Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Adventures of Penguin and Panda #2

The Adventures of Penguin and Panda: Fun and Games!

Rate this book
In the tradition of Narwhal and Jelly, here is a playful and humorous graphic novel series about two besties who could not be more different from each other.
We know what you're thinking: Penguin and Panda should not be friends! The very idea is absurd! Penguin feels all the feels able to be felt, while Panda is low-key cool. Penguin loves surprises and being scared while Panda prefers a good nap. Penguin always follows directions; Panda plays things by ear. Yet these two yin and yang besties love experiencing the world through each other's eyes with abundant humor and a generosity of spirit.

The stories often convey positive messages about imagination, creativity, friendship, acceptance, and the value of being true to oneself.

Each book contains four short stories, and some STEM-related fun facts. This format allows young readers to easily digest the content and provides natural stopping points for reading sessions.

Fanni Mezes’ charming illustrations, filled with expressive characters immediately draw the readers to dive into Penguin and Panda’s playful world.

The language used in the series is accessible and appropriate for early readers, making it a great choice for children who are developing their reading skills.

72 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2024

14 people want to read

About the author

Brenda Maier

10 books26 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
18 (39%)
4 stars
20 (43%)
3 stars
8 (17%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Rosh ~catching up slowly~.
2,264 reviews4,589 followers
October 24, 2024
In a Nutshell: The second standalone graphic novel in the Penguin and Panda series. Works similarly to the first book and just as enjoyable. Lovely morals as well. A good option for beginner readers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This cute graphic novel is about two best friends and their adventures together. This is the second book in the ‘Adventures of Penguin and Panda’ series, but the books are standalone and can be read in any order.

Panda and Penguin don’t have much in common, but somehow, their friendship works. Through their interactions, they learn about each other’s likes and dislikes, and navigate their friendship through mutual care and understanding. They do make mistakes along the way, but don’t hesitate to apologise.

The graphic novel contains four independent stories, each showing the friends indulging in some common activities, whether conversations or outings. Every story contains an important life lesson for little readers. My favourite story was the first one, where Penguin wonders if their friendship can have a future when they are so different from each other, and Panda sweetly shows her the value of having a friend who doesn’t like exactly the same things as you. It was a great example of how true friendship overpowers superficialities.

This book also contains some panda-penguin jokes and fun facts about these two animals.
The language is quite easy and will work wonderfully for beginner readers who are just starting to read independently. This book will cater well to grades 1-4.

The illustrations are obviously made for children. Penguin isn’t scientifically accurate, but she is still super-cute with her purple-tinted skin and tiny pigtails. Panda is as roly-poly and adorable as expected. The graphics are simple but really cute and work nicely for the stories.

On the whole, an entertaining and educational book for little readers who can read longer sentences but also enjoy illustrations. It’s a great combo of fun + morals.

4 stars.


My thanks to Marble Press for allowing access to the DRC of “The Adventures of Penguin and Panda: Fun and Games!” via Edelweiss+. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
Profile Image for Kaye.
4,217 reviews68 followers
January 21, 2024
It is National Penguin Awareness Day so I couldn’t resist reading a children’s graphic novel about Penguin and their friend Panda. The format is similar to Narwhal and Jelly. There are four different chapters or adventures. They talk and think about things they both like, visit a carnival, have an incident with a bicycle and Panda gets a pet. There is also a final page with a couple jokes and fun facts.

I like the colorful illustrations and the sweet friendship between the pair. They don’t have to like all the same things to be friends and enjoy time together. This will easily be popular on my elementary school library shelf. This is the second in the series and is geared for grades K-3rd. Thank you to NetGalley and Marble Press for the temporary ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Kailey (Luminous Libro).
3,531 reviews543 followers
May 24, 2024
Penguin worries that she and Panda don't have enough in common to be real friends. They don't like any of the same things. They look different, and act different, and even talk differently. But Panda reminds his friend that they are the same in all the ways that matter.

This graphic novel is adorable! In each chapter, Penguin and Panda have some sort of cute little adventure and they discover the delights of friendship. They go to a carnival together and share their tickets. Panda accidentally breaks Penguin's bike and tries to hide it. Panda gets a weird new pet and Penguin is not sure if the pet is acceptable.

