Author: Scott McDermott
Illustrator: ChristineAnderson
Publisher: Noble Kids Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-7333548-5-1

“There must be a way for me to fly. But how?” the little penguin asks herself in Scott McDermott’s children’s book, A Penguin’s Quest.

This jacketed forty-page hardbound targets children ages five to seven years old who like fun stories about penguins and other creatures. With no scary scenes, it promotes that if one puts determination and resolve in a project, the goal can be accomplished. Colorful full-page and black-and-white illustrations cover the open pages with an easy-to-read font.

This original tale has an Antarctican penguin named Ingrid who wants to learn to fly. When she meets two wayward pigeons, they tell her they know of a bird in New York that can teach her. She hops on a ship, meets a boss, gets help at a train station, and ends up in the snow, where she is taught the art of jumping. When the bird returns home, she shows her colony how to fly and keep penguin traffic down.

This is a refreshing story that both kids and adults will like. It is told in a charming way that endears the reader to a polite and persistent bird who keeps trying to reach her goal. I loved how it not only teaches to keep at it when wanting something, but that it also contains fun facts about penguins, pigeons, rats, and skiing.

Young ones who are challenged by long stories may not like this book. There are two- and three-syllable words beginner readers may have trouble pronouncing.

I wish the story were a little shorter, but it could be read over several nights at bedtime. There are a few punctuation errors and words spelled incorrectly on purpose that may confuse readers.

If you are looking for a fun, silly, and engaging story to read about a penguin reaching her objective, this is one that belongs on a nightstand or bookcase so it can be read and enjoyed often.

Thanks to Bookpleasures and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.