Tacky the Penguin (Paperback)

by Helen Lester (Author), Lynn Munsinger (Illustrator) "There once lived a penguin..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
None of the penguins can tolerate Tacky's loud habits--until they scare off a pack of hunters. PW declared that "this book is must reading for any kid--or grown-up--who refuses to follow the pack." Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2 Tacky the Penguin is a total nonconformist who lives with a group of formal, proper penguins. But it is Tacky who foils the plans of three critters with ``get-rich-quick plans'' that threaten the penguins' existence. With his un-penguin-like antics, Tacky puzzles the hunters to such an extent that they're firmly convinced they cannot be in the ``land of the pretty penguins.'' This is a rollicking tale that clearly shows that there are ad vantages to being an individual. Mun singer cheerfully captures the mood of the tale with her whimsical, full-color illustrations that are particularly strong in depicting the hunters' deter mined, then befuddled, expressions and Tacky's madcap antics. This is sure to elicit lots of chuckles from young readers. Bonnie Wheatley, Emma Conn Elementary School, Ra leigh, N.C.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (August 17, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395562333
• ISBN-13: 978-0395562338
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #286,871 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even oddballs can be most useful!, August 22, 2005

By	George W. Endress (Plano, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cute..., July 18, 2000

By A Customer

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!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book for all ages!, May 20, 1999

By A Customer

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!