Perfectly Polite Penguins

Author: Georgiana Deutsch
Illustrator: Ekaterina Trukhan
Publisher: Little Tiger Press

Polly the Penguin thinks that being polite is BORING, and while the other penguins wait their turn, remember their manners and share nicely, Polly is busy throwing food, interrupting, making insensitive comments about others and complaining bitterly about having to tidy up. Eventually the other penguins begin to copy Polly’s behaviour and chaos breaks out. Then Polly notices that baby Peter is upset by the noise and persuades everyone to clear up and start being polite again.

This is a sweet and amusing picture book with lots of helpful (but not overtly preachy) messages, illustrated in a bold, punchy style by Ekaterina Trukhan.

The messages we found in this book:

Acknowledgement:

The story acknowledges that it is often difficult for young children to behave themselves and co-operate with friends when it means having ‘less fun’.

Guidance:

There are many scenarios shown in the story where Polly’s behaviour has a negative consequence on others. These little scenes act as a useful guide to children.

Hope & Inspiration:

Polly empathises with baby Peter: she notices that he’s upset and takes action to help him feel better. She changes her own behaviour to benefit someone else.