Customer Reviews

Tacky the Penguin (Book & Cassette)

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Tacky the Penguin was an odd bird; not at all behaving like his companions (you know, orderly). Oh well! Let's face it! He was just plain tacky! He did have one saving asset--he could "think outside the box!" Although author Helen Lester doesn't ever resort to the killer of young children's stories--PREACHING!--she makes her points so gracefully that the book is a perfect opener to the lesson of TOLERANCE. Like many good children's stories, this one certainly invites a grownup to get into a gentle discussion about other children that seem a bit different. That differences (per se) are not bad, but rather makes our world interesting, and sometimes can actually save lives. We are, after all, an interdependent society. Definitely not an empty-headed action story! For my six year old grand-daughter, it provoked an entire stream of anecdotes about classmates and playmates and her odd little brother.

Tacky is the cutest children's book I have read! I'm 15 and I still read it! It is very funny and gives children a good message about being yourself. All kids should read it!

Our 2 1/2 year old daughter loves to have her daddy read her this book over and over again. Although she can't read, she knows the book so well that she is able to tell us the story just by looking at each page. Tacky teaches us that it is OK to be an "odd bird" because that's what makes us all so unique. So, march and sing off key and enjoy yourself!

Both of my children (aged 4 and 5 1/2) have enjoyed all of the Tacky books, but this first book is probably the best of the series. Tacky is an unorthodox penguin who seems to either be unaware of how different he is or unconcerned with the fact beginning with his wild Hawaiian shirt attire in contrast to the buttoned up tuxedo look of his penguin peers. While other penguins in the book conform to appropriate penguin (or human) behavior with names like "Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly" and "Perfect," Tacky marches to the beat of a different, syncopatic drummer. Both of our kids readily identified with his differences and quickly learned to mimic some of his mannerisms such as hearty slaps on the back while hollering, "What's happening?!" and singing "How many toes does a fish have?" at the top of their lungs. Whether marching, swimming, or singing, Tacky is definitely different. This book is an endearing mix of wonderful messages (it's ok to be yourself, sometimes our fears are worse than the reality, and creative problem solving are a few that come to mind) that are all delivered in a humorous, silly story that my kids love and I can read over and over again without getting bored.

Everytime I go off to babysit, I make sure that this book is with me! It is incredibly entertaining for both the children (young AND old) and myself. After reading it once, its almost guaranteed that you'll be reading it again and again, it never gets tiring! Kids will be rolling on the floor w/laughter after reading this! Not only is this book really fun, it teaches a really good lesson! Just because Tacky is and odd bird, it doesn't stop him from being a hero. This will teach kids that they can be proud to be themselves! I definitely, definitely reccommend this book to anyone who is around kids!

This is my all time favorite children's book (with an almost tie: Don't Give up Josephine!)! I read this to the campers at my day camp this summer and they loved it as much as I do! I don't have the book yet, but I've read it so many times I know it by heart. I can't wait to read it to my sister (who's a lot like Tacky...). I recommend this to anyone who loves eccentricity and fun!

This book had my children giggling from the minute Tacky starts singing! They couldn't stop laughing until it was over, and then they wanted to read it again right away. They continued to sing the songs throughout the day. All 3 of my children LOVE this book. The pictures are a delight as well, and a perfect match for the story. Great book! PS- It also has a wonderful message about acceptance and individuality.

VERY POOR quality RECORDING. VOLUME VARIES TOO MUCH, resulting in flinching when it increases suddenly, and straining when the reader's voice gets too soft; both happen frequently making listening pretty frustrating. Please don't try to listen to this one while driving in the car.

NARRATION begins immediately after the PAGE TURN SIGNAL sounds, making it very frustrating to try to follow along using that side of the cassette. It's challening enought for adults to turn the pages fast enough on this recording. It would be next to impossible for a child of almost any age to do so.

A re-issue would be much appreciated as the STORY IS WONDERFUL AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Tacky the penguin is just funny. I love reading this book to my son. He is always demanding that I read it for bed time and he's only 3 years old. We read Tacky the Penguin and Three Cheers for Tacky. I'm just looking to buy him a couple more of the stories since he loves them so much. They all have a good moral about not judging people, and if you were the odd kid now parent (like myself) you will appreciate being able to teach this lesson to your kids at a young age. I highly recommend it for anyone with young children.

Absolutely one of the best books I've ever read to my children. There is nothing "cookie cutter" about Tacky - and his individuality makes him stand out in the most endearing way. My sons asked for this one over and over again, and it was often the one they'd choose for me to read to their class on our reading day. I think they related to Tacky! Every child should hear this one -- they'll just love Tacky, too!