Little Dee and the Penguin

by Christopher Baldwin

Overview

Graphic novel fans will love this hilarious animal adventure by webcomic creator Christopher Baldwin—perfect for readers of Dan Santat’s Sidekicks, Ben Hatke’s Zita the Spacegirl, and Berkeley Breathed’s Bloom County

When Little Dee meets a motley crew of animals deep in the forest, she knows she’s found the perfect set of new friends. Between the bossy vulture, the slightly dim dog, the nurturing bear, and the happy-go-lucky penguin, this mismatched group of big personalities doesn’t always get along—but they’re a family.
 
And they’re on the run. A pair of hungry polar bears are after the penguin, and the rest of the team are determined to protect her. They’re not interested in adopting a tiny human. But Dee loves them—especially Ted the bear—and she won't let them go. Instead, she hops on their getaway plane and joins them on an around-the-world adventure.
 
This hilarious and heartwarming story is the perfect addition to any graphic novel reader’s library.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780399186998
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	04/05/2016
Sold by:	Penguin Group
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
Lexile:	GN390L (what's this?)
File size:	148 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Christopher Baldwin was born in Greenfield, MA, and started drawing comic strips around age 5, comic books around age 12, and webcomics in 1996. He's a regular contributor to Mad magazine, as well as an illustrator for educational children's books and newspaper serials. He also paints and cooks a mean pan of penuche fudge.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Little Dee and the Penguin

* "A fun-filled, zany story with a serious message about belonging . . . Those who love travel, adventure, learning about animals in remote parts of the world, and comics will enjoy this laugh-out-loud graphic novel. Baldwin's full-color illustrations appeal to all of the senses and keep the story moving—through travel by plane, raft, boat, and on foot, ahead of a pair of hungry polar bears all the way. A must-read for all would-be adventurers."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "This book is a winner." —School Library Journal, starred review

“Young readers will delight in the cartoonish full-color illustrations and round-the-world, fast-paced adventures while taking comfort in the final lesson—you need just love to make a family.”—Booklist

"Readers will enjoy the rollicking adventure." —BCCB

From the Publisher

★ 03/01/2016
Gr 4–6—Hilarity ensues when Paisley the penguin, far from her native Antarctica, recruits a sarcastic vulture, a dim-witted dog, and a kindhearted bear to take her home. Along with them is Dee, an orphan girl who inserts herself into the adventure. Dee never says a word but always manages to get her point across. While making their way to the South Pole, the group befriend various indigenous creatures, as they simultaneously fend off a pair of deranged polar bears who have been pursuing Paisley the whole time. Baldwin's crisp, bright art and clever text create a noteworthy tale. The characters have distinct personalities, and whether cheerful, clueless, or annoying, they draw readers into an emotionally well-rounded story with a satisfying conclusion. This full-color, laugh-out-loud work has an abundance of adventure, charm, and notable characters. VERDICT A feel-good offering about friends, family, and love, this book is a winner for middle grade graphic novel fans.—Gaye Hinchliff, King County Library System, WA

School Library Journal

★ 2016-01-09
A fun-filled, zany story with a serious message about belonging. When three woodland friends—Ted, a bighearted bear; Blake, an "undomesticated" and kind but dim-bulb dog; and Vachel, a sarcastic vulture who never goes out of his way to offer a kind word—get sidetracked from their picnic and sucked into a journey to return Paisley the penguin to her Antarctic home, it turns into an adventure that will keep readers guessing. Complicating matters, the park ranger has died, leaving his young, brown-skinned daughter, Dee, all alone—until she finds and latches onto Ted and his companions. The debate rages throughout their journey: should they keep the mute and adorable human or return her to the orphanage, where little humans without families belong? Or do they? If Paisley has a family among the penguins even though her parents have died, Dee, too, can make a family from this motley group of animals. Those who love travel, adventure, learning about animals in remote parts of the world, and comics will enjoy this laugh-out-loud graphic novel. Baldwin's full-color illustrations appeal to all of the senses and keep the story moving—through travel by plane, raft, boat, and on foot, ahead of a pair of hungry polar bears all the way. A must-read for all would-be adventurers. (Graphic fantasy. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews