still one last delivery to be made - one last penguin, the 365th one!

This book provides plenty of room for counting activities and also multiplication for older children, as they could be asked how much it costs to feed the penguins or how many pounds of fish are needed. The book itself is very funny and the illustrations are drawn using colors that we associate with penguins - black, orange, and white, adding to the story being told!