Petr Horácek grew up in Prague, where he trained at the Academy of Fine Arts before becoming a graphic designer, illustrator, and painter. Inspired by his two daughters, he has created numerous books for children, including Animal Opposites, Silly Suzy Goose, and Strawberries Are Red. He lives in England.
Though children may struggle to understand its metaphor, at its
most basic level, the message of Horácek's timeless story of
friendship and community is clear. Its elliptical telling suits the
mixed-media illustrations, which emphasize Blue Penguin's
loneliness and isolation with broad swathes of highly textured
whites and introduce color as much as the Antarctic landscape
allows as friendship develops. Sweet.
—Kirkus Reviews
Horáek’s simple story of an outsider earning group approval will
resonate with readers, especially those who have themselves
experienced ostracism. The mixed-media illustrations brim with
hopeful colors (especially icy blues, but also vivid greens and a
bright red sun) that reassure readers that all will eventually be
well...Most important, Blue Penguin never complains about his
situation; instead, he finds his own path to happiness and succeeds
because of his positive attitude.
—Booklist
Richly hued blues and greens create an enchanting polar landscape,
with splashes of white forming snowy scenes that are sometimes
reminiscent of those in Eric Carle’s Dream Snow...This gorgeously
illustrated story about the ups and downs of being different and
the magic of music is recommended for most collections and is a
good choice for a storytime about penguins or friendship.
—School Library Journal
A sensitive, charming story about those who don't quite fit in, the
importance of including others, friendship and forgiveness, "Blue
Penguin" is a gem.
—Reading Eagle (Kendal Rautzhan's "Books to Borrow")
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