Three Cheers for Tacky (Tacky the Penguin) [Hardcover]

Helen Lester (Author), Lynn Munsinger (Illustrator)

Book Description

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

Tacky the Penguin is back, this time trying to compete with Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect in the iceberg-wide Penguin Cheering Contest. But will Tacky ever be able to learn the synchronized moves and win the contest?

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

As in Tacky the Penguin , deftly delivered humor reinforces the message that there is nothing wrong--and quite a bit right--with being different. The book's pithy text and winsome pictures are equally entertaining, and together immediately endear the "odd bird" Tacky to readers. His penguin cohorts--the appropriately named Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly and Perfect--all dressed in starched white collars and natty bow ties. In droll contrast, Tacky's garb is, well, what his name suggests: his Hawaiian shirt is topped by a floppy, checkered bow tie. When a Penguin Cheering Contest is announced, Tacky's pals are determined to win the grand prize--shiny blue bow ties. Youngsters will laugh sympathetically at the out-of-step penguin's attempts to master the cheers that the others (now wearing matching blue sweaters and beanies) perform so gracefully. Though he finally learns the routine, Tacky resorts to his old clumsy self on the day of the competition--much to the enjoyment of the terribly bored judges. What the champion cheerer does with his new bow tie is typically Tacky--and delightfully different. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-Hip, hip hooray! Tacky's back, along with his proper penguin pals, Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect. They are in school now, and, as usual, Tacky has his own way of doing things. When the friends enter the great Penguin Cheering Contest, the main concern is whether Tacky can get the cheer right. He handles the situation in his own unique style and once again proves that although he's "an odd bird," he's certainly "a nice bird to have around." Although there is a touch of predictability to the story for those already familiar with previous stories, this one is a smooth, fun read. Munsinger's full-color illustrations are charming and subtle. The penguins wear sweaters and caps; Tacky wears his over a Hawaiian shirt, and his cap is askew. One minor reservation-two of the judges of the contest are a walrus and a polar bear. But if readers can believe in cheerleading penguins, then they'll believe that these judges are special guests imported from the Arctic. Tacky's fans will flip for this title.
Donna L. Scanlon, Lancaster County Library, PA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (March 28, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395668417
• ISBN-13: 978-0395668412
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,036,533 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

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even Mommy loves Tacky!, August 31, 2000

By 

Kitty Lewis "kitty62862" (Richmond Hill, New York United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Three Cheers for Tacky (Tacky the Penguin) (Paperback)

My daughter & I loved this book so much, we even know Tacky's cheer by heart: 1,2,3 left... A,B,C, right... flop down, roll over, Say, what's for supper! this is a beautiful way to show children that being different is okay.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for cheerleaders of all ages!!, May 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Three Cheers for Tacky (Tacky the Penguin) (Paperback)

This is a super little story about the one person who stands out in every group. This is great for a classroom and to read to cheerleaders. This aids in the understanding that the "odd" person may be the "WINNER"!! People of all ages can relate to Tacky and his friends!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Three Cheers for Tacky!", September 23, 2003

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Three Cheers for Tacky (Tacky the Penguin) (Paperback)

"Three Cheers for Tacky" is about a penguin who wants to be just like everybody else/fit in with the rest of the crowd. He tries his best to copy the other penguins in trying to walk with his nose up straight in the air, he tries out for the cheer squad for the competition, and he tries to make a new cheer. It teaches that you can do anything that you want to do if you try hard enough, and by trying harder, you just might be able to do what you've always wanted to do. This is about a 1st- 2nd grade book. Yes, the book is very good and I recommend this to anyone who would want to read a humorous story.