Penguin Problems



Last updated Monday, July 8, 2024

Author: Jory John
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 0553513370
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2024

Synopsis: Have you ever considered running away to Antarctica? Of course you have! Because it's a land free of worries and responsibilities! All of your problems will surely be blown away by the icy winds of that lawless paradise! . . . Won't they?

Think again, my friend. This penguin has come to tell you that his life down there is no more a picnic than yours is here. For starters, it is FREEZING. Also, penguins have a ton of natural predators. Plus, can you imagine trying to find your mom in a big ol' crowd of identical penguins? No, thank you.

Yes, it seems there is no escaping the drudgery of your daily grind, whatever it might be. Or perhaps we've just learned that grumps are everywhere. . . .

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you think are some problems that penguins have?
•  What is like to be a penguin?

Vocabulary
•  Squawk - to give a harsh scream.
•  Buoyant - capable of keeping body afloat.
•  Orca - a killer whale.
•  Flipper - a wide, flat limb on a whale, turtle, or other animal used for swimming.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  How would you react if you saw a shark in the ocean?
•  The penguin feels the same as everyone else. What makes you unique?
•  What do you think are the benefits of being a penguin?

Craft ideas:
•  The children can make a penguin puppets out of construction paper and popsicle sticks. There are also a couple of ideas for paper bag or paper roll penguin puppets on our Pinterest page at https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/july-2024-amazing-animals/
•  The children can draw the ocean on a piece of paper and then cut the drawing.

Special activities:
•  The children can walk like a penguin.
•  The children can discuss the ways in which they solve their problems.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!