The Penguin Who Wanted to Be Different cover

The Penguin Who Wanted to Be Different

Author: O'Neill, Maria

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)
Book Level 3.0
Points 0.5
Fiction/Nonfiction Fiction
Word Count 828
Points per Word 0.000604
Page Count 32
Points per Page 0.015625

Description

Dorothy Penguin looked down from the top of Glacier Hill. There were penguins everywhere, as far as the eye could see. "What a fantastic view!" cried Uncle Binny. "But we all look the same," said Dorothy, "I want to be different!"

Quick Summary

If you've got a kid who sometimes feels like they don't fit in, this sweet little book about a penguin named Dorothy might be just what you're looking for. Dorothy looks around at all the other penguins on Glacier Hill and realizes they all look exactly the same which makes her feel like she wants to stand out and be special in her own way. The story has this lovely way of showing kids that being different isn't a bad thing; it's actually what makes each of us unique and valuable. Kids who love penguins, Arctic settings, or stories about embracing who they are will get a lot out of this one, and at under 850 words it's perfect for reading aloud or for beginning readers tackling their first chapter books. The illustrations are colorful and fun, bringing Dorothy's icy world to life while she goes on a small adventure trying to figure out how to express her individuality. It's a gentle, uplifting story that doesn't hit you over the head with a lesson it just lets the message of self-acceptance sink in naturally. If your child enjoys this, they might also like *The Dot* by Peter H. Reynolds, which explores similar themes of creative self-expression in a classroom setting.