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Penguin
Penguin's Big Adventure
Salina Yoon's beloved character Penguin returns in a story about taking chances and trying new things.
Penguin embarks on his next journey—becoming the first penguin to explore the North Pole! Along the way, he says hello to all of his old friends. But when he finally reaches his destination, he realizes he's all alone in a strange, foreign place . . . How will Penguin overcome his fears of the unknown and enjoy this new adventure?
Countless readers and reviewers have already come to love the adorable Penguin, and Salina Yoon continues to expand this still-growing series with a timeless story of firsts and friendship. And Penguin is sure to find even more fans in board—the format is the perfect fit for Salina's sweet art and simple text.
Penguin embarks on his next journey—becoming the first penguin to explore the North Pole! Along the way, he says hello to all of his old friends. But when he finally reaches his destination, he realizes he's all alone in a strange, foreign place . . . How will Penguin overcome his fears of the unknown and enjoy this new adventure?
Countless readers and reviewers have already come to love the adorable Penguin, and Salina Yoon continues to expand this still-growing series with a timeless story of firsts and friendship. And Penguin is sure to find even more fans in board—the format is the perfect fit for Salina's sweet art and simple text.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2015
6 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Salina Yoon
248 books271 followersSalina Yoon is an award-winning author/illustrator of over 150 books for children, including Penguin and Pinecone, Penguin on Vacation, Penguin in Love, Penguin and Pumpkin, Penguin's Big Adventure, Found, and Stormy Night.
Her latest book, Be a Friend, was a Winter 2015-2016 Kids' Indie Next Pick. Among her other awards are a Scholastic Teachers Top 10 Picture Book for Penguin's Big Adventure, and an NPR Best Book and 2014 SCIBA Book Award for Best Picture Book for Found. (complete list is on the website ABOUT page)
She studied art and design at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, and now lives in San Diego with her family.
www.salinayoon.com
Her latest book, Be a Friend, was a Winter 2015-2016 Kids' Indie Next Pick. Among her other awards are a Scholastic Teachers Top 10 Picture Book for Penguin's Big Adventure, and an NPR Best Book and 2014 SCIBA Book Award for Best Picture Book for Found. (complete list is on the website ABOUT page)
She studied art and design at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, and now lives in San Diego with her family.
www.salinayoon.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 30, 2018
Penguin wants to set a world record by traveling from his home over to the North Pole. He plots things on a map and begins his journey, which is sure to be slow and laborious. When he makes it there, Penguin comes face to face with a polar bear, who is equally confused (since bears live in the North and penguins the South Pole). After a moment of processing the situation, they join together to have wonderful adventures. Neo loves seeing penguins at the zoo, but has never seen a polar bear in person. He is eager to do so and will likely ask if the bear knows any penguins.
November 8, 2023
Why are these books the cutest things on the planet?
November 9, 2023
I love friendship.
November 30, 2023
put some respect on my man polar bear’s name
April 3, 2019
“The best part about having an adventure is coming home.”
May 27, 2023
So colorful! So many books starring Penguin for me to check out.
Library copy
Library copy
July 29, 2017
Rating: 3.5 STARS
(Review Not on Blog)
A enjoyed this story about a penguin who goes on an adventure and meets a kindred spirit at the end of his goal.
(Review Not on Blog)
A enjoyed this story about a penguin who goes on an adventure and meets a kindred spirit at the end of his goal.
January 22, 2018
A simple and fun adventure. Penguin sets off to visit the north pole. He sees lots of friends along the way, and even makes a new one once reaching his destination. But in the end, he leans there is no place like home.
June 28, 2023
Super cute book
October 18, 2015
Penguin is back! The Penguin books are a personal favorite of mine - I love watching this little guy explore the world. This time Penguin strikes out for the North Pole and catches up with a few friends along the way (Pinecone!). He also makes a new friend in Polar Bear that teaches not everything you assume about someone is true.
September 26, 2017
Penguin’s Big Adventure
“Salina Yoon’s beloved character Penguin returns in a story about taking chances and trying new things. Penguin embarks on his next journey—becoming the first penguin to explore the North Pole! Along the way, he says hello to all of his old friends. But when he finally reaches his destination, he realizes he’s all alone in a strange, foreign place... How will Penguin overcome his fears of the unknown and enjoy this new adventure? Countless readers and reviewers have already come to love the adorable Penguin, and Salina Yoon continues to expand this still-growing series with a timeless story of firsts and friendship. And Penguin is sure to find even more fans in board—the format is the perfect fit for Salina’s sweet art and simple text.”
