Books About Penguins · 218 titles considered

The Best Penguins Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about penguins? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Sunk!
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Penguins

Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1938

Mr. Popper's Penguins

By Richard Atwater, Florence Atwater · Book #1 in the Mr. Popper's Penguins series

A house painter receives a surprise gift from Admiral Drake, the famous South Pole explorer, which changes his life forever.

Newbery Honor (1939)
148 pages· 18,641 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 78,531 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Mr. Popper, a humble house painter, receives a penguin from Admiral Drake, soon followed by another from the zoo. As the penguins multiply to twelve, chaos ensues. Can Mr. Popper manage his unexpected, waddling family before they consume everything in sight? Discover the hilarity and heartwarming moments as Mr. Popper navigates this delightful dilemma.
Picture Book · Ages 2–6 · 2017

Sunk!

Penguin Blue's pirate adventure leads to a shipwreck and a mysterious island stranger. Treasure awaits.

32 pages· 290 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
6.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 114 ratings
Summary: Penguin Blue sets sail on a pirate adventure with friends, seeking treasure across the seven seas. When their ship unexpectedly sinks, they find themselves exploring a shipwreck and encountering a mysterious stranger on a desert island. Will this twist of fate lead them to hidden treasure, or will they discover something even more valuable? Join Captain Blue in this thrilling tale of friendship and discovery, where every wave brings a new surprise and the promise of adventure lingers in the salty sea air.
Board Book · Ages 3–6 · 1988

Tacky the Penguin

An odd penguin's quirks might save his colony from danger.

32 pages
6.1/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 11,938 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Tacky is not your typical penguin. While his companions glide gracefully, Tacky prefers splashy cannonballs and loud greetings. His antics annoy the others, but when poachers threaten their icy home, Tacky's unconventional ways might be their only hope. Can this quirky penguin turn his oddities into strengths and save the day? Discover how being different can make all the difference in this charming tale of courage and individuality.
Board Book · Ages 2–6 · 2012

Penguin and Pinecone

A penguin must help a pinecone return home, testing their friendship across distances.

32 pages
6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,754 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Penguin discovers a lost pinecone in the snow, sparking an unexpected friendship. But when Grandpa reveals pinecones belong in the warm forest, Penguin faces a dilemma: help Pinecone return home or risk losing their bond. As they embark on this heartfelt journey, can their friendship endure the miles that separate them? Join Penguin in a tale of love, distance, and the power of true friendship.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2020

Braver

A young wombat must face dangers to rescue her captured family.

288 pages
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 312 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: Lola, a chatty wombat, craves adventure beyond her quiet forest life. When a long-exiled predator kidnaps her parents, Lola embarks on a perilous journey to the golden city of Dore. With the Queen of Tassie Island's help, she must navigate treacherous swamps, rivers, and heights, encountering strange creatures along the way. Can Lola's courage save her family and prove she's braver than anyone imagined?
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2014

Flora and the Penguin

A skater and a penguin must mend their friendship on the ice.

40 pages
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,902 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: Flora, a skilled skater, befriends a penguin on the ice. Their synchronized dance is disrupted when Flora gives the penguin the cold shoulder. Can they reconcile and rediscover their harmony? This wordless tale unfolds through clever flaps, revealing the ups and downs of true friendship.
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2013

Penguin Cha-Cha

A girl tries to join dancing penguins at the zoo.

40 pages· 464 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·3.7/5 Goodreads · 299 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: In The Romping Chomping Park and Zoo, Julia is captivated by a group of dancing penguins. Determined to join their lively antics, she embarks on a whimsical adventure. Will she find a way to dance alongside them, or will the penguins' shenanigans prove too much? Dive into a world of fun and laughter as Julia discovers the joy of dancing with her feathered friends.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

The Perfect Sofa

Can Penguin and Panda find the perfect sofa, or is it closer than they think?

32 pages· 77 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud
5.6/7 Bookroo experts·3.7/5 Goodreads · 83 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Penguin and Panda embark on a quest to replace their worn-out sofa, but the endless options leave them baffled. Each new choice fails to match the comfort of their old favorite. As they search for the perfect fit, they begin to wonder if the ideal sofa is already in their home. Will they discover that what they truly seek is right under their noses, or will they find something new that surpasses their expectations? Join them on this cozy adventure filled with choices and surprises.
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2019

Perfectly Polite Penguins

Polly Penguin disrupts politeness. Can she restore order?

32 pages· 463 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.5/5 Goodreads · 201 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Polly Penguin finds politeness dull and starts breaking all the rules. Her antics lead the entire penguin community into chaos as they follow her lead. With manners in disarray, can Polly mend the mess she created and bring back harmony? Dive into this charming tale to discover if order can be restored in the penguin world.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

The Second Sky

A penguin dreams of flying despite his limitations. Can he defy the odds?

32 pages
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 277 ratings
$17.00Save 5%
Summary: Gilbert, a determined penguin, dreams of soaring through the skies. Despite his clumsy feet and tiny wings, he refuses to give up, even when others doubt him. Will his persistence uncover hidden talents and allow him to achieve the impossible? Dive into this heartwarming tale of resilience and self-discovery.
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Browse by age

Penguins Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about penguins for the youngest readers and listeners.

