Penguin

“Dunbar’s winsome mixed-media illustrations carry the day in a story that pulls a few punches on readers.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

A Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year
A Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choice
A Baker’s Dozen: Best Children’s Books for Family Literacy Selection (Pennsylvania)

Ben rips open his present and finds a penguin inside. “Hello, Penguin!” he says. “What shall we play?” But Penguin says nothing. Even when Ben tickles its belly, does a dizzy dance, and sticks out his tongue, Penguin makes no response. What will it take for Penguin to say something — or for Ben to understand what Penguin has to say? Spare illustrations bring whimsy to this offbeat tale, in which a little boy gets his heart’s desire.