Customer Reviews

Nights of the Pufflings

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of the loveliest children's books I've ever read -- not only because the photographs are so stunning -- gorgeously reproduced, and in turns beautiful, humorous, charming, or downright cute -- but also because it shows children working together to take care of the natural world. Really, really wonderful -- don't miss it.

This is a story about small children on an island off the coast of Iceland and how they save pufflings--baby puffins--who go astray on their first flight to the sea and get stranded on the island. The photography is beautiful, and the story emphasizes the puffins' life cycle and how the children know to be ready to rescue the pufflings at the end of the summer. The book is a wonderful vehicle for children where I live (New York City) to imagine life in a completely different place.

We have loved this book for years now, and I wish it was easier to get. I wanted to get a copy for each of my children as we just experienced the Night of the Pufflings ourselves, but it must be out of print. Bruce McMillan has managed to capture the event so realistically that we in fact used his book as a "how to" manual of sorts. He describes everything from how the children capture the pufflings to how and where they are released. It gives children - anywhere in the world - a wonderful look into how other children live! We also like, how he incorporated Icelandic words (and their pronounciations) into the book. A wonderfully written and illustrated book!

My family loved this book! Last September, we visited the Westmann Islands and experienced the thrill of releasing the baby pufflings to the sea. It was such fun to read this book later and see the very beach where we'd released our pufflings. Bruce McMillan's book and photos capture the magic of this annual event in a delightful way.

My daughter gave a presentation on Puffins for her 3rd grade class. This was an inspirational book for her. She was able to connect with the puffings and feel strongly about their plight. That enabled her to really get excited about her report. The pictures are beautiful and moving. It has some facts, although she used other sources for the bulk of her information. This book brings the real world to a child's level of understanding.

This is definitely in the top 10 or so picture books I think any kindergartener should have. I've gotten a copy for my infant son already. (Others: Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm, A Time of Wonder.)

I like this book because it was talking about pufflings and they are good pufflings