Solo

by Paul Geraghty

Illustrated in full color. "Geraghty's polished, striking art is the mainstay of this volume. The story, about the newborn penguin Solo and her parents, moves from one perilous scenario to the next as Solo's parents take turns visiting the danger-filled sea in order to get food. Geraghty's illustrations bring the Antarctic winter so close that one can't help but shiver."-- Publishers Weekly.From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published October 5, 1995

Reviews

[Crystal Oros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never has a children’s book shook me with such anxious fear and hope simultaneously.

This book follows the journey of a single pair of penguins and how they work together to raise their baby, nature of course is fraught with dangers so when one parent leaves to hunt for food it becomes such a delicate balance of trust and hope that their mate will return back to them in time to feed their baby and to spend only a few moments of joy to greet each other again only to part ways again and hope once again that they see their mate return. Penguins are such beautiful animals and this story captures so much honest emotion in only a few pages.

Recommend for ages 5 and up

- Crystal

[Anne Hathaway · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is about a penguin called Solo and is based in the Antarctic. As a young pup he stays with his mum while his dad goes off to find food. After a long wait his dad doesn't come back and mum must go and find food to feed her young baby. Although Solo is told to stay where he is, he wanders off and soon finds danger in the shape of a Skua bird. However a happy ends awaits him and Solo is saved by his dad and is then reunited with his Mum.

This story raises the opportunity to talk about different environments and weathers, allowing children to offer similarities and differences. I have shared this book with both Year 1 and Reception, the children all seem to love this penguin character and tell me that he should have done what his mum told him. Another great talking point with young children!

[Tammy Manns · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: Fiction, Picture Book
Grade Level: Early Primary
Award: Children's Book Award 1996, Picture Book Category

This book had my emotions all over the place. I didn't know from one page to the next to smile or cry! For that reason, I'm not sure if I'd agree with the listed age category of Early Primary. It would be great to use for predictions in a 2nd grade classroom The illustrations were beautiful and I can see it also being used in an art class for watercolors. It is a fiction book but I think it could be heavily based on fact. It tells of the way the penguins live and take care of the baby Penguin. I would use it if I were teaching a theme on Antarctica & Penguins.

[Jonathan Ayres · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dramatic and emotional Antarctic journey with fantastic illustration. The Year 1's I read this too, as part of their Polar topic, were gripped by the story!

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminds me a lot of March of the Penguins or Happy Feet. The story seems to have a faint hint of environmentalism without beating you over the head with it. The fact that the penguin father in the story comes back just in time with a fishing net clinging to his neck let's every reader ponder the fact that the human intrusion was what almost cost Fin and his young son, Solo, their lives. It's beautifully illustrated, really beautifully. The paintings alone are enough to draw in many readers. The story was simple and sparing, just right for a good narrative without being too long and drawn out. A good read on the whole, even if the whole baby penguin in the harsh winter angle has being seeing a lot of action lately.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a penguin family, Fin, Floe, and Solo who are trying to survive and fend off predators and find food. In story form, facts about penguins are subtlely told in the story.

Used "Penguin Party" storytime-July, 2019.

[Jennie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are penguin lovers, so this one jumped right into our basket! Solo is born and when her Papa penguin doesn't return from finding food, Mama has to go out to find it. There was a lot to learn along with this heartwarming story which led us to looking up more about penguins after we finished it!

[Joanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe better for children older than three. Great artwork.

[Jody Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story. Can you spot the hidden frog in the amazing artwork?

[Jaimie Morris]

Solo the penguin chick is left cold and alone on the hazardous wastes of the Antarctic, when her mother leaves on a final desperate search for food. With savage skua birds on the wing and leopard seals lurking in the icy waters, Solo's chances of survival are cruelly slim.