Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-A grumpy-looking penguin is graphically fixed on a beige backdrop holding a rod into a clear blue ice fishing hole. A rabbit enters the scene and asks the penguin what she is doing. The penguin responds only, "Shh!" Gradually, a walrus and a seal join the rabbit in asking questions among themselves. Penguin remains silently fixed in permanent annoyance; her pin-straight line does not suggest any sign of action below the ice. With each page turn, polar animals join each spread one by one to fill the space around penguin. No one can understand why the fish aren't biting. Polar bear asks the penguin what she put on her hook, and she discloses that she used a piece of cake. Suddenly, a following page zooms in to reveal Penguin stating, "Shhh! I hear something.." The scene below the ice is a hilarious surprise for readers. Fans of Jon Agee, Mac Barnett, and Jon Klassen will appreciate the wry, deadpan humor of both the playful story and the clever, distinctive illustrations. VERDICT This is pure graphic and narrative genius. Pair with Jory John's Penguin Problems or Claire Messer's Grumpy Pants for a storytime crowd--pleaser featuring peeved penguins.-Brianne -Colombo, Fairfield Free Public Library, NJ © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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