Review: The Journey of the Penguin & Giveaway

Summary: To celebrate 80 years of Penguin Books, a charming picture book that tells the imagined story of the penguin who waddled his way into history as the symbol of a beloved publisher

A lonely Antarctic penguin, dreaming of adventure, sets off on a long swim north. Arriving at last in London in 1935, he encounters the chance of a lifetime: auditions are on to find the face of a brand new publishing house. The penguin wins, of course, and so begins an adventure that takes him on to New York and into the hearts of readers around the world.

In The Journey of the Penguin, award-winning graphic artist Emiliano Ponzi delivers a boldly illustrated, wildly imaginative, and terrifically fun story—told entirely through image—that brings to life the “dignified yet flippant” bird chosen eighty years ago by Allen Lane as the name and icon of his revolutionary publishing business. With cameo appearances by legendary Penguin authors including Jack Kerouac, Arthur Miller, and Dorothy Parker, this exquisite, one-of-a-kind book celebrates the enduring appeal of storytelling. -- Penguin

THE JOURNEY OF THE PENGUIN by Emiliano Ponzi is a wonderful celebration of Penguin Books 80th birthday! It's a wordless picture book so you might think it's for children... which it definitely is. However, it's also a treat for grownups who are children at heart and also love books.

THE JOURNEY OF THE PENGUIN isn't an easy book for me to review because of its simplicity. Basically, a lonely penguin sets off for an adventure. He swims a very long time (and sees some interesting people and places along the way) until he reaches London. Call it luck, but the penguin gets an audition to find the face of a new publishing company. The penguin wins and his life really takes off! He travels to New York and is forever synonymous with Penguin books.

I thought THE JOURNEY OF THE PENGUIN was adorable! I loved the illustrations by award-winning graphic artist Emiliano Ponzo -- the were gorgeous. In fact, I could totally see so many pages of this book in poster form! The story and illustrations were certainly special, but I also loved the humor in the book. There were even a few Penguin writers that appeared including Jack Kerouac, Arthur Miller and Dorothy Parker.

Overall, THE JOURNEY OF THE PENGUIN is a fun celebration of Penguin's 80 years. Recommended to kids and adults alike!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this delightful book.

Giveaway alert: I have a copy of THE JOURNEY OF THE PENGUIN to share with one lucky reader. To enter, just fill out the form below before January 3rd at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!