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Penguin's Hidden Talent
The Big Talent Show. Fireworks! Mice on Stilts! Jets!
32 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2012
About the author
Alex Latimer
72 books56 followersAlex Latimer lives near the border of a national park so when not writing or drawing, he spends his free time shooing baboons out of his lounge. The Boy Who Cried Ninja is his first book for children. He lives in South Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
July 2, 2017
With the local talent show coming up, everyone is prepping for their great talents. Everyone, except Penguin, who is stuck organising the event as best he can. When things go off without a hitch, everyone is pleased. Seeking to thank Penguin for all his hard work, his friends decide to throw him a party. Thereafter, Penguin realises what his hidden talent might be. Neo felt that he, too, has some hidden talents, like putting out fires and being an acrobat. That's all news to me. Neo: Superhero of the Night.
November 28, 2019
With the annual Talent Show around the corner, Penguin tries to come up with an act, only to find that he doesn't seem to have any discernible talent. His friends Albatross, Bear, Rabbit and Fox all try to help him, but nothing works. Finally Penguin contents himself with organizing the show, so that even though he doesn't perform, he can remain involved. When his friends attempt to throw him a thank-you party, with dubious success, he finally realizes where his talent really lies: in party planning!
Penguin's Hidden Talent is the fifth picture-book I have read from South African author/illustrator Alex Latimer, and like many of the others it pairs an entertaining animal tale with appealing artwork. Any child who has confronted something like a talent show with bewildered uncertainty, and wondered if they had any talent at all, will take Penguin's story to heart, and will appreciate both the message of affirmation here, and the depiction of a supportive group of friends.
Penguin's Hidden Talent is the fifth picture-book I have read from South African author/illustrator Alex Latimer, and like many of the others it pairs an entertaining animal tale with appealing artwork. Any child who has confronted something like a talent show with bewildered uncertainty, and wondered if they had any talent at all, will take Penguin's story to heart, and will appreciate both the message of affirmation here, and the depiction of a supportive group of friends.
February 16, 2022
Sad that Penguin doesn’t have a cool trick for the talent show, he decides to plan the event instead. When Penguin’s friends try to return the favor to say thanks, the event is an epic disaster. This charmingly illustrated picture book teaches the importance of surrounding ourselves with friends who encourage us to embrace strengths and enjoy the journey of finding them.
Check this book out at the Villa Park Public Library!
Check this book out at the Villa Park Public Library!
February 19, 2017
Cute story with awesome illustrations about finding your talents. I think kids won't appreciate penguin's talent though, although I certainly did. It did remind me of the movie, School of Rock and the girl who was the incredibly effective manager.
August 18, 2012
Poor Penguin! When everyone else seems to win prizes for their talents, Penguin never receives any ribbons or trophies. To cheer him up, his animal friends throw a lame party, which makes them realize that Penguin knows how to throw great parties. It's hard not to like a book that reminds readers that all of us have something we do well. All we need to do is find it. The pencil drawings have been digitalized for the appealing illustrations. I laughed and laughed when I saw how pathetic that party was with one friend bringing a stale loaf of bread instead of a cake! It reminded me of the type of party I'd probably throw.
June 17, 2012
I would rate this one a 3.5. The illustrations are really cute and the message about finding your special talent is a good one. But some of the "funny" moments aren't that funny (although I have to say, "Thaks Pemgin" is pretty dang funny) and the message that comes across at the end is probably not what the author intended... Or maybe it is what he intended, but it kind of depresses me. If you're good at something, don't ever expect anyone to do it for you as a favor because they will suck at it and ruin everything.
August 14, 2012
Funny tale of a penguin finding his talent, which can also teach readers a good lesson that some talents aren't "obvious" like others and that sometimes you have to look to see what your talent is. There is definite humor in this book. I had a few laughs and very much enjoyed them. Humor for me was mostly in the illustrations. And my favorite part was the rabbit pulling himself out of a hat.
(I have a feeling there may have been 1 or 2 cultural jokes that I didn't get, but it didn't detract.)
(I have a feeling there may have been 1 or 2 cultural jokes that I didn't get, but it didn't detract.)
October 22, 2019
While amusing and kid-friendly at first glance, the concept ends up didactic and the humor too adult. The text was wordy. The main character, unlikeable. It was a good idea, and I can see parents using it to encourage their children, but I can't say I'd recommend it.
October 12, 2021
The talent show is coming up and everyone is working on perfecting their talent. Expect Penguin; Penguin can't figure out what his talent is. So he decides to spend his time organizing the competition and it goes off without a hitch.
