My Penguin Osbert in Love
Author: Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
Illustrator: H B “Buck” Lewis
Published by: Walker Books Ltd 2009
Age: 3 – 6 years
Theme: Friendship, love, adventure, space, South Pole
Opening Lines: I had just put away my new helicopter and was cleaning out my ant farm when I heard a knock at the door.
Synopsis: As described on Amazon ; Joe couldn’t be more surprised to find his friend Osbert knocking at his front door—AWOL from the zoo—with an invitation to a South Pole extravaganza under his wing. Since penguins can’t fly, and Joe has a helicopter from Santa, the boy is soon piloting a bunch of penguins on a long journey south. But when Osbert ignores the southern lights and only has eyes for a penguin named Aurora, Joe starts to worry. Will he ever get back in time for his own family’s Midwinter Bash?
Why I like it: This is such a cute story of a boy and his Penguin friend, Osbert. Elizabeth’s first person narrative takes us on a journey by helicopter to see the Southern Lights, thanks to Joe. Osbert his friend, is such a character (whose girlfriend smells of seaweed) had staged a zoo breakout and brought along a few friends for the ride. This story is married with sweet colourful pictures giving a whimsical feel. I loved seeing the penguin wave the helicopter in to land with his lights, and later Joe standing in line for the toilet with his leg crossed and face of concentration, made me smile. Very cute for any child any time of year, and a love story to boot! Note: this is a second book of a series.
Resources/Findings: In the back of the book are suggestions for throwing a Party. Invitations, and theme. Also a great punch recipe and a Black and White Penguin Cookies recipe.
Here is Elizabeth’s website… http://www.codykimmel.com/osbert-in-love.html
Fun facts and activities about Penguins… http://www.kidzone.ws/animals/penguins/
Fun facts about Antarctica for kids….. http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/earth/antarctica.html
For more books with resources please head on over and visit the lovely author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with the books reviewed by many authors.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Sounds adorable! Love the cover!! Must read!!!
It is and you must, 🙂 Thanks Lori.
I’m in love with the idea of holding a penguin party – how marvelous!
lol…. it sounds a really cute idea. Or are you thinking of one for the…. grown ups? 🙂 Thanks, Cathy!
Intergenerational!
My brother would love this book I think. He’s obsessed with penguins!
Cool, Then this would be ideal. One of the comments from a reviewer on Amazon, said her boy picked this book as his choice, and loves it. Thanks for popping in Heather. 🙂
I’m so glad you managed to post this, Diane. It’s a cracker!
Yeah, me too, Catherine. I have a few very cute books I picked up from the library especially for PPBF, and so didn’t want to miss sharing with you all. 🙂
Why are penguins SO adorable? This reminds me of the Madagascar films.
lol… yes they are adorable…. my first reaction when I saw this book was… awww! Arr you wait till next week, that one will really make you think of Madagascar films…. Thanks Wendy. 🙂
AAWWw ! This sounds like a delightful read aloud. I will check it out. 🙂
LOL…. that’s what I said Clar when I first saw this. H B “Buck” Lewis sure does beautiful illustrations. Enjoy Clar! 🙂
penguins in a helicopter! sounds too, too funny.
lol… yes it is, but so cute! So nice to have you here Sue. Thank you for commenting. Do stick around and enjoy. 🙂
What a charming read! A love story about penquins. Like your idea for a penguin party. That would be very cute.
lol… Thank you, Pat. It is real cute. Actually the party ideas are found in the back of the book, so it comes complete with some resources as well. A cute, fun book. Thanks again Pat. 🙂
Sounds all too fun and silly, Diane!
lol… yep, too funny, but cute! Thanks, Joanna 🙂
Interested to see the series too – thanks, Diane.
Your very welcome Julie, thanks for commenting. 🙂
I LOVE, love, LoVe Osbert! I didn’t know there was a sequel and now I can NOT wait to get it. Thanks!!
lol… glad you like it Barbara. This one is the 2nd book. Hope you find the first one.
Lets hope there are more to come. Thanks for commenting Barbara, and do stick around. 🙂
I MUST get this book! 😀 I love penguins! 🙂
Well then this book is right up your sleeve! Enjoy, my friend! 🙂
Penguins are always fun! Looks like a book I need to check out! Thanks!
Your very welcome Rhythm, enjoy, and thanks for commenting. 🙂
I love all books with penquins in them! Looks like a fun read.
Hi Darlene, then this is the book for you… lol. Enjoy and thanks for commenting. 🙂
Diane…wonderful choice! I love the boy adventure theme…and the penguin romance adds just the right touch!
Aww… thankyou Vivian.
Sounds like a fun read it’ll have to go on my list for later.My granddaughter ios just about managing to sit still for board books.
Aww…. okay put it down for her later. She will love the cute penquin