About the Book

A wonderful story about the meaning of loneliness and the importance of friendship.

One day a penguin arrives on a boy’s door step.

The boy decides the penguin must be lost and tries to return him. But no one seems to be missing a penguin.

So the boy decides to take the penguin home himself, and they set out in his rowing boat on a journey to the South Pole.

But when they get there, the boy discovers that maybe home wasn’t what the penguin was looking for after all…

Critical Praise

‘An uplifting story…pictures of such spare beauty…suffused with a dreamlike quality.’ Independent Online

‘Oliver Jeffers makes impressive use of space in this affecting story of friendship…illustrations capture feelings of loss and loneliness through the most delicate nuances of facial expression…and body language.’ Julia Eccleshare, The Guardian

‘One of the most perfect stories in recent years featuring… one of the best conclusions in all of children's fiction. I can't wait until my nephew is old enough to read this with me, but until then, I'm more than happy to read it to myself. A minor masterpiece and one which will remain with you forever.’ Bury Free Press

‘Jeffers has a unique writing and illustrative style. It’s a wonderful picture book.’ Publishing News

‘My picture book of the year, a joyful exploration of the power of friendship.’ Irish Independent

Product Details

• ISBN: 9780007150359
• ISBN 10: 0007150350
• Imprint: HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks
• On Sale: 09/05/2005
• Pages: 32
• List Price:21.99 CAD
• Ages: 3 to 5
• BISAC1 : JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Penguins
• BISAC2 : JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Birds
• BISAC3 : JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Friendship
• BISAC4 : JUVENILE FICTION / Transportation / Boats, Ships & Underwater Craft
• BISAC5 : JUVENILE FICTION / Imagination & Play

Oliver Jeffers

Biography

Oliver Jeffers makes art and tells stories. From his much-loved debut, How to Catch a Star, Oliver has gone on to create a collection of award-winning and bestselling picture books (including the illustrations for The Day the Crayons Quit, written by Drew Daywalt), which have been translated into many languages all over the world. Originally from Northern Ireland, Oliver now lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. Oliver used to have an imaginary friend called Egbert. But Egbert stole his bicycle and was last seen pedaling west as hard as he could. That was seventeen years ago.

Other Works by Oliver Jeffers

• 

  Here We Are Activity Book

  By Oliver Jeffers

• 

  Where to Hide a Star

  By Oliver Jeffers

• 

  What You Need to Be Warm

  By Oliver Jeffers