But Penguin doesn't feel all that accomplished. Everyone else received a ribbon or trophy; he didn't have anything. His friends decided to throw Penguin a thank you party to show their appreciation. However, the party falls rather flat due to the banner being tattered, a singing canary as the only music accompaniment and instead of a cake, an old loaf of bread. Penguin, thinking he could have done better than this, realizes his talent is in organizing.
I love the concept of not every talent is talent-show-worthy, however, the idea of gratitude falls flat. There's no discussion of being thankful for the good intentions.
But Penguin doesn't feel all that accomplished. Everyone else received a ribbon or trophy; he didn't have anything. His friends decided to throw Penguin a thank you party to show their appreciation. However, the party falls rather flat due to the banner being tattered, a singing canary as the only music accompaniment and instead of a cake, an old loaf of bread. Penguin, thinking he could have done better than this, realizes his talent is in organizing.
I love the concept of not every talent is talent-show-worthy, however, the idea of gratitude falls flat. There's no discussion of being thankful for the good intentions.
April 29, 2018
Adorable book! The illustrations are cute and humorous, along with the story.
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
It's about a penguin who can't think of a talent for he talent show. Penguin tries to try other talents that other animals are doing, but to no avail. My favorite part was when Penguin tries to juggle like Bear and Penguin broke the blender and got the toaster stuck in a tree. That made me chuckle. Penguin ends up organizing the talent show instead. Penguin's friends won medals and Penguin was sad because Penguin didn't have a talent. Penguin's friends tried to make Penguin feel better by throwing a surprise party, but it was quite a horrible organized party. That's when Penguin realized Penguin's talent was being superb at organizing parties!
[SPOILERS AHEAD]
It's about a penguin who can't think of a talent for he talent show. Penguin tries to try other talents that other animals are doing, but to no avail. My favorite part was when Penguin tries to juggle like Bear and Penguin broke the blender and got the toaster stuck in a tree. That made me chuckle. Penguin ends up organizing the talent show instead. Penguin's friends won medals and Penguin was sad because Penguin didn't have a talent. Penguin's friends tried to make Penguin feel better by throwing a surprise party, but it was quite a horrible organized party. That's when Penguin realized Penguin's talent was being superb at organizing parties!
July 13, 2018
As the talent show approaches, Penguin can not come up with anything to do! He tries a variety of talents, both normal and obscure with no luck. In the end he decides to help organize the show so he can still be involved, even if he's not participating. After the show, the other animals decide to throw Penguin a party to thank him, but instead realize what his talent actually is!
I love that this story recognizes not all talents are flashy and that doesn't make them any less of a talent, in fact they will probably be much more useful in real life! If you or young readers you know love helping behind the scenes and organizing, this book is for you!
No content issues, though be warned one of the talents is belching the ABC's.
June 5, 2017
Penguin doesn't seem to have a talent. All his friends do, but he can't figure his out. So instead of showing off a talent Penguin decides to help put together the talent show. He even gets the King of Norway to come and be the guest speaker. It is an awesome show. His friends all win prizes and he is sad because he doesn't. His friends decide to throw an awesome party for penguin because he put on a great talent show... they are terrible at throwing parties. That's when penguin realizes his talent! Event planning is an art and Penguin is the artist. This book made me laugh out loud and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 12, 2018
Penguin can't figure out his talent, so instead of participating in the Talent Show, he organizes it. And soon Penguin and his friends figure out Penguin's talent.
This was spectacular. The illustrations combine perfectly with the text for comedic gold moments (my favorite spread was Penguin figure out some of the things that definitely weren't his talents). I also like the way the book highlights that sometimes talents aren't necessarily tangible things. A very fun read about figuring out what you're good at.
This was spectacular. The illustrations combine perfectly with the text for comedic gold moments (my favorite spread was Penguin figure out some of the things that definitely weren't his talents). I also like the way the book highlights that sometimes talents aren't necessarily tangible things. A very fun read about figuring out what you're good at.
September 27, 2018
I come from a family of organizers, my mom is the most organized person i know, so i've always appreciated that as a skill and talent that some people have.
This book, Penguin's hidden talent, teaches kids that not all our talents are flashy or seem cool, some talents are practical, and that's okay.
This book, Penguin's hidden talent, teaches kids that not all our talents are flashy or seem cool, some talents are practical, and that's okay.
