BOOKS

The Penguin Problem

OXLEY, Jennifer & . illus. by Jennifer Oxley & Billy Aronson. 32p. (Peg + Cat). Candlewick. Sept. 2016. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9780763690731.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2—Peg and Cat are back for a new problem-solving adventure. The two friends journey to the South Pole for the Animal Winter Games. While making a snowman, Peg and Cat encounter skiing penguins practicing for the big race. The penguins can't figure out how to maneuver around obstacles and keep crashing. Coach Peg and Assistant Coach Cat come to the rescue. The penguins just need a little help understanding directional words (and the coordinating directional arrows) such as over, under, and in between. Maybe now the penguins can beat their animal competitors in downhill skiing and become champions. Fans of the PBS animated television series will appreciate seeing another book featuring the pair. However, familiarity with the television program is not essential for enjoyment or understanding of this picture book. Graph-paper backgrounds as well as math formula page numbers (the third page is labeled "2+1=3") cleverly reinforce the math themes.
VERDICT Appropriate for young readers, delightful characters gently introduce important language arts (e.g., prepositions) and math problem-solving concepts.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?