Today, I have two books written about the same subject.
Both tell a true story.
Both have similar titles.
Julie Abery tells the story in perfect rhyming verse.
Alayne Kay Christian tells the story in lovely lyrical prose.
The story: One day, an old man named João finds an oil-covered penguin as he’s walking along a Brazilian beach. He knows if he doesn’t help the penguin, the penguin will die. João carefully cleans the oil from the penguin, who he names Dindim. João helps Dindim regain his strength by feeding him fish. They swim together and walk along the beach together. A bond of friendship grows, but João knows that Dindim belongs in his own habitat. He takes Dindim out into the ocean and lets him go to where he belongs. Surprisingly, Dindim finds his way back to João’s house and returns at the same time each year to visit his friend.
Each book tells of a lasting friendship between João and Dindim. Each book will touch readers’ hearts. Both have illustrations that depict an ocean setting that is soft and colorful. With themes of compassion and a lasting friendship, these books are worth having on your bookshelf.
The Old Man and the Penguin: A True Story of Friendship written by Julie Abery and illustrated by Pierre Pratt, Kids Can Press, October 2020.
An Old Man and His Penguin: How Dindim Made João Pereira de Souza an Honorary Penguin written by Alayne Kay Christian and illustrated by Milanka Reardon, Blue Whale Press, August 2020.
Humor Me 