December 4, 2019
Penguin wants to be a part of the Talent Show with their friends, but they don't think they have any talents. We see the other animals try to help, but Penguin can't seem to find anything they excel at. This book takes an unexpected turn in that Penguin doesn't realize that they have a talent that is a typically depicted Talent Show feature. Readers will enjoy the snarky illustrations and the range of talents.
For: penguin fans; readers looking for a book about not-often-discussed talents.
Possible red flags: feeling sad/left out.
For: penguin fans; readers looking for a book about not-often-discussed talents.
Possible red flags: feeling sad/left out.
January 5, 2025
I enjoyed this read and see several options to get students thinking in connecting to the text.
Have students brainstorm talents (maybe even asking them if they have any special skills) but then come up with ways that talent can go haywire.
Another option for older students would be to have them consider what steps would be needed to put in an event.
Have students brainstorm talents (maybe even asking them if they have any special skills) but then come up with ways that talent can go haywire.
Another option for older students would be to have them consider what steps would be needed to put in an event.
March 16, 2025
Penguin organizes the local talent should because he does not have a talent, thereby discovering his own talent.
This picture book discusses talents and hidden talents. It reinforces the idea that everyone has skills and abilities.
The illustrations were done with pencil, then finished digitally to add color and texture.
My children were disgusted that Fox's talent was belching.
This picture book discusses talents and hidden talents. It reinforces the idea that everyone has skills and abilities.
The illustrations were done with pencil, then finished digitally to add color and texture.
My children were disgusted that Fox's talent was belching.
December 19, 2025
Like me, Penguin is an organizer! He'd make a great Administrator!
(He is sad because he doesn't have a talent for the Talent Show, but he learns that he is talented at organizing parties. The parties organized by the other animals without him is a flop!)
Substitute Teacher Dec 2025.
Ctown Elem.
(He is sad because he doesn't have a talent for the Talent Show, but he learns that he is talented at organizing parties. The parties organized by the other animals without him is a flop!)
Substitute Teacher Dec 2025.
Ctown Elem.
January 8, 2018
Highly quality stuff. I really like this one and may use it for storytime.
May 25, 2019
Easy to read, with an entertaining little story. Illustrations were very contemporary and simple. Fun and cute, but not my favorite. Enjoyable overall.
January 21, 2020
Such a cute picture book with humor that appeals to both children and adults. This would be a particularly good gift for event and party planners.
July 19, 2024
I love how this book shows that some of us have talents that are easy to see. Some of us have talents that are harder for others to see. But whatever talents we have should be appreciated.
October 21, 2012
The Big Annual Talent Show is coming up and Penguin can’t think of anything special talent he could perform. His friends try to help him with ideas, but really he just isn’t talented in the ways they are—eating giant fish whole, juggling appliances, or burping the whole alphabet. Even if he cannot be on stage, maybe he can help with the planning of the actual event. Eventually, Penguin does discover that he truly is gifted. What is cool is how it is a gift that doesn’t necessarily put him in the limelight, center stage, and adorned in medals, but he is appreciated nonetheless and by story’s end he’s properly celebrated (even if he did have to help plan that too!).
If I had been younger the sound would have been less a chuckle and more a giggle. The humor Alex Latimer brings to his penciled characters is ridiculously cute. His sequences, his spare reliance on text, works in a story form that should be using its visual medium as a narrator. The placement of image and text create the narrative in the subtle ways a well-designed picture book will; depending on the order, one understates the other. Some pages are just images who speak for themselves and I like the kind of participation that requires. It isn’t hard. It’s fun. And really, Latimer’s work here in Penguin’s Hidden Talent is organized in a way that should feel familiar to readers of comics.
The illustrations are uncluttered as the story, and as humorous—seemingly effortless all the way around. And the penguin isn’t creepy. Really, after Wallace and Gromit, they kinda freak me out. Penguin’s Hidden Talent is inspiring as well. It’s been awhile but can I manage to burp the whole alphabet like I used to? Penguin’s Hidden Talent is a good friendship story, too. Penguin wants to participate and finds a way to do so without begrudging his friends their skills. Sure, he is sad he doesn’t get a medal, but then it is his friends’ turn to support him. It is really sweet the gifts they think up because if you remember Penguin’s living room near the start, it shows how well his friends know him. In the end, it is they who recognize and reveal to Penguin what his talent is. They are able to help Penguin discover his hidden talent after all. I appreciate that not once does Latimer spell it out in words (narrative or dialog) the ‘everyone has their own abilities’ lesson, but leaves its evidence throughout—I mean, who else can pull themselves out of a magician’s hat? And who else could organize the kind of talent show that involves fireworks, jets, mice on stilts, a special appearance by the King of Norway, and top it all off with a musical performance by The Jolly Llamas!
