Tacky and the Emperor (Tacky the Penguin) [Paperback]

Helen Lester (Author), Lynn Munsinger (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Tacky the Penguin

It’s common knowledge that Tacky was never the best-dressed penguin, but when he and his friends prepare for the arrival of the emperor, Tacky gets carried away and ends up in more than just elegant attire! Tacky brings his own unique brand of humor and entertainment to the emperor’s visit. Here is another wacky addition to Tacky’s myriad adventures in which friendship, kindness, and laughter always win out! Tacky fans will be carried to new heights of hilarity by this latest Tacky tale.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"That prince among penguins returns," noted PW. "Here Tacky gets the royal treatment after he innocently tries on the emperor penguin's clothes and the emperor penguin gets a welcome break from pomp and ceremony." Ages 4-8. (Aug)
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Tacky, the delightful penguin who marches (or is it waddles?) to a different drummer is back in another funny and charming tale-this time involving a royal visit from the emperor. When Tacky and his five iceberg-mates learn that the emperor is coming to visit, they enter into frenzied preparations. A feast of fish-flavored food is prepared, entertainment is rehearsed, and Tacky is put in charge of the balloons. But when he blows up a really big balloon, he takes an unplanned ride and ends up on a neighboring iceberg, which, unbeknownst to Tacky, is the emperor's home. Seeing a set of very fancy clothes lying unattended and unclaimed on the ice, he puts them on and waddles back to his own iceberg. To his amazement, his five friends make a huge fuss over him, plying him with food and making sure he's amused and happy. Although Tacky doesn't realize it, his friends have mistaken him for the emperor. When the real emperor arrives, the five others are mortified that there is nothing left with which to impress him, and are exasperated with Tacky. The emperor, who turns out to be sick to death of the stuffy and formal visits most of his subjects make him sit through, has a great time with Tacky and his improvisations. Instead of the fish-flavored food that the emperor is usually offered, they have snowball cones; instead of a boring dance recital, Tacky sings his favorite silly song; and they all (even his royal highness) tell penguin jokes. The watercolor illustrations are adorable and full of humor-note especially the fish-flavored ice cream, the emperor's twinkle-toed shoes, and the double-page spread on which the penguins learn about the mistake that's been made. Children will think this book is a riot and won't even realize that a message is being delivered-a charming one about the joys of non-conformity. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright © 2000 Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (September 30, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618260099
• ISBN-13: 978-0618260096
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 8.3 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #48,391 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Helen Lester has published The Wizard, the Fairy, and the Magic Chicken in 1983, in collabroation with Lynn Munsinger. They have also worked together on the hilarious Tacky the Penguin series and many other wildly funny and popular titles, including the award-winning Hooway for Wodney Wat. Helen Lester is a full-time writer who makes her home in Pawling, New York.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Entertaining, April 7, 2005

By 

K. Seals "kristinas25" (Great Falls, MT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tacky and the Emperor (Tacky the Penguin) (Paperback)

My daycare kids love this book. I love reading it aloud. About the complaint of the song being hard to sing as long as you make it silly it works. If you read it through yourself once before reading it aloud you can make it flow. All the Tacky books are great.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tacky is back, December 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Tacky and the Emperor (Hardcover)

If you loved how Tacky tricked the hunters in his first book you will love his stint as the emeror.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for young children., October 4, 2007

By 

Kenneth Stenek "kens" (Shishmaref, AK United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tacky and the Emperor (Tacky the Penguin) (Paperback)

I purchased this book for my children because it is a book they read for a competition this year. My kids really enjoyed Tacky and the Emperor and could not put it down. It is challenging enough that as a parent you know they are gaining reading skills for younger students and interesting enough to hold their attention. The other penguins put Tacky down because of his appearance and different ways, but sometimes people need a little variety in their lives.