Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Kim Peek

On New Years Day, a delivery man drops off a mysterious package. The family is curious. Who would send such a strange gift? Who would send a penguin?

The next day, another penguin arrives with another cryptic note. The same thing occurs 363 more timesonce for each day of the year.

The family uses their math skills to determine how many penguins reside in their house. They also use math to determine how to store them. If they store them like eggs, how many cartons do they need? If they stack them in a cube, how many penguins will fit?

On December 31st, the gift giver arrives and is thrilled to see that all his penguins arrived, even little Chilly with the blue feet. The visitor gives a quick ecology (and geography!)lesson and leaves with all but one of the penguins.

Things return to normal at this house until the next day when the doorbell rings and the story goes full circle.

What a CUTE book! My kids loved looking for Little Chilly with the blue feet on every page. They had fun thinking about the math, although at one point complained, "Do you expect us to be able to do this?" It was fun thinking about the problems the family had sheltering and feeding the penguins.

This oversized book is an entertaining read, but teachers will especially enjoy this book for the classroom. It appears it would tie-in well with third grade geography lessons and introductory multiplication lessons.

Whether or not you're interested in the educational themes, everyone will enjoy the adorable penguins and the zany family who cares for them.