L (omphaloskepsis)
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/20...#
If I had been younger the sound would have been less a chuckle and more a giggle. The humor Alex Latimer brings to his penciled characters is ridiculously cute. His sequences, his spare reliance on text, works in a story form that should be using its visual medium as a narrator. The placement of image and text create the narrative in the subtle ways a well-designed picture book will; depending on the order, one understates the other. Some pages are just images who speak for themselves and I like the kind of participation that requires. It isn’t hard. It’s fun. And really, Latimer’s work here in Penguin’s Hidden Talent is organized in a way that should feel familiar to readers of comics.
The illustrations are uncluttered as the story, and as humorous—seemingly effortless all the way around. And the penguin isn’t creepy. Really, after Wallace and Gromit, they kinda freak me out. Penguin’s Hidden Talent is inspiring as well. It’s been awhile but can I manage to burp the whole alphabet like I used to? Penguin’s Hidden Talent is a good friendship story, too. Penguin wants to participate and finds a way to do so without begrudging his friends their skills. Sure, he is sad he doesn’t get a medal, but then it is his friends’ turn to support him. It is really sweet the gifts they think up because if you remember Penguin’s living room near the start, it shows how well his friends know him. In the end, it is they who recognize and reveal to Penguin what his talent is. They are able to help Penguin discover his hidden talent after all. I appreciate that not once does Latimer spell it out in words (narrative or dialog) the ‘everyone has their own abilities’ lesson, but leaves its evidence throughout—I mean, who else can pull themselves out of a magician’s hat? And who else could organize the kind of talent show that involves fireworks, jets, mice on stilts, a special appearance by the King of Norway, and top it all off with a musical performance by The Jolly Llamas!
L (omphaloskepsis)
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/20...#
October 29, 2012
Penguin was just as excited as his friends about the Talent Show. All of his friends have a talent and are entering the Talent Show. Penguin thought and thought and could not come up with a talent. He discussed this with his friends and they tried to teach Penguin their talent but there was no use, Penguin in his opinion was untalented.
Penguin told his friends it was okay he would plan the Talent Show. He busied himself on the phone, making posters and many other things for the show.
His friends were amazed at the wonderful job Penguin did arranging everything. The Talent Show was a big success and his friends won many prizes. It made him sad that he had not been able to enter the Talent Show. His friends watched him leave and they felt so sorry for Penguin. They wondered what could they do to show their thanks for all the work he did to arrange the talent show. So they gave him a party which was the worst party anyone had ever arranged.
Surely Penguin had a talent. Do you think he was jealous of his friends talent? What do you think was Penguin's talent? What did he do for the Talent Show?
Be sure to grab a copy of this book and find out what was Penguin's talent.
The author points out that everyone has a talent only if they believe in themselves and are persistent in searching deep within for that hidden talent. I remember hearing my grandmother say, "An ear should not be jealous of the nose or a hand be jealous of the foot. They are all very important so when we say we are not as pretty or talented as someone else, we are very wrong because we are each important in many ways." This works both ways for you or someone else. We each have a purpose!
The illustrations depict the story of the characters and their surroundings. Way too cute! Many things for the child to find and point out and name with the encouragement of the story teller.
I recommend this book for children ages 4-8!
I rated this book a 4 out of 5.
Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Peachtree Publishers for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.
Penguin told his friends it was okay he would plan the Talent Show. He busied himself on the phone, making posters and many other things for the show.
His friends were amazed at the wonderful job Penguin did arranging everything. The Talent Show was a big success and his friends won many prizes. It made him sad that he had not been able to enter the Talent Show. His friends watched him leave and they felt so sorry for Penguin. They wondered what could they do to show their thanks for all the work he did to arrange the talent show. So they gave him a party which was the worst party anyone had ever arranged.
Surely Penguin had a talent. Do you think he was jealous of his friends talent? What do you think was Penguin's talent? What did he do for the Talent Show?
Be sure to grab a copy of this book and find out what was Penguin's talent.
The author points out that everyone has a talent only if they believe in themselves and are persistent in searching deep within for that hidden talent. I remember hearing my grandmother say, "An ear should not be jealous of the nose or a hand be jealous of the foot. They are all very important so when we say we are not as pretty or talented as someone else, we are very wrong because we are each important in many ways." This works both ways for you or someone else. We each have a purpose!
