School Library Journal Review

PreS-Gr 1--Peanut, who narrates, is a stuffed penguin who is tired of being ripped, chewed, and drooled on by its owner, Pearl. One Saturday morning, Peanut throws itself from Pearl's backpack and escapes into a park. Relishing this newfound freedom, Peanut enjoys exploring the food trucks, lake, and open green space. Sadly, it isn't long before it misses Pearl. Alone, poor Peanut falls off a swing and rips its stuffing. All hope is lost. Luckily for the punctured penguin, Pearl finds her beloved pal and sews the grateful friend back together again. The park is beautifully rendered in Wulfekotte's colorful, detailed illustrations, which include subtle lighting changes to depict the passage of time. Although Peanut is gray and white, Wulfekotte smartly uses color to accentuate major events. For instance, when Peanut's wing is ripped, the shock is enhanced with a bright yellow background. Her text is wordy, however, and a bit on the nose, spelling out the moral of the story across multiple pages. The premise of an anthropomorphic stuffed animal learning this lesson is virtually identical to Louis by Tom Lichtenheld, illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch. Peanut's text is less elegant, but the characters depict a wider range of diversity; Pearl's family is biracial. What do your readers want more: penguins or teddy bears? If they'll choose penguins, add this one to your collection. VERDICT Literal scene-stealers, the illustrations right down to the joyful endpapers will help put this tale of a morose stuffed animal into wide release at story hours.--Chance Lee Joyner