The Littlest Penguin and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade; Jedda Robaard

Created in partnership with the Penguin Foundation, this is sure to be one of the most adorable books of the year.

Little Penguin loves life in the burrow; it is cosy, safe and there’s always food to feed a hungry belly. But Little Penguin cannot stay in the burrow for ever and soon it will be time to head out into the ocean and search for her own fish supper. It’ll be the adventure of a lifetime that will take Little Penguin far from home. Oh what things she will see and what fun she will have. And then she’ll be back for a well deserved rest and to maybe welcome her own little penguin into the world…​

The Littlest Penguin is an absolutely gorgeous story for young readers that reveals the lives of the famous Phillip Island penguins through the exploits of Scruffy, Little, Big and Cheeky who huck, huck, huck their way through their best penguin life. Immediately endearing - just look at that cover - an insightful story is delivered with bags of humour and plenty of heart without ever shying away from the fact that life is far from easy for these little ones. Irresistible illustrations, that bring the sweet ocean adventure to life, are sure to captivate and will ensure future generations want to do everything they can to help protect some of Phillip Islands most remarkable residents.

By celebrating the amazing and very big life of a very small penguin and showcasing the wonder of Phillip Island, children are given unique insight into penguin life both on land and in water. Burrow building, raising young, strength in numbers, essential camouflage, feeding and behaviour traits make for an authentic portrayal of these flippin’ fantastic birds. A plethora of non-fiction back matter and fun facts add further educational content and will provide the answers to many questions that curious minds have.

Presented in hardback and with charming endpapers, the most delightful of little packages is as cute as the penguins that it is written about it and will be met with 'hucks' of delight by the readers whose lives it waddles into. A must read for young animal lovers and junior conservationists.

Recommended for 6+.

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