Einstein the penguin by Iona Rangeley

This short novel tells the story of the Stewart family who visit the zoo on a cold wintery day and on the way out tell a penguin he can come to visit anytime he wants....and then he arrives on their doorstep. 

Einstein the penguin is a friendly animal who invites himself into their home and makes himself very comfortable. The children are extremely happy he has arrived and he adds an extra element to the family dynamic. The story goes from what seems like it will be one of family escapades with their penguin to a mystery and adventure story where the children are all in to try and find Einstein's friend. 

The story is easy to read, and would suit an independent reader of about 8/9years old. 

My 7 year daughter enjoyed listening to it, and thought the concept of having a penguin come to stay was hilarious. She loved how Einstein became part of the family and communicated with everyone. I also enjoyed how Iona Rangeley explained the environment and what was going on. It was very easy to form a picture in your mind whilst reading. 

The book is dotted with funny little line drawings that depict the range of emotions felt by the family and the animal they take into their home. My only issue with David Tazzyman's illustrations is that all the human characters have rather wonky eyes (eyes going off in interesting directions or looking crosseyed)! They are certainly interesting to look at but it does make you think that the family is a bit quirky, which when I come to think of it - they probably are as they invite a penguin to come and stay! Very funny!

We give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Themes: Penguins, Humour.

Lauren Fountain