Penguins

Penguins can't fly through the air, but they can fly though the water as they are amazing swimmers. Their "wings are powerful flippers" that enable them to swim with ease. Their unusual coloring enables them to blend in or camouflage themselves when they are in the water. When they are belly down in the water their white stomach blends with the "water's sunlit surface" and their backs blend in with the ocean. There are 17 species of penguins, some of whom look very strange like the rockhopper penguin or "crested penguin." It had red eyes, a red bill and has long yellow feathers sticking out over its eyebrows. As a matter of fact, if you've seen the movie "Happy Feet," you've seen a rockhopper! These amazing animals only live in the southern hemisphere, including Antarctica. They spend most of their time in the water, but when they are on land and walking about they provided a comical sight with their waddle. It is often easier for them to go "tobogganing" (sliding) as it is much faster to get where they are going. In this book you will learn many interesting facts about penguins. You'll learn about porpoising, what they eat, how they clean or preen themselves, how they stay warm, their predators, how they reproduce, and much more. On each page spread you'll find one page split into three or more sections, each filled with interesting facts and on the other you will find a very appealing penguin photograph. I liked the layout of this book. One of the written sections almost has a literary feel to it, but the reader, depending on what he or she chooses, can simply read the picture caption, look at the photograph or really learn a great deal about the penguin. The photographs were nicely chosen and are captivating. In the back of the book is an index, a glossary and additional recommended book, film and web site resources. The web link is through Child's World which will provide up to date, safe web sites. Do you know what an egg tooth is? If not, you might want to read up on penguins!