The illustrations depict the story of the characters and their surroundings. Way too cute! Many things for the child to find and point out and name with the encouragement of the story teller.
I recommend this book for children ages 4-8!
I rated this book a 4 out of 5.
Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from Peachtree Publishers for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
If you found this review helpful vote yes or no here.
September 24, 2013
Alex Latimer is becoming a picture book author that I look forward to seeing on our library shelves. His simple stories and illustrations are always exciting to read and many a giggles in-sue while sharing them with my daughter.
Penguin’s Hidden Talent is a story about discovery your own talents and taking pride in them, even if they are behind the scenes. Penguin’s friends are all rehearsing for the upcoming talent show. Penguin can’t seem to find anything he is good at. Still wanting to contribute he organizes the talent show, making the entire production a huge success. His grateful friends attempt to thank Penguin by putting on a huge party for him but fall short, showing everyone (including Penguin) what a talent organizing is. Penguin has finally found his calling: Party Planner Extraordinaire!
Penguin’s Hidden Talent is a story about discovery your own talents and taking pride in them, even if they are behind the scenes. Penguin’s friends are all rehearsing for the upcoming talent show. Penguin can’t seem to find anything he is good at. Still wanting to contribute he organizes the talent show, making the entire production a huge success. His grateful friends attempt to thank Penguin by putting on a huge party for him but fall short, showing everyone (including Penguin) what a talent organizing is. Penguin has finally found his calling: Party Planner Extraordinaire!
Read
September 17, 2012This is a fun book to use during a community building lesson, it talks about the many different talents that people have. This book is about a penguin who thought that he did not have a talent and instead of being in a local talent show he simply helped plan it. He planned a wonderful coordinated program for his whole town to enjoy, and in the end he realized that talents are not always things that you can perform in front of an audience, but also included the things that we can do, such as organizing, writing and explaining. A fun activity to do with students after reading this book would be to create a "class talent" book that describes the many talents that every student brings into their classroom.
December 18, 2012
There is going to be a talent show and Penguin doesn't have a talent. He tries all kinds of things but nothing works for him. So he decides to organize the talent show. He gets a great speaker and a band, the entertainment and decorations are wonderful and the talent show goes off without a hitch. Everyone decides to throw Penguin a party in thanks, but they are not great party planners. Penguin realizes what his talent actually is and throws himself a great party. Good story about finding what you are good at and appreciating others talents.
November 20, 2015
Penguin and his friends can't figure out what Penguin's talent is. But talents aren't always so visible...
I honestly felt bad for Penguin. Couldn't his friends have tried a little harder to throw him a nice party? So, what, Penguin is the only one who can properly congratulate himself? Why? Does Penguin really need jets and an elephant to celebrate the fact that he can plan an event?
That's when I realize I'm thinking too seriously about this sweet picture book.
My apologies. In the immortal words of Tom Haverford:
'Treat yo self,' Penguin.
I honestly felt bad for Penguin. Couldn't his friends have tried a little harder to throw him a nice party? So, what, Penguin is the only one who can properly congratulate himself? Why? Does Penguin really need jets and an elephant to celebrate the fact that he can plan an event?
That's when I realize I'm thinking too seriously about this sweet picture book.
My apologies. In the immortal words of Tom Haverford:
'Treat yo self,' Penguin.
February 1, 2013
Age: Preschool+
Animals: polar
Who's going to win the talent show? Is it Rabbit's magic tricks? Is it fox's belching? Is it Bear's juggling? Animals compete for the one-of-a-kind polar talent show! The suspense! Now, wait just a minute. Did this talent show spring out of the ground? Who planned this amazing event? Celebrating the not-often-celebrated party planners, Penguin finds out his hidden talent in organizing parties.
Animals: polar
Who's going to win the talent show? Is it Rabbit's magic tricks? Is it fox's belching? Is it Bear's juggling? Animals compete for the one-of-a-kind polar talent show! The suspense! Now, wait just a minute. Did this talent show spring out of the ground? Who planned this amazing event? Celebrating the not-often-celebrated party planners, Penguin finds out his hidden talent in organizing parties.
February 27, 2013
Probably my favorite picture book illustrator. The pictures are cuts, clever, and just awesome. (He also did "The Boy Who Cried Ninja").There are so many little actions in the pictures alone which bring out each character's personality. About a penguin who organizes a talent show and is sad because all his friends are talented and he is not. His friends organize a party to cheer him up and make a complete mess of if. This makes him realize that he does have a talent: throwing parties.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews