The Old Man and the Penguin

Written by Julie Abery · Illustrated by Pierre Pratt

A man rescues an oil-soaked penguin, sparking an unexpected bond that defies nature's call.

5.1/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 350 ratings

32 pages

$18.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

João discovers a penguin, drenched in oil and barely alive, on a Brazilian shore. As he nurses the bird back to health, an extraordinary friendship blossoms. But when it's time to release the penguin, the bird's surprising choice challenges the boundaries of their bond. Will the penguin return to the wild, or has he found a new home? This touching tale explores the power of compassion and the unexpected connections that can arise between humans and animals, while highlighting the impact of environmental disasters on wildlife.

From the publisher

Told in rhyming verse, this is the touching true story of an oil-soaked penguin, the man who rescues him and an unlikely friendship.

João hears ?a sorry screech? as he walks along the shore near his home. It’s from a penguin, whose feathers are soaked in oil.

Barely moving on the sand,

too tired to swim, too weak to stand …

João must save this little guy.

Without his help, he’ll surely die.

João takes the penguin home. He cleans him, feeds him and nurses him slowly back to health — and the pair develop a special bond. When the penguin is fully recovered, João knows it’s time to return him to the wild where he belongs. But the penguin has other ideas …

Told in rhyming verse, this heartwarming picture book tells the true story of João Pereira de Souza of Brazil, who cared for a Magellanic penguin that had been caught in an oil spill. When João tried to release him back to the wild, the penguin returned to João’s home and stayed for months. The penguin, named Dindim by João, did eventually leave, but he now returns to visit his friend for five months of every year. A charming read-aloud showcasing a tender relationship between an animal and human, this book also promotes environmental awareness and stewardship, and explains how human activities often threaten wildlife. Author Julie Abery includes information about João and the penguin, how wildlife is affected by oil spills every year, and what to do if you find wildlife in distress. The lively art by award-winning Pierre Pratt brings a touching sweetness and emotional depth to the story. There are character education lessons here on empathy, kindness and caring.

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