Received for a NetGalley review thanks to the publisher.

This is a charming kids’ tale. Gorgeous and atmospheric illustrations, and clever rhyming verse.

Grateful for the full history in the back for a bit of additional context not easily added to the flow of the rhyme.

3.5/5

Okay, I’m a sucker for stories about kindness and bonds between humans and other animal species, so I might have gotten a bit misty over this sweet true, nicely illustrated story of a penguin who returns each year to hang out with a man who saved him. (I did.)

Heartwarming story and I appreciated the author’s note at the back with a bit more information about the rescuer and the penguin.

Such an endearing true story of Joao Pereira de Souza of Brazil who while walking on a beach found an oil soaked penguin. Knowing that the penguin was near death, Joao took him home to clean him and bring the penguin back to health. The penguin which he named Dindim took to Joao and didn't want to leave his savior but nature called him back to the wild. Penguin's being the faithful creature that they are, returned to Joao every year, and every year nature called Dindim back to the ocean.

The illustrations bring their story alive and will be a favorite for years to come.

A Special Thank You to Kid's Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

This story was adorable and seriously almost had me in tears. After reading in the back of the book that this was based on a real man I went down a huge internet rabbit hole looking this up and found that, indeed, it was a true story. So cute.

Received via Netgalley. All opinions are expressly my own.

A true story! The pictures caught my attention. Brilliant colors, excellent illustrations! The story is written in rhyme.

Joao rescued the oil-soaked penguin named Dindim. We learned what Joao had do to help the penguin get back in the water.

Perfect for young readers!

A big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange with an honest review.

I love it! It's an unusual yet touching story of friendship. It just shows what kindness and love can do. The illustrations are also good. Highly recommended to kids and kids at heart.

A story of friendship: an old man comes across an oil-slicked penguin on the beach & helps him to get healthy & safe again. This cute little illustrated book is based on a true story (which I'm currently reading). Friendship, penguins and a hint of environmentalism I LOVE IT. The illustrations were beautiful & made me wish I was on a beach somewhere - with a penguin friend! Adorable!

Cover: 5/5 - penguins + beach + old man = happiness
Audience: Children, young readers
Penguins, beach, friendship, cute, nature
Overall 5/5 would recommend, adorable!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book.

I truly enjoyed this story! Such a heartwarming story of rescue and love. I enjoyed that the main character tried to do right by his feathered friend, and that the friendship was returned! Such a sweet tale, and one my children enjoyed listening to. The illustrations were charming and eye catching. I absolutely love books written in verse. Hearing that it was based on a true story was just icing on the cake!

I enjoyed the actual picture book very much. The pictures and the rhyming verse were well done, and tell the story well to the intended audience.
I do think the author's note is initially repetitive, but goes on to convey additional interesting information.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

I didn't know I needed a book about, literally, an old man and a penguin, but here we are, AND it is so adorable! Beautifully illustrated, sweet and simple. A story focused on the caring bond and respect between man & nature. Teaches children compassion, community, and friendship!

This book tells the true story of an old man and the penguin he rescued from the beach covered in oil and how, after being released, the penguin returns to visit him every single year.

The story is a heartwarming tale of friendship and empathy that rolls off the tongue when being read aloud. It would be appealing to children of all ages (my penguin obsessed nine-year-old enjoyed it) but it is aimed at a younger audience. The illustrations are sweet and hazy like a dream and the book conveys a non-preachy environmental message which I wholeheartedly endorse.

Highly recommend!

The true story of a man who saves a penguin and gains a forever friend. Such a delightful, odd, and heart-warming book with fantastic illustrations that really take the reader to the breezy, beach setting that so starkly contrasts with the oil-soaked penguin. I'm astonished that this is a true story and so glad that there is a happy ending. The author's note adds complexity to the book by addressing environmental issues and proper wildlife management as well as the true friendship aspect of the story, all of which could lead to meaningful discussions and learning opportunities for young readers.

My students actually loved the story and illustrations. Many kids said this book is mostly about friendship and kindness but it also focuses on the importance of taking care of environment. Very meaningful and sweet.

The Old Man and the Penguin
By: Julie Abrey and Pierre Pratt
4.5 / 5.0

I have heard of this story on social media and am so happy that it is becoming a book! I can’t wait to add this picture book to my collection. The illustrations were adorable and beautiful. I loved the way it looked like it was painted on the page. They were easily recognisable; any kid would understand what is occurring even without the words. The illustrations make the picture book great for story time and bedtime.
The story is for any animal lover, especially penguin lovers. It is such a cute story that I wish it occurred to me. I would love to have a pet penguin (which is not a good idea since they eat seven pounds of fish a day). I love how it shows how animals and humans can get along and bond. I loved how the story was told in rhymes. The rhyming will help children grow their vocabulary.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Old-Man-Penguin-Story-Friendship/dp/1525302086/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9H08U589IZ1A&dchild=1&keywords=the+old+man+and+the+penguin+julie+abery&qid=1591298611&sprefix=the+old+man+and+the+penguin+a%2Caps%2C1157&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-old-man-and-the-penguin-julie-abery/1135126645?ean=9781525302084

It will be published on my blog on June 15, 2020, but say that the picture book does not come out until October 6, 2020.

Thanks you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This adorable story is based on real life events - Joao who rescues a Magellanic penguin after some kind of an oil spill, and the bond that forms between them .

The story is told in rhymes which makes it even more sweet !

I think kids would love this story !

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This is such an adorable story of friendship between a penguin who was rescued and cared for by an old man. This remarkable story is based upon a true story set in Brazil.

This book will be utterly adored by children.

The story is told in rhyming format which just adds to the adorability of the book along with beautiful illustrations! I loved this story and will be sharing it again and again with my little one.

I absolutely loved this book! Even better that it is based off a true story. Julie did a wonderful job of crafting such a beautiful children's book. Another book I can't wait to get my hands on in the future.

Beautifully illustrated fun and inspiring children's book. An educational way to teach children about the importance of respecting mother earth and all of her creatures. I especially loved that it is based on a true story.

A very sweet story about a friendship between an old man and a penguin. I loved the kindness and compassion the man showed when saving the penguin's life. I didn't love the illustrations as the proportions of the people were a little strange. Overall, a very darling story for young readers.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.

This is such a cute book! I love that it's written in a rhyming scheme too! I typically don't read books intended for children but with such a special message and a wonderful cover, I couldn't help but give it a go. The illustrations were very lovely. I can't wait to share this with friends children!