My Pet Penguins

Ages 3–5

A girl and her penguins embark on playful adventures before bedtime.

Little Penguin Gets the Hiccups

Ages 0–4 · 2015

Help a penguin cure his persistent hiccups with a playful scare.

I Like It When . . . / Me gusta cuando . . .

Ages 0–3 · 1997

A penguin shares joyful moments with a loved one.

Love, Mama

Ages 2–6 · 2018

A young penguin learns the enduring reach of a mother's love.

Penguin on Vacation

Ages 0–5 · 2013

Penguin swaps snow for sand, but can he find fun at the beach?

Baby Penguins Everywhere!
Sale price
$699

Baby Penguins Everywhere!

Ages 2–5 · 2012

A penguin finds endless baby penguins in a hat, leading to chaos and joy.

Penguin Misses Mom

Ages 2–4 · 2016

Penguin faces the challenge of missing Mom while having fun with a babysitter.

Penguin's Big Adventure
Sale price
$799

Penguin's Big Adventure

Ages 0–5 · 2015

A penguin ventures to the North Pole, facing solitude and the unknown.

Penguin's Christmas Wish
Sale price
$799

Penguin's Christmas Wish

Ages 0–3 · 2016

Penguin's Christmas plans go awry, revealing unexpected holiday magic.

Bob and Flo and the Missing Bucket
Sale price
$799

Bob and Flo and the Missing Bucket

Ages 0–3 · 2014

A penguin's lunch bucket vanishes on her first preschool day. Can she find it?

And Tango Makes Three

Ages 4–8 · 2005

Two penguins defy norms to start a family at the zoo.

Kisses and Cuddles

Ages 1–4 · 2015

A penguin's day of fun ends with the best: mama's cuddles.

View all penguins board books
Browse by age

Penguins Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about penguins for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Up and Down

Ages 3–7 · 2010

A penguin seeks fulfillment in solo flight but discovers true joy in shared experiences.

Penguin and Pumpkin

Ages 3–6 · 2014

Penguin seeks a way to share autumn's magic with his little brother left behind.

Spike

Ages 3–8 · 2021

A penguin's quest for conformity leads to unexpected self-discovery.

Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot vs. the Unpleasant Penguins from Pluto

Ages 6–8 · 2016

A penguin from Pluto plots Earth's takeover. Can Ricky and his robot stop him?

The Penguin Problem
Sale price
$599

The Penguin Problem

Ages 4–8 · 2010

Freddy's penny jar is missing. Can he still save the penguins?

Tacky and the Winter Games

Ages 4–7 · 2005

Can Tacky's antics lead Team Nice Icy Land to Winter Games glory or disaster?

Blown Away

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A penguin's kite adventure leads to unexpected discoveries about home.

Except Antarctica

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A turtle defies the odds to reach Antarctica, challenging nature's limits.

The King Penguin

Ages 3–5 · 2023

A king penguin seeks loyal subjects but finds unexpected challenges.

365 Penguins

Ages 5–7 · 2006

A family receives a penguin daily, leading to chaos and mystery. Who's sending them?

Three Cheers for Tacky

Ages 4–7 · 1994

Can an odd penguin's quirks win the cheering contest?

The Old Man and the Penguin

Ages 3–7 · 2020

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

Browse by age

Penguins Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about penguins for developing and independent readers.

Holiday Heat Wave

Ages 6–9 · 2020

Penguin royalty arrives during a heat wave, but there's no ice!

Penguins and Antarctica

Ages 7–9 · 2008

Uncover penguin mysteries and Antarctic secrets with Jack and Annie's fact-finding adventure.

Penguin Puzzle
Sale price
$499

Penguin Puzzle

Ages 7–10 · 1995

Students must solve a penguin puzzle in Antarctica after a magical transformation.

The Puffin Keeper

Ages 8–11 · 2020

A lighthouse keeper's rescue sparks a lifelong bond tested by war.

Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1099

Bird & Squirrel On Ice

Ages 7–10 · 2014

A bird crash-lands in a penguin village and is mistaken for the Chosen One, destined to defeat a great whale and bring peace and prosperity to the village

Penguins!

Ages 6–8 · 2009

Discover why penguins are nature's rock stars and their surprising habits.

Mr. Penguin and the Catastrophic Cruise

Ages 8–11 · 2021

A detective penguin uncovers a dangerous plot on a luxury cruise. Can he save the day?

Mr. Penguin and the Fortress of Secrets

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A crash-landing leads to a mystery of missing pets and a sinister plot. Can they save the day?

Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure

Ages 8–11 · 2017

A penguin becomes an adventurer and goes on a treasure hunt with his friends.

I Am Small
Sale price
$899

I Am Small

2010

A baby penguin discovers a vast world, but to its mother, it's everything.

Spy Penguins

Ages 7–10 · 2018

A young penguin named Jackson dreams of becoming a secret agent and teams up with his best friend Quigley to solve a mystery involving stolen fish from the local aquarium.

Pia the Penguin Fairy
Sale price
$499

Pia the Penguin Fairy

Ages 7–10 · 2010

Magic vanishes, sea creatures scatter. Can the Ocean Fairies restore harmony?

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