At the back of the book there are some fun facts about real penguins and pandas, as well as some funny animal jokes. The art work is so cute and colorful! I love this sweet book!


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/ publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
Profile Image for Olivia.
3,630 reviews96 followers
Read
June 19, 2024
See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/the-ad...

THE ADVENTURES OF PENGUIN AND PANDA: FUN AND GAMES! is a delightful early graphic novel about friendship. Penguin and Panda are the best of friends, even if it sometimes seems like they have nothing in common. In the first story, they consider what they have alike and different - which turns out to be a matter of perspective. The rest of the stories continue in this sweet vein as Penguin and Panda work through problems together, even when Panda accidentally breaks Penguin's bike and Penguin accidentally spends all her tickets at the carnival.

What I loved: This book is full of great themes and messages about friendship, teamwork, and keeping a positive mindset. The story is told through simple panels and dialogue. When dialogue bubbles may be a bit confusing, they are colored for the two friends to help keep them easy to follow. The text itself includes a lot of sight words and other simple phrases without contractions to help early readers to begin to read this independently. Being broken into chapters/stories also works well for this, as children could set this down easily between if they need a break.

The illustrations are colorful and expressive, giving plenty of context clues to help readers continue to move through the book. The backgrounds give plenty of details to keep young ones engaged. Combined with the themes of the stories, this will work well for elementary school readers of all ages.

Final verdict: THE ADVENTURES OF PENGUIN AND PANDA: FUN AND GAMES! is a delightful early graphic novel that brings together easy to follow panels, colorful images, and thoughtful themes. This will be a hit with young elementary schoolers who are beginning to read independently!

Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Amanda  Murphy.
1,536 reviews17 followers
February 1, 2024
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love that so many graphic novels and being created and published for beginning readers. As a librarian and a parent, I can tell you that they are the gateway drug to reading. One thing that is special about beginning graphic novels is that they are so wholesome. After you turn last page you feel like you just got a hug from a book. So fantastic.
Profile Image for Chrissy Casey.
101 reviews8 followers
January 28, 2024
Fun and Games follows Panda and Penguin through 4 adventures. Panda and Penguin find that they like different things, but they can still be good friends. This is great for graphic novel for beginning readers. It has jokes and fun facts too! I can’t wait to share this with my first graders!
Profile Image for Lisa Davidson.
1,018 reviews26 followers
January 18, 2024
I'm so loving these characters. These two are best friends and it doesn't matter that they have nothing in common. In fact, being different gives them awesome ways to support each other's differences.
Easy dialogue, bright pictures, and extra jokes -- just a lot of fun!
Thanks so much to NetGalley for letting me read this
15 reviews
January 19, 2024
The graphic novel was one of the most enjoyable light-hearted novels I have read in a while. Throughout this illustrated novel, we follow Penguin and Panda, two best friends who have nothing in common with each other. These characters bring friendship, laughter, adventure, and a meaningful message.
Profile Image for Noelle.
345 reviews22 followers
August 5, 2024
What an adorable, kid-friendly graphic novel! Reading Penguin and Panda gave me all the warm-fuzzies.
The artwork is really cute and I loved some of the background characters (like the axolotl magician).

The short chapters will be easy for a young reader to get through and then think about the message in the story. The four stories are as follows:
1. Favorites: these two friends are different and that's awesome. Also, turtles aren't rocks.
2. The Carnival: it's easy to get over excited and sharing is cool.
3. The Bicycle: don't take something without permission and apologize when you do something wrong.
4. The Pet: love is love.

I just love these characters so much and I know a lot of young readers will as well.
Profile Image for Panda Incognito.
4,587 reviews94 followers
January 24, 2024
This graphic novel is designed for early elementary readers, and it's really cute. Penguin and Panda are best friends, even though they don't have much in common, and they have fun adventures together. The illustrations are charming and colorful, and the stories made me chuckle. There are also some facts and jokes shared on bonus pages. This is the second book in a series that is very similar in style and tone to the Narwhal and Jelly books by Ben Clanton, and it will appeal to readers who liked those books.

The first story in this book seemed a bit weaker than ones in the original volume, and I would have liked to see Penguin's reaction to the detail the illustrations reveal to the reader, but the book picks up after that, and the stories are lots of fun. The dialogue is sometimes stilted, especially when the characters are expressing their feelings or working through disagreements, but the book conveys lots of good messages.

