Einstein the Penguin; Iona Rangeley, illustrated by David Tazzyman

Who doesn’t love a story about a penguin, especially a penguin who takes your invite quite literally and is on a mission that he desperately needs some help with.

Saturday. To keep their children, Imogen and Arthur, entertained, Mr and Mrs Stewart promptly decide on a family outing to London Zoo. It isn’t the lions, the monkeys or the flamingoes that capture the attention of the family though, it is one small penguin who Mrs. Stewart insists is welcome at the family home whenever he likes. Now the penguin, complete with rucksack, has turned up on the doorstep and he has no intention of leaving anytime soon…

Family fun, adventure, plenty of penguin mischief, laugh-out-loud storytelling and the most endearing little character will have readers racing through the pages of Iona Rangeley’s debut as quickly as Einstein gobbles up fish (or a lasagne given half the chance). Einstein the Penguin is a delightfully heart-warming story of family, bravery and doing what needs to be done to help a feathered friend. Add in a little bit of mystery and the strange man who appears to be hot on the tail of our loveable penguin and you have the perfect story.

The idea of a penguin appearing on your doorstep might seem highly appealing but it is certainly no waddle in the park and Einstein and his animal habits soon have everyone’s flippers/limbs in a flap. Whilst Einstein embraces family life, school days and shopping trips, they are not without their problems as the scatter-brained parents and children try to navigate life with their new arrival. And there is more to his seemingly random appearance, Einstein needs help and if he is ever to see his best mate Isaac again then he is going to need all of Imogen’s detective skills along with the help of her sidekick, Arthur.

Einstein is an absolute gem who will quickly become a firm favourite amongst the target audience. He is witty, sharp and is much more aware than his newly acquired non-feathered family give him credit for. Perfect for reading aloud to children in years one and two and a great independent read for children in years three and four. This slightly older reader is very much looking forward to more adventures with Einstein!

With huge thanks to Harper Collins for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.

Recommended for 6+.