Owl and Penguin

by Vikram Madan

Overview

A Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book!
An American Library Association Notable Children's Book

Two feathered friends are Frog and Toad for the emoji generation in this delightful graphic novel for emerging readers.

Owl likes peace and quiet.
Penguin likes to SING OUT LOUD.

But best friends don’t need to be the same. Sometimes it’s good to disagree! Owl and Penguin celebrate their differences and solve their problems with creative play. From ice cream mishaps to rainy day chills, there’s nothing these pals can’t get through together.

In three nearly wordless stories, expressive art takes charge of the storytelling, supplemented by simple text captions and emoticon-style images in speech bubbles. This innovative format supports visual literacy and sight word recognition for the earliest independent readers. With warm humor and a joyful palette, it’s perfect for kids to giggle over on their own.

I Like to Read® Comics are perfect for kids who are challenged by or unengaged in reading, kids who love art, and the growing number of young comics fans. Filled with eye-catching art, humor, and terrific stories, these comics provide unique reading experiences for growing minds. Like their award-winning I Like to Read® counterparts, these books are created by celebrated artists and support reading comprehension to transform children into lifelong readers.

Named to the Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List!
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780823454228
Publisher:	Holiday House
Publication date:	10/11/2022
Series:	I Like to Read Comics
Sold by:	Penguin Random House Publisher Services
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
File size:	49 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Vikram Madan grew up in India, where he wanted to be a cartoonist, but ended up an engineer. After many years in the tech industry, he came to his senses and followed his heart into storytelling. He is the author/illustrator of A Hatful of Dragons, which received a starred review in Kirkus Reviews, was a Kirkus Reviews Best Book, and was named to the Texas Bluebonnet Master List and the NYPL Best Books List, as well as the Bobo and Pup-Pup series. He lives in Seattle. Visit him online at vikrammadan.com  

Editorial Reviews

"A wonderful example of how a comics format can work well for even the earliest readers."—The Horn Book

"Charming evidence that compromise and inventiveness can produce the best day yet!"—Kirkus Reviews

"Filled with undeniable charm. . . . [and] gleeful visual humor that will win these lovable pals legions of young fans."—The Toledo Blade

"Reminiscent of the strong bond between Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad, Owl and Penguin's friendship is deep and delightful, and this easy reader makes the story comprehensible as it addresses themes of envy, sadness, and problem-solving in an accessible and entertaining way."—Kirkus Reviews

"Debuting with an exercise in adorable empathy, Owl and Penguin make a breezy foray into the tradition of supportive picture book friendships. . . . Madan’s brightly colored illustrations of the boggle-eyed buddies add to the goofy fun for tenuous young readers."—School Library Journal

"Owl and Penguin are a hoot! Brings the comic format even younger and in a way that reads so clearly. This book has wings!" —Ben Clanton, New York Times bestselling creator of Narwhal and Jelly

From the Publisher

10/14/2022

PreS-Gr 2—Debuting with an exercise in adorable empathy, Owl and Penguin make a breezy foray into the tradition of supportive picture book friendships. Faced with challenges like being unable to fly, losing an ice cream cone, and getting drenched in a downpour, they strive to make things better for each other through pleasant plotting. Madan's brightly colored illustrations of the boggle-eyed buddies add to the goofy fun for tenuous young readers. Owl and Penguin's conversation occurs primarily in the form of speech bubbles and emphatic facial expressions, with light narration in panel captions. While it may not break new ground in the annals of interspecies literary friendships, as an opportunity for early readers and caregivers to discuss problem-solving and feelings with copious visual cues, this title is the perfect tool. VERDICT Cute and cheery, this graphic novel for early readers is a functional, fun read-together.—Emilia Packard

School Library Journal

2022-07-13
Birds of a feather—and flipper—flock together.

In the first of several stories about two avian pals, Owl purchases ice cream for themself and Penguin, but disaster ensues when the ice cream falls off Penguin’s cone. Penguin is unhappy, so Owl is unhappy, and a second cone is purchased. When that one falls, the friends go from sad to laughing at the absurdity of it all. The following two tales highlight the different abilities the two have. Penguin wants to fly, just like Owl, so the two get creative to figure out a solution. In the final story, Owl wants to play outside with Penguin, but it’s raining; once again, the two manage to find a way to have fun. The three stories in this graphic novel are told with minimal text; Owl and Penguin communicate with word balloons, using only illustrations and emojis. Some of the panels contain simple narration in boxes; if children are still learning, however, they can deduce meaning based on the illustrations. Reminiscent of the strong bond between Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad, Owl and Penguin’s friendship is deep and delightful, and this easy reader makes the story comprehensible as it addresses themes of envy, sadness, and problem-solving in an accessible and entertaining way. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Engaging vignettes in the lives of two adorable friends. (Graphic early reader. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews