Book Review of The Greatest Showpenguin
The Children’s Book Review

Written and Illustrated by Lucy Freegard

Ages 3-6 | 32 Pages

Publisher: Pavilion Children’s | ISBN-13: 978-1843654834

 What to expect: Self-Awareness, Being True to Yourself

Poppy was a penguin who performed. She’d always performed in the circus, just like her whole family – it’s just what penguins did. Whether flying high on the trapeze, being shot out of a cannon, or having knives hurled within inches of her flippers, Poppy did it all, because that was what she was supposed to do. And she was pretty good at it!

But one day, Poppy realized she didn’t really like being the center of attention. She didn’t enjoy flying through the air after being shot out of a cannon. She didn’t long for the feeling of blades whizzing by her head as she spun around. No, Poppy did not care for being a performer one bit.

At first, Poppy was afraid to tell her mom that she didn’t want to be a performer anymore, but with loving attention and kindness, her mother helped her realize that she had other dreams and aspirations. Poppy wanted to run the show from behind the scenes. From creating costumes to lighting up the ring for the performers, Poppy had found her calling – and she was very good at it! And best of all, Poppy was finally happy.

Lucy Freegard’s adorable picture book about Poppy the Penguin will resonate with so many young readers (and adults!). With this gentle and fun story about finding yourself, and being brave enough to stand up and choose to do something different, children will see that they are not alone. It’s scary to do something other than what is expected of you. But staying true to yourself, like Poppy the Penguin, means that you’ll find your real talent and heart’s desire, plus an infinitely happier life.

With colorful and engaging illustrations, fun circus scenes and witty, yet gentle, storytelling, THE GREATEST SHOWPENGUIN is a delight for readers young and old.

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About the Author

Lucy Freegard is a children’s book author, illustrator, and soft toy designer based in Bristol, UK. Lucy has an MA in children’s book illustration from Cambridge School of Art, a degree in illustration from Cardiff School of Art & Design, and did her art foundation at Falmouth University. Her fifth picture book – The Greatest Showpenguin – is published by Pavilion Children’s Books and comes out 4 Feb 2021.

The Greatest Showpenguin was reviewed by Denise Mealy. Discover more books like The Greatest Showpenguin by following our reviews and articles tagged with Self-Awareness and Self-Discovery.