I rated this with 5 stars. I loved this book because of the Penguin and how it isn’t afraid of going on this adventure and still gets to see friends along the way and then gets to return back home. It’s a great story saying you’re never too far from home and that you can always come back no matter how far you wander or (waddle).
“Salina Yoon’s beloved character Penguin returns in a story about taking chances and trying new things. Penguin embarks on his next journey—becoming the first penguin to explore the North Pole! Along the way, he says hello to all of his old friends. But when he finally reaches his destination, he realizes he’s all alone in a strange, foreign place... How will Penguin overcome his fears of the unknown and enjoy this new adventure? Countless readers and reviewers have already come to love the adorable Penguin, and Salina Yoon continues to expand this still-growing series with a timeless story of firsts and friendship. And Penguin is sure to find even more fans in board—the format is the perfect fit for Salina’s sweet art and simple text.”
I rated this with 5 stars. I loved this book because of the Penguin and how it isn’t afraid of going on this adventure and still gets to see friends along the way and then gets to return back home. It’s a great story saying you’re never too far from home and that you can always come back no matter how far you wander or (waddle).
March 27, 2018
Penguin is very ambitious and brave: he is setting off on a journey to be the first penguin ever to reach the North Pole! As he is leaving his home in Antarctica, Penguin encounters his friend Emily, who is sewing a beautiful quilt. Next, he sees his little brother, Pumpkin, weaving a basket. Then, he comes across Bootsy, who is braiding a long piece of rope. What are they all up to with these projects?
Well, come to find out, they are each working on breaking their own world records! (I will admit, I was convinced that Penguin was going to use the quilt and basket as a hot air balloon to get to the North Pole…) Along his great journey north, Penguin visits Pinecone, his vacation island, the puffins, and his whale friend. Finally, he makes it to the North Pole and is super excited until...he feels alone and scared. But he’s not alone; he meets a polar bear for the very first time!
Neither Penguin nor Polar Bear had seen anyone like the other before...but they had some scary ideas about what each other might be capable of: Polar Bear having sharp teeth; Penguin having a black belt in karate. They smile at each other, though, and suddenly their scared feelings melt away. They ask each other questions to get to know one another and soon they are friends embarking on a North Pole adventure together. As previously predicted, a large hot air balloon arrives...with all of Penguin’s friends! They came to visit Penguin and Polar Bear in the North Pole! After some fun adventures, it’s time for Penguin and his friends to go back home. Penguin leaves his adventure map, though, since he apparently doesn’t need it anymore.
It is important to have read the other Penguin books prior to reading this one in order to appreciate the references to these previous books. You’ll recognize characters and subtle nods to themes that were central in the books that came before Penguin decided to go on his big adventure. The World Records in the back of the book, as with most things in this Penguin series, are super adorable! As always, I recommend this read to everyone, but for children ages 4-8 in particular.
Well, come to find out, they are each working on breaking their own world records! (I will admit, I was convinced that Penguin was going to use the quilt and basket as a hot air balloon to get to the North Pole…) Along his great journey north, Penguin visits Pinecone, his vacation island, the puffins, and his whale friend. Finally, he makes it to the North Pole and is super excited until...he feels alone and scared. But he’s not alone; he meets a polar bear for the very first time!
Neither Penguin nor Polar Bear had seen anyone like the other before...but they had some scary ideas about what each other might be capable of: Polar Bear having sharp teeth; Penguin having a black belt in karate. They smile at each other, though, and suddenly their scared feelings melt away. They ask each other questions to get to know one another and soon they are friends embarking on a North Pole adventure together. As previously predicted, a large hot air balloon arrives...with all of Penguin’s friends! They came to visit Penguin and Polar Bear in the North Pole! After some fun adventures, it’s time for Penguin and his friends to go back home. Penguin leaves his adventure map, though, since he apparently doesn’t need it anymore.
Because the best part of having an adventure is...coming home!
It is important to have read the other Penguin books prior to reading this one in order to appreciate the references to these previous books. You’ll recognize characters and subtle nods to themes that were central in the books that came before Penguin decided to go on his big adventure. The World Records in the back of the book, as with most things in this Penguin series, are super adorable! As always, I recommend this read to everyone, but for children ages 4-8 in particular.
