*AD – please note we were gifted this book for the purpose of this review
The Penguin Party by Alison Orlandi
Illustrated by Kathrine Gutkovskiy
Children’s Fiction
Annabee’s Books
Age range: 4+ Years
The Penguin Party is a beautifully personalised book created by Annabee’s Books. Every part of the book is personalised for the person the book is created for, even down to the illustrations. When you first order the book you choose an illustration that looks like the child the book is for, and pictures that look like their Mum and Dad. You then enter names of their friends and family who are also introduced and used throughout the story as characters. There is also the opportunity to put a personalised message for the book’s recipient at the front.
All of the books that Annabee’s Books create are based on growing children’s resilience, confidence and self esteem. As Logan has a few issues with anxiety, I thought that this would be the perfect book for him to review.
The Penguin Party is a story about the birth of a new baby – in this instance Logan – he lives on a magical island with a tribe of penguins called the Rockhoppers. But these are no ordinary penguins, oh no, they can actually talk.
To celebrate the birth of Logan, the penguins throw a party and present Logan with some rather special gifts.
This book is genuinely lovely. As you would expect, a little bit Sleeping Beauty style, none of the gifts bestowed are material gifts. They are all important skills, traits and behaviours that make people happier. From happiness, to gratitude, to growth. It talks about all of these gifts and why they are important in life and how looking at things differently in life can make you a happier and more content person.
I have been trying to teach my children gratitude and mindfulness as I think they’re so important. This book brought it alive in such a creative and sweet way. The inclusion of all of Logan’s friend’s names in the book was such a lovely touch too. Once he twigged that was what was happening and it wasn’t just coincidence, he smiled at each page and said to me – I wonder who is going to be next.
At the end of the book we had a chat about each of the themes and then I asked Logan what made him unique and he had a real think about it. He seemed to be absorbing the message and asked if he could take the book to bed with him.
Verdict:
This is a gorgeous book and would make a very special gift too. I love the themes with in it and I think it’s a very important message for any child.
Rating: 4/5
Giveaway
If you would like to get your hands on a copy of this beautiful book, then I have one to giveaway to one lucky reader. Simply enter your details below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway*Terms and conditions: Entries are open to UK residents only. The competition closes on the the 8th March 2020. Winners will be announced on social media and contacted via email. If the winner does not respond to the email in two weeks, a new winner will be randomly chosen.
I love personalised books, I’ve bought one for all of my children at some point.
My son as he absolutely adores penguins
My beautiful neice – she’ll love love love
My son adores penguins so he would love this book
for my nieces or nephews
It would be for our youngest who absolutely loves books.
i would love to win for my youngest son x
I would love this book for my son.
My niece would love this x
I would love this book for my daughter.
I would love it for my nephew!
My grandson would love this.
I would get it for our Jasmine, who would treasure this
Would love this for my niece x
For my granddaughter Violet
For my little girl!
My niece would love this! xx
My little girl Lily xx
I would get this for my nephew, he is only a babby but he loves his books already
For my niece.
Love personalized books for my little one and especially ones based on growing confidence in children.
would get this for my wee brother
i would love this for my daughter
My grandson Zackery would love to share this with his Daddy as they both love penguins!
I would love to get this book for my daughter, she loves to read
my grandson
My granddaughter would love the book
My friends little boy loves penguins, so this would be fab x
My little niece
I would get this for my son. He has a penguin he sleeps with every night.
My cousin.
I would love to win this for my nephew
My granddaughter would love this
I send my three year old granddaughter a book in the post every month to encourage her to read. She is a little bookworm!
my grand daughter would like this book 🙂
I would love to win for my daughter
I’d love to win this for my granddaughter
I would love to win this for my niece.
I’d get this for my niece Lila! She loves books!
I would like to win this for my nephew who loves penguins!
I’d love this for Leo. He loves having a story read to him when he goes to bed each night
This would be for my little girl.
This would be perfect for my 5 year old grandson
I would like this for my son Lewis as it would be lovely to give him a personalised book with a positive message x
My daughter, thank you.
I would love it for my daughter.
I’d love to win this book for my niece, thanks for the chance to win x
My 6 year old niece
Love the message in this story and that the gifts are all traits rather than material things. #KLTR
Penguin stories are always a “hit” aren’t they? and even better if you’re in them! #KLTR