Book Review: Ethel the Penguin by Ursula Dubosarsky

 Ethel the Penguin

by

Ursula Dubosarsky

illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 1st October 2024 

Genre: Picture Book

Pages: 32

RRP: AU$19.99 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher 

Review: Ethel the Penguin

We've been loving books about penguins lately and Ethel the Penguin is another 'must read' that we've added to our shelf.

Ethel is that wild friend everyone needs! She is not afraid to make a fuss and have some fun. The teacher makes her sit by herself in class because she's full to the brim with mischief.

When she climbs to the top of the Ferris wheel and scares her poor parents, she really is sorry ...... for a little while. 

Ethel the Penguin is such a fun story! Ethel gave us all a bit of a giggle as she misbehaves in class causing a ruckus and jumps from the Ferris wheel forgetting penguins can't fly. She is totally impulsive and very much wild.

Ursula Dubosarsky uses anthropomorphism but I love that she didn't make Ethel totally human. Rather than living in a house she lives with her parents in an igloo. 

Christoper Nielsen's full page illustrated spreads are bright and colourful and the rhyming prose flow effortlessly making Ethel the Penguin an energetic and delightful read.

I can see this being one of our favourites for a long time to come.

 

We can hardly wait to see what Ethel will do next!

My rating 5 / 5 🐧🐧🐧🐧🐧

Recommended age: 3 - 6 years