June 13, 2017
This was a fun book about a penguin who goes on a big adventure across the Earth trying to make a world record. He runs in to his friends who were working on their own world records, and I liked how it came full circle when his friends came to visit him; although that went completely over my 2.5 year old's head even when we tried pointing it out to her. I also liked that the penguin and polar bear were scared of each other first but they worked through it to become friends.
It's a cute book though and I really enjoyed it.
It's a cute book though and I really enjoyed it.
Read
May 13, 2024Penguin embarks on his next journey--becoming the first penguin to explore the North Pole! Along the way, he says hello to all of his old friends. But when he finally reaches his destination, he realizes he's all alone in a strange, foreign place . . . How will Penguin overcome his fears of the unknown and enjoy this new adventure? The intended audience is 1-4 years and preschool-kindergarten. I selected this book because it will show students how sometimes you have to overcome your fear even when it's scary and it might take time to get over.
March 30, 2018
"The best part of having an adventure is coming home."
Penguin wants to be the first penguin to set foot on the North Pole. So, off he goes, passing friends and family along the way. And when he arrives, he feels like celebrating, but he seems to be alone. Until he spots Polar Bear. At first, it's scary, but then they both smile, and everything seems to be okay. And what an adventurous time they have!
Penguin wants to be the first penguin to set foot on the North Pole. So, off he goes, passing friends and family along the way. And when he arrives, he feels like celebrating, but he seems to be alone. Until he spots Polar Bear. At first, it's scary, but then they both smile, and everything seems to be okay. And what an adventurous time they have!
September 26, 2025
Sweet Sarah! We're so proud of you for reading "Penguin's Big Adventure!" You learned that being brave doesn't mean you're not scared - it means you try new things even when you feel nervous. Just like Penguin, you can be brave too! When you feel scared about trying something new at school or making friends, remember Penguin's courage. You showed such great focus while reading. We love seeing you discover new stories!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2023
Penguin wanted to go to the North Pole on an adventure, breaking a world record. He sees other penguins making lots of exciting things! They were also trying to break world records. But it was lonely, but he made a polar bear friend. Soon his South Pole friends came to visit. They went home together.
February 12, 2019
Written by the same author and illustrator as Story Night, Yoon and Bloomsbury fill their books with colorful images and using negative space. One of their main goals is to include lots of dialogue which makes reading in different tones more fun with the kids.
October 26, 2021
Penguin books are a fan favorite in my house. This one however didn’t live up to the expected greatness. A good light read with reoccurring characters. Just not my favorite and probably won’t read again for a while compared to the others.
December 21, 2023
I enjoy Salina Yoon's Penguin series. I enjoyed the solid color style of the illustrations. In this book, Penguin heads to the North Pole. But what will happen when he meets a polar bear? I enjoyed the picture of Penguin in a karate outfit.
May 13, 2017
Penguin sets off to be the first penguin on the north pole. Will he make it? What will eh find there? So cute. I love who eh meets there and the friendship themes. toddler and up.
December 4, 2017
The Penguin stories are very cute and attractive to little ones.
January 3, 2018
Read at Storytime on January 3rd.
Theme: Penguins!
Cute story about Penguin's quest to reach the North Pole. The kids liked it when Penguin met the Polar Bear.
Theme: Penguins!
Cute story about Penguin's quest to reach the North Pole. The kids liked it when Penguin met the Polar Bear.
March 27, 2018
Penguin is off an adventure to the North Pole. He makes the trip north and meets a new friend. The best part of traveling is coming home.
2018 storytime theme: travel
Reviewed from a library copy.
2018 storytime theme: travel
Reviewed from a library copy.
November 14, 2018
Cute short and not weird which a lot of the children's books I read today were. Would definitely purchase for my niece.
December 7, 2018
Not gonna lie, got real excited to see pinecone! ^.^
February 27, 2020
Neither I nor my inner child were impressed with this. Nothing wrong with it, though, so, I dunno, if you actually are educator of the target audience, check it out.
February 15, 2022
Penguin travels to the North Pole and makes friends with Polar Bear.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2023
Cute wrap up of other penguin books - includes visiting friends like pointing and whale. Penguin wants an adventure and learns not to judge friends (polar bear) by their appearance
May 6, 2023
This is one of the better of the series. It had a logical story line and I liked the inclusion of the pinetree with the scarf.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews