You know author Marcus Pfister even if you think you don’t: He’s the genius behind the children’s classic The Rainbow Fish. And like The Rainbow Fish, Pfister’s latest A Penguin Like Me will be heading toward the banned-books lists that are proliferating across America.

That’s because the inclusivity that will make readers adore this book — different colors, interests, autism, sensory issues, sexuality, extrovert vs. introvert, disabilities, etc. — are sure to put this delightful picture book in the crosshairs of self-appointed censors and their Star Chambers of choice. It’s too bad, as I like this Penguin-palooza even more than The Rainbow Fish. “A penguin is a penguin is a penguin” says the blurb for A Penguin Like Me. Would that more people understood that!

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and NorthSouth Books in exchange for an honest review.

This is an adorable book all about celebrating our unique differences while also recognizing we all share similarities. Told through a colony of penguins, we learn about each special friend and what makes them stand out in the colony and how their differences enhance their community. I loved the story and the illustrations were precious. Absolutely a favorite and one that should be read over and over.

I don't want to get into a discussion or argument about gender and children, but I will say that that book wouldn't be for me or my child. Comparing people to animals is not my style either. Telling a child they can be a male or a female or anything in-between?? Penguins actually are one sex or another, not anything in between...see like I said I don't want to have this conversation about a children's book. Let kids be kids and stop trying to brainwash them before they are even able to think on their own. I'm sure you are aware that half of the people will love this book and the other half will hate it. I do think there should be some kind of disclosure (which is ridiculous to need on a children's book), but I wouldn't have even read the book if I knew the author would be trying to "sneak" in gender.

Meet the penguins. They're all different, but they all belong.

This isn't so much a story as a list of different penguins who all feel that their differences make it hard for others to accept them. They're not identified by formal diagnoses, but there are hints at different neurodivergent brains, different body types, and even romantic orientations. It's a happy little book with no strong sense of adventure or urgency. I think it does what it was trying to do, but it didn't resonate with me.

"A Penguin Like Me" by Marcus Pfister is a heartwarming tale that beautifully underscores the importance of embracing diversity and individuality within a community of seemingly similar penguins. Pfister's storytelling is both simple and profound, making it accessible to young readers while delivering a powerful message. The enchanting illustrations vividly portray the penguin community against the backdrop of the ice landscape, adding to the book's visual appeal. The characters are endearing and relatable, each representing unique qualities and challenges that teach young readers the value of acceptance, understanding, and unity. "Penguin Like Me" is a delightful and thought-provoking story that strikes a balance between a meaningful message and engaging storytelling, deserving of its 4-star rating.

This was such a cute book. I like how it took real life problems that people have and puts it in penguin's life. The colony life of penguins is exactly like living in a town life for humans.

What a beautiful story about the differences in people that make them special. It explores mental health, sexuality/gender, ability, and self-confidence. It was a joy to read as an adult, and I would absolutely read this to my students or future children I have.

I received a free copy of, A Penguin Like Me, by Marcus Pfister, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is a cute story about Penguins, how they are all different in some ways, but they are all penguins. Just like people can be completely different, but we are all still people, and should all get along, and respect each others differences. A good read for kids.

As an Early Childhood Educator I am always seeking out fresh new books to encourage conversations around acceptance, inclusion and diversity.

A Penguin Like Me brings lightness and beauty to such heavy topics.

The world seems so divided recently about what is appropriate to discuss with children but the reality is that children have valid fears and worries about fitting in, acceptance and representation. This book touches upon learning differences, sexuality, appearances, and more in a beautiful way! The author talks about each penguins skills and strengths without ever labeling the Penguin.

What a beautiful way to ignite conversations with children!

This book started out as very reminiscent of Rudolph, the red nose, reindeer, but with penguins. However, as I continue to read, I realize the differences with the penguins were actually very similar to differences amongst us humans so it took it to a much deeper level, which I think is perfect for young minds. The other cool thing about this book was the illustrations matched the words on the page so well, and really helped with showing the emotion of the story and the feelings of the Penguins.

A cute illustrated story about penguins and diversity. An important introduction for children. Perhaps even for adults.

Beautiful picture book featuring the colorful hues of the arctic, of penguin life..... & offers all the different ways that those in a community can be different, & yet the same.....all a part of one community. I'd think little kids would enjoy/appreciate all the artwork, & adults reading to them ......would too! Really a very nice book! I'd recommend this to every library....... personal & public!
I received an e-ARC from publisher NorthSouth Books via NetGalley for review purposes. These opinions are my own.

From a distance, all the penguins in the colony look the same, but if you get close, you will see that each one is different. Some penguins may look different than others, act different than others, or think different than others, but every penguin brings unique things to the colony. A cute book for kids about being themselves and appreciating the difference in others.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Sorry my 3 year old said he found this boring and nothing happened in the book. It could do with a central character/plot to keep a preschooler interested.

As a huge Rainbow Fish fan, an early childhood educator, mother of three and grandmother to a 3 month old, I was over the moon to have the chance to review Marcus Pfister’s latest creation, A Penguin Like Me. While the pictures are lovely and simplistic, and the content is clear and concise, I wasn’t enamored with two of the controversial messages indicated within the book. I appreciate teaching diversity and acceptance, but it is my concern that Mr. Pfister’s targeted age group is not the place for portions of this theme. I feel certain that many parents and schools alike will add this to their banned book list. Perhaps that’s ok with Mr. Pfister, I don’t know, but I do know that I will not be introducing it to the kids I teach or my grandchild at this time.

REALLY upset about the social agenda in this book. STOP inundating babies & small children with your agenda. NO, it's not OK.

Refused to read to my child after I saw the influences.

Received this review copy and honestly I've mixed feelings about this one.
It's a beautifully illustrated story about different penguins, how each is unique and yet how they all come together as a community, embracing everyone for all their quirks.
I love the concept, I love the idea of talking about being inclusive and all that. But the book also touched upon LGBTQ and blurring the lines between genders.
Come at me if you will, but I don't want to and will not be talking about this to a 5 year old. Let's talk about how a character is funny but also needs help, let's talk about how a different character has a unique way of thinking. Let's appreciate minds, let's talk about how different we are in our qualities. Why is there a need to sexualize content made for like 4 and 5 year olds?
When the time is right, when they are old enough to understand and comprehend these things, I'm sure a conversation can be had, but now??!!
As much as I would want to recommend this book because of its wonderful message of inclusivity, I will not be doing so as I am completely opposed to the idea of sexualizing stories to children.

This is a great book for children and parents to learn about and teach about showing inclusiveness.
The book covers a wide range of characters who are unique individuals who are part of a larger community .
Wonderful illustrations and educational way to learn about the wide range of characters you may meet throughout your life.

Thank-you Netgalley and NorthSouth Books for this ARC . This is my honest review.

All penguins, or should we say people, are unique, even if they seem the same. And again, all penguins, or should we say people, belong together, even if they are different.
A touching description of penguins, which we cannot tell from one another, but the authors seems to find this unique characteristic for each of the penguins, just to make us realize, that they have personality of their own. And, we, just like people, may be different and unique, but this should not keep us apart.
Fine drawings.

Love the illustrations in this book about differences and appreciating them. The text seemed beyond that of a typical children’s book. The reference to “in between” will be problematic for some. Overall a good story.