Penguin's Christmas Wish (Penguin)

Spending time with friends and loved ones is a big part of what makes the holidays special; when one of those friends is a pine tree, so much the better. This fifth Penguin picture book sees the return of Pinecone, whom Penguin befriended in his first picture book in 2012. Now fully grown, Pinecone becomes the perfect Christmas tree for Penguin, Pumpkin, and their fellow penguins, but after a storm blows away the ornaments on the tree and the presents underneath it, Penguin uses a bit of ingenuity to create replacement gifts (sticks, it turns out, make great knitting needles, drumsticks, and fishing rods). With their rough black outlines and bright colors, Yoon's digital graphics again create a cozy polar environment for the story, which emphasizes creativity, togetherness, and generosity as key elements for a memorable Christmas. Up to age 3. Agent: Jamie Weiss Chilton, Andrea Brown Literary. (Sept.)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2--In the title character's sixth adventure, he leads his family from their icy home to the heart of the forest, where Pinecone (introduced in the first book) has grown into a tall tree--perfect for Christmas adornments. After a pleasant trimming party, all go to sleep with heads full of wishes. But during the night, a blizzard wreaks havoc. In the morning, not only are all the decorations gone but so are the presents. Grandpa reminds everyone that the true joy of Christmas is being with loved ones, but Penguin goes off into the snow and returns with creative gifts to fulfill each wish but his own. His wish had been to share Christmas with the whole forest. As the sun melts the snow, the ornaments are discovered on the surrounding trees. Old and new friends gather at nightfall to see the beautiful array, making Penguin's wish come true after all. VERDICT The noncommercial message and charmingly illustrated characters will surely delight fans of this picture book series.--Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Yoon's distinctive illustrations use simple shapes, bold colors, and thick, black outlines to delineate the characters against snowy backgrounds . . . Grandpa's touching words about the meaning of Christmas and Penguin's sweet presents of sticks add depth to this unassuming but satisfying story." - Kirkus Reviews

"Yoon's digital illustrations of Penguin and his pals are as heartwarming as ever . . . Penguin's good-hearted earnestness has won him plenty of admirers, and this holiday tale won't turn them away." - Booklist

"With their rough black outlines and bright colors, Yoon's digital graphics again create a cozy polar environment for the story, which emphasizes creativity, togetherness, and generosity as key elements for a memorable Christmas." - Publishers Weekly

"The noncommercial message and charmingly illustrated characters will surely delight fans of this picture book series." - School Library Journal

"A sweet, visually striking story of friendship and acceptance." - starred review, Booklist on BE A FRIEND

"A launchpad for discussions of individuality . . . A delightful story about the celebration of individuality and friendship." - Kirkus Reviews on BE A FRIEND

"Yoon manages to create visual dynamism . . . The simple narrative offers an opportunity for prediction and allows for text-to-self connections." - School Library Journal on PENGUIN'S BIG ADVENTURE

"The lovable Penguin's chunky persona exudes expressive emotion." - Booklist on PENGUIN'S BIG ADVENTURE

"Readers will respond to this warm tale of finding love." - Kirkus Reviews on PENGUIN IN LOVE

"A thoughtful, flawlessly executed exploration of theory of mind and emotional intelligence." - starred review, Publishers Weekly on FOUND