The Penguin of Death

by Edward Monkton

. . . suddenly you hear it in a voice so clear and strong, a strange and SUBTLE melody A HAUNTING Penguin song."

In this hauntingly nuanced ballad, Edward Monkton takes you on an epic journey to the heart of life . . . and to the strange and wonderful release that is DEATH by Method 412.

Lyrical. Entrancing. Once you have made the fateful journey to the enigmatic Penguin's snowy palace, he invites you in to share with him a final cup of tea before subjecting you to the unimagined ecstasy of his ultimate treatment.

A delicious mixture of euphoria and fright meld to reveal something wonderful and bright in this eccentric Monkton narrative that accompanies his trademark, hand-lettered black-and-white illustrations.

Genres: Poetry, Fiction, Humor, Graphic Novels, British Literature, Short Stories, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 2, 2006

About the author

Pen name of Giles Andreae, Edward Monkton is a self-described "philosopher, poet, artist and interesting fellow"

Reviews

[ashley elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sister found this little book at a friend's consignment shop & skimmed it, then promptly bought it. She refused to tell us what it was about, instead waiting until we were all together that night. After we were all under blankets & cuddled up with one another, she read it to us. We all fell in love with how chilling and disturbing and hilarious it was. Since then, we've read it to two other groups. Perfect for a read aloud with young adults, especially at 2am with all the lights turned off.

[MKF · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually had no idea what this book was when I got it. Turns out it is a short, simple poem that was not all that bad.

[surfmadpig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wise and wonderful.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was another recommendation from my sister and one that I have really no idea why she wanted me to read it although I am guessing it is since she knows that somehow I am attracted to some pretty weird books thus another eccentric title to add to my shelves. Otherwise still no idea just as I have no idea basically about what I just read.

Never having been much a fan of the sensation that everyone must love penguins this is one of those books that just has me shaking my head. First of all why a penguin of death and who would come up with such a thought? Why was the protagonist of the poem so happy to oblige with a penguin and just not any particular penguin but one who is apparently British with his cup of tea?

The slow rhyming melody and the description within the poem were decent while I think it may have been more receptive to me if it wasn't a darn freaky penguin. Furthermore although I know about the swan song and a few other "death embracing" songs from lore I have never heard this particular version and so it reminds me of Poe's crazy raven.

And the illustrations were too simplistic and too cartoonish for me to truly enjoy along with the poem. Although they did enhance some of the wording it was just not anything for me to write home about. And so as Poe's said Raven says...

"Nevermore!!"

[Mary Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the...?

[Danielle Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t get this through my library, or even through the state wide inter-library loan program (I guess no library in Michigan has a copy). Luckily I found a reading of it online. A very whimsical look at death, with a penguin who serves tea.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this very short but very deep poem/book. It was just lovely and when I reached the end, I had a moment where i thought, "Wow, life is beautiful. I'm glad I'm here." If you're feeling down or esoteric, read this book.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only life, and death, could be so comforting and simple. Thank you, Penguin. Thank you for the thought.

[Wester Wagenaar]

A life-changing read equal parts horrific and hilarious.

[Danielle H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was presented to me as a children's book, but I am finding myself shelving it as a graphic novel, instead. I think it could be used with some kids to process the death and dying process. It is not about grief--rather it is about the process of dying--of when it happens, why, who comes for you, what you see, think, and feel. It provides a poetic answer the the answerless question. For a kid, I suppose the poetry is no more difficult that much of A. A. Milne. So I think it is doable with good scaffolding.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The penguin softly calls you
From his palace in the snow
Though every sinew holds you back
You know that YOU MUST GO

Teehee, funny, macabre, and downright silly. The penguin of death can kill you in 1 of 412 different ways but is strangely attractive because of his enigmatic smile.

This poetic work from Edward Monkton takes you on a journey of life and death and the miraculous end that method 4-1-2 brings.

[Shannon Green]

Someone needs to explain to me what this book is about? Why is this guy going to the penguin to be “euthanised” why does this penguin do this? How does the penguin “euthanise” him?. I feel I’d enjoy the book more if it was explained more to me.. otherwise I’m just left feeling annoyingly frustrated

[Andy Hickman · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Penguin of Death, Edward Monkton
Ooh, I had no idea what it was before I read it. Now I've read it. Still no idea. But it was creepy and freaky. **
"The penguin softly calls you
From his palace in the snow
Though every sinew holds you back
You know that YOU MUST GO"

[Rodolfo Morientes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tiny book captivated me. Its simplicity, catchy rhime and minimalistic drawings made an interesting 5 minutes-reading.

[Art · Rating 1 out of 5]

A Grim Reaper penguin...sort of...I didn't like it.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alas, I thought this penguin would be a Master Criminal like the chicken in Wallace & Gromit. It is not at all like that, do not make my mistake.

[Charty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was...bizarre. Not so much in content or pictures but just, what is the point of this book? Simple illustrations, rhyming text, who is the audience for this?

[Ken French · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend recommended this. It was not what I expected but I loved it!

[Clam · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

My goddaughter gave this to me to read. I didn't get it, which is usually what happens with me and poetry.

[Drew Budds · Rating 4 out of 5]

so...well...I loved it. I don't know what I was expecting, but the penguin of death is amazing. found this book by chance and so glad I did

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's funny and cute.

[Louise Bath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting, offbeat, endearing, strange, charming, surreal, and utterly gorgeous.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initially I read this book quickly as I'd picked it up in a guest house lounge and spotted it was an Edward Munition book. I found it beautiful and emotionally engaging and a beautiful "way to go." Others read it and commented that they found it "sinister'. I therefore purchased a second hand copy upon returning home and re-read it. Whilst I can see where the other comments are coming from, I stand by my original and instinctive impression. I guess hat means the book is successful, as although short on words it's diverse n potential ways of receiving the message.

[Julia O'Connell]

One of the strangest books I have ever ready, this tiny illustrated book contains the tale in rhyming verse of a nameless narrator committing penguin-assisted suicide.

The cutesy rhyming and whimsical ink drawings form a strange juxtaposition with the mature and complex subject matter.

A fun novelty book for those who enjoy the absurd and the morbid. Despite appearances, not a children's book.

[yengyeng · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have encountered an apologetic undies-wearing ombudsman SNAG penguin (Bloom County's Opus), a menacing projection of madness penguin (Tanith Lee's Paradys series) and a beer-guzzling, hot tub dwelling penguin (Pen Pen in Evangelion) in the books that I have read. A penguin of death is a first for me.

[Hania Douglas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Creepy and morbid are the first two words to come to mind, followed by a sense of anti climactic emptiness, followed by a weird fuzzy feeling like when your pet got run over by a truck and dragged for a mile but your parents made you feel okay with it because they explained that the per has gone to pet heaven. I just feel weird with it, okay.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the most bizarre Edward Monkton book I have read so far, which says a lot.
It's a cute poem about visiting a penguin who literally kills you softly with his song.
I don't quite get it, but it is quirky and weird sand has a penguin so 3 stars.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an amusing little illustrated poem. There's not much else to say about it, save for noting that it's really more of a gift book than a real "read".

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

He is strangely attractive because of his enigmatic smile. He can kill you in any 1 of 412 different ways.