This book includes multiple short stories, and the episodic nature can make it especially appealing for young readers, since they can feel a sense of accomplishment as they finish each chapter. This book can also appeal to older kids and to adults, because it's so charming, wholesome, and funny.

I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Darla.
4,649 reviews1,160 followers
December 26, 2024
This second book in the Penguin and Panda series is like a one-stop shop.

✅ Cute stories with encouraging messages. Helpful tips for choosing and being a good friend.

✅ Colorful illustrations with engaging details.

✅ A page of cheesy jokes. (Where do penguing go dancing? The Snow Ball.)

✅ Fun facts about pandas and penguins --did you know pandas can poop as many as 50 times in a day? And penguins designed to be a streamlined shape allowing them to easily escape predators under water.

✅ My favorite chapter is "Favorites" The two friends are comparing collections and Panda adds a green 'rock' to his. Later it goes missing. So mysterious! 🐢

And the best news of all: I get to read The Adventures of Penguin and Panda: Winterfest: Graphic Novel tomorrow. 🐧🐼
Profile Image for Brittany.
441 reviews10 followers
January 8, 2024
Penguin and Panda are best friends! This graphic novel consists of 4 short stories revolving Penguin and Panda getting playing games together, as well as a page of jokes and a few pages of fun facts about penguins and pandas.

This has some really cute illustrations with bright colors perfect for young kids! I think early elementary age would be a great reading age for these books. The stories were short and easy for younger readers to understand.

The one thing I think could be improved upon is that the dialogue between characters seemed sort of stilted. It reminded me of how Dug from the movie up speaks, but I'm wondering if this is a translation issue. The story still makes complete sense regardless of the way the dialogue is written.

Overall 4/5 stars

Thank you so much to netgalley and Publisher Spotlight for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jerry Bennett.
43 reviews3 followers
February 26, 2024
Brenda Maier and Fanni Mézes’ continue to create wonderfully funny and heartwarming stories that shows the power of love and friendship despite such differing personalities. Penguin and Panda are best friends yet have completely opposite tastes in everything. Conflicts continue in this next volume of vignettes that showcase Penguin's and Panda's strengths and weaknesses, and how they find resolution through determination expressed in their love and friendship. Brenda continues to shine with witty and heart-filled dialogue. Fanni's art continues to keep an adorable style throughout. I recommend this latest volume to all my friends with kids! #art #kidlit #earlyreaders #graphicnovel #penguinandpanda #arc #review
Profile Image for Shawna .
195 reviews34 followers
March 16, 2024
Penguin Panda Surprise is a delightful graphic novel authored by Brenda Maier that has captured the hearts of children aged between six to ten years. This book revolves around the lovable panda and penguin characters that are relatable and cute, making them a hit among young readers. The story's engaging plot and colorful illustrations make it a perfect addition to any home or classroom library. Children will be delighted by the charming adventures of the panda and the penguin, making it an ideal gift for kids who love stories with engaging characters and beautiful artwork. Overall, Penguin Panda Surprise is a must-read for anyone looking for a fun and enjoyable book that will inspire kids to read and explore their imaginations.
155 reviews
July 7, 2024
In their next collection…
🐢 Penguin worries her friendship with Panda is doomed because they don’t enjoy the same things.
🎡 The friends share their tickets to enjoy all that the carnival has to offer.
🚲 Panda borrows Penguin’s bike without permission and things get hairy.
🥚Panda gets the perfect pet for him (a mysterious swirly egg)!
Quite different in personality, Penguin expresses big emotions and Panda tends to be a little more carefree. Each book contains 4 stories and some fun facts at the end. Both of my kids gravitated towards these books immediately. They are super fun and obviously cute. We will be preordering the next book, Winterfest, that comes out in the fall
Profile Image for Mikki St. Blackwell.
51 reviews7 followers
January 23, 2024
This short graphic novel tells the story of two best friends facing different problems. Each chapter is like a different tale, short enough to hold the attention of young readers in 1st and 2nd grade, yet vivid and funny enough to keep older readers engaged. However, I wish it was longer and that the first story had a better reveal when the penguin sees his "rock".

