Bibliographic Information
Simon, Seymour. PENGUINS. New York,NY: Harper Collins. ISBN:978-0064462211
Plot and Critical Analysis
Seymour Simon, one of the most respected authors for children's science books, offers an inside look at penguins and their habitat. In conjunction with the Smithsonian Institute, this book provides an accurate look into how penguins live and offer basic facts of the birds that can't fly. With both the reputation of Mr. Simon and the Smithsonian Institute, any parent or teacher knows this is a trustworthy source with information that children can cite as well as know its accurate. Different penguin species are addressed, offering brief introductions and photos of each in an easily readable layout as a new species or topic occurs with the turning of each page. The similarities among the 17 species are addressed as well as their differences, but only a few get multi-page spreads. Details such as how penguins attract their mate, the differences among species, and the importance of a penguin's call are addressed. There are photos identifying each species, penguin's habitats, and examples of penguin behavior. Each set of pages offer information about a species type on one page with a corresponding picture on the other page so that listeners can recognize the penguin they are learning about. The text is written in clear sentences with humorous facts as well as basic information and the addition of both a glossary and index can assist the reader as well.
The photographs provided by numerous photographers are clear images. Some are of penguins on land, others in water. Some are taken in the sun while others are in harsher elements such as snowstorms. The variety of photographs truly grasp the lifestyle and habits of these animals. Each photograph is up close to the penguin(s) so that readers can truly view these birds. Also, by being so clear and up close, readers can recognize the differences between species which goes along with the message of the text. Children will delight in the fluffy newborn penguin photos, but parents be warned - the page dealing with predators offers the visual of a dead penguin. All in all, the photographs are just as significant as the text of this book as most children, and even adults, have never come across a penguin other than at a zoo.
Awards and Reviews
Seymour Simon is the recipient of:
The Science Books & Films Key Award for Excellence in Science Books
Empire State Award
Jeremiah Ludington Award
School Library Journal
In his signature photo-essay format with appealing full-page color photographs, Simon provides a broad overview of Antarctic penguins' physical characteristics and behavior. Mating, egg laying, and care of the young are described, as are the animal predators and human factors that threaten the survival of penguins. A few species—emperor, king, gentoo, macaroni, Adélie—each get an individual page of description. Readers will find more detailed information in Laurence Pringle's Penguins! Strange and Wonderful (Boyds Mills, 2007) and in several of the many other books available on this popular animal, but Simon's photographs are eye-catching. A serviceable introduction that will have familiarity for the author's many fans.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston --Margaret Bush (Reviewed October 1, 2007) (School Library Journal, vol 53, issue 10, p140)
Kirkus Reviews
Striking color photographs, often filling a page or more, distinguish this addition to the extensive literature about penguins. Six different species are shown close up and in their natural habitat. The well-organized text describes where these appealing birds live; how they walk, feed and swim; their mating and chick-rearing; and predators, before going on to distinguish among the species and summarize modern threats. Direct references to the pictures on the facing page make this content easy for the youngest reader or listener to follow, although they may be confused by the statement that Gentoo penguins' orange bill "sets them apart from other penguins" when the species illustrated before and after that page are also shown with orange bills. The author of more than 200 books for young readers, Simon packs a great deal of information into his relatively simple, smooth writing. There is no map but the end matter includes a glossary, index and suggestions for further reading, including websites about penguins and the Smithsonian, as well as other titles by the author. (Nonfiction. 4-7) (Kirkus Reviews, October 15, 2007)
Connections
Any informational book offers an educational opportunity. In the case of this book, children could go on to read about other birds or even aquatic animals to compare and contrast a penguin to each. As the penguin lives part of the time in water and is a bird, that cannot fly, a child could look into how traits vary from other mammals as well as birds that fly. As there are also numerous picture books about penguins, this nonfiction source could be beneficial to share with a younger audience just for brief facts and real life photographs of their recognized fictitious characters, such as Tacky the Penguin. With learning about one animal, there can always be the connection to study other animals, climates, or how humans influence the world of animals, and how it is important to care for other living creatures.
Similar Readings:
Killer Whales (Seymour Simon): Another Simon and Smithsonian partnership, but this one about whales.
My season with penguins: an Antarctic journal (Sophie Webb): For those interested in penguins, they may enjoy this book on a woman's experience living among penguins for two months.
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