Monday, May 13, 2013

Book Review - Penguin Pandemonium


Penguin Pandemonium (Awesome Animals)

By: Jeanne Willis
Publisher: Barron's Educational Series
Publication Date: April 2013
ISBN: 978-1438003016
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: May 2013

Everyone used to head to the City Zoo on Royal Road to see Rory, one of the zoo’s star attractions. Rory and his best friend, little Blue, were wondering where all the people went to. It seemed like no one wanted to visit them, like at all. Orson the bear claimed, “No one wants to watch a bunch of birds eating fish heads any more.” Even Savannah, the zookeeper’s daughter, was bored by the penguins. “Penguins,” she exclaimed, “just stand there stinking of squid.” Ewwwww! The situation was so bad that the zoo was going to be shut down for good. No kidding!

Blue was all upset because they could be split up, but Rory wasn’t going to have any of that. “I’m not going without a fight, Blue,” Rory told her, “I have to think of a way to save this zoo!” Now there was that gun, a gun that turned out to be a web cam. Everyone was in a panic at the thought of the zoo closing, but maybe there was something they could do. “If we want to attract visitors through Penguin Cam, all we need to do is put on the greatest show on earth!” Everyone was about to get their “flippers in a flap” when everyone didn’t quite see eye-to-eye. Would the show be a hit or a big Rockhopper belly flop?

The flippers start flapping when the penguins at the City Zoo hold a talent contest. This has to be the funniest, zaniest book in the “Awesome Animals” series. The whole zoo is in an uproar when every no-talent animal steps up to the plate to perform. Of course there are personality clashes and Muriel always has something hilarious to say: “Oh my Cod, she pushed me!” By default, there is a lot to learn about the different kinds of penguins. In the front there is a listing of the penguins (Rockhopper, Fairy, Emperor, and Chinstrap) and a bit about them (for real). If you have a youngster who has a good sense of humor and loves animal adventure, he or she will love spending time with this zany bunch of penguins (and one goose)!

Quill says: The “Awesome Animals” series is perfect for young mischief makers who enjoy seeing other young critters in action!




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