Overall, I found the book engaging for both me and my teen, as I read it aloud to her. The humor was so appealing that she wants the book for her own collection.
Profile Image for Pam.
9,450 reviews48 followers
February 26, 2024
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Marble Press through NetGalley.
Panda and Penguin continue to share their adventures with younger readers. The fun and joy they feel in their friendship shines through. However, everything is not perfect as readers see when Panda borrows something without asking and breaks it. The aftermath is handled with sensitivity and models how to interact when things like this happen. Their entire friendship models behaviors that work to develop social skills for readers.
40 reviews
February 14, 2024
The first Adventures of Penguin and Panda was an adorable, sweet read for beginner readers, so I was very happy to see book two will be published soon after book one! This one is about how we all have different skills / talents, and teaches how friends can help each other out and encourage one another.

I was allowed to read an ARC through NetGalley, and all opinions are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Sharon Martinez.
67 reviews6 followers
February 28, 2024
I received both of the books in this series as digital ARC copies . The story was disjointed given the E-reader formatting , which I’m sure will be rectified at printing. Dialog is odd at times, missing words here and there. Hard to provide a thorough review due to the terrible arc formatting unfortunately but that is not the fault of the author, so I’m rating 4 stars for story potential.
Profile Image for Alix.
163 reviews8 followers
March 6, 2024
Another short comic book about Penguin and Panda as they learn their differences in interests makes their friendship interesting and wonderful. Cute dialogues and easy words for young children to pick up and read.

Thank you to NetGallery for providing me an advanced digital colt for review!
Profile Image for Sara Beth.
179 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2025
Four cute short stories of the adventures of Penguin and Panda: Favorites, The Carnival, The Bicycle, and The Pet. Each story has a lesson about being a good friend. At the end there are some fun facts. I really enjoy reading these short stories myself, but they are also great for kids.
Profile Image for Aleisha.
62 reviews1 follower
February 29, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc of Fun and Games! This was a very cute story with adorable illustrations. This series will be a great addition to our graphic novel collection.
Profile Image for Valerie Lawson.
Author 2 books29 followers
May 4, 2024
LOVE this series! And as much as I love each book, the extras are just as cute and funny. (Of course we need to know how many times a panda goes to the bathroom each day! PS, it's A LOT!)
Profile Image for Shari.
582 reviews31 followers
Read
July 6, 2024
Really liked this friendship story and young reader graphic novel. Each chapter/ story went a little deeper than I expected, and I really liked the messages. The art is adorable!
Profile Image for Raven Black.
2,727 reviews5 followers
April 2, 2025
Cute story about friendship and the silly things that happen.
Profile Image for Adelina Esquibel.
19 reviews3 followers
February 8, 2024
Fun and Games! is a delightful and wonderful illustrated kids' graphic novel about the friendship between a panda and a penguin. The questions and concerns of the characters mirror those of child at different ages. The humor and affection for each other in palatable and enjoyable. Panda likes to do things that Penguin doesn't and vice a versa. Panda and Penguin are opposites but when they work together everyone benefits. Their ying and yang pairing allows each to balance the each other. As a librarian and lover of graphic novels the sweetness, genuineness and humor of the characters shine through. I look forward to further adventures of Panda and Penguin.
Profile Image for Kate.
570 reviews19 followers
April 30, 2024
A big thanks to NetGalley and Marble Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

An adorable graphic novel.!

Fun and Games by Brenda Maier and Fanni Mézes is a graphic novel about an adorable penguin and panda. We know what you're thinking: Penguin and Panda should not be friends! The very idea is absurd! Penguin feels all the feels able to be felt, while Panda is low-key cool. Penguin loves surprises and being scared while Panda prefers a good nap. Penguin always follows directions; Panda plays things by ear. Yet these two yin and yang besties love experiencing the world through each other's eyes with abundant humor and a generosity of spirit. The stories often convey positive messages about imagination, creativity, friendship, acceptance, and the value of being true to oneself. Each book contains four short stories, and some STEM-related fun facts. This format allows young readers to easily digest the content and provides natural stopping points for reading sessions. Fanni Mezes' charming illustrations, filled with expressive characters immediately draw the readers to dive into Penguin and Panda's playful world.

Just too adorable.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.