I am a huge fan of Chris Haughton’s picture books, they are clever, funny and always go down a storm with children. In his latest book, a devoted mum’s quest for food is beautifully portrayed in a fun, icy tale.
Little Penguin has an empty belly that needs satisfying so it is up to Mummy Penguin to hunt for dinner. Leaving Daddy Penguin to look after Little Penguin, she sets off to the freezing waters of Antarctica. With icy slopes, other hungry penguins and sleeping seals, will Mummy Penguin successfully return with the fish that is so desperately craved…
I flippin’ love this! Charming and utterly delightful, this is another brrrr-illiant book from Haughton. Told in simple text and featuring his instantly recognisable and stylish artwork, Well Done, Mummy Penguin is an irresistible story of family, love and the lengths a mother will go to for her precious offspring. Young children can often find it difficult when parents leave for work, not fully understanding the situation and whether those they love will come back to them. This peng-tastic narrative provides the reassurances that whilst parents may have to go away they do come back.
Haughton delivers a cracking twist on the traditional family dynamic with Daddy taking care of Little Penguin and Mummy tasked with finding food and navigating the treacherous icy plains and waters. She is brave, courageous and does everything a loving and devoted mother does. Nothing can stop Mummy on her quest, not even a family of seals whom she accidentally wakes from their peaceful slumber. A brilliantly humorous, eyebrow-raising, eye-rolling ending has Little Penguin, blissfully unaware of the effort that it took Mummy to catch a fish and bring it back, innocently ask, ‘Can I have some more?’ (the work of a mother is never done, right?).
The pictures tell so much of the story and the facial expressions of the penguins reveal so much with looks of curiosity, longing, anxiety, happiness, pride and joy all perfectly portrayed. It is utterly delightful as Little Penguin watches on in awe at all of the incredible things that Mummy can do and the looks and comments between Daddy and Little Penguin are filled with a precious love for a mother and penguin wife.
Just like Mummy catches fish, Haughton will quickly hook readers in with his humorous and suspenseful icy adventure that will keep young children on the edge of their seats. Snow-one will be disappointed by this read! Recommended for 3+. With huge thanks to Walker for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.
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