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Parents' Guide to

Penguin Dreams

By Jessica Pierce, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 2+

A good read-aloud.

Book Vivian Walsh Picture Book 1999
Penguin Dreams Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 3+

Based on 1 parent review

Beth101
Beth101 Parent of 8-year-old
September 18, 2009
age 3+

for sweet young readers

The words are few and the images are rich. Two penguins are at the zoo, when one says "icicle, barnicle, what shall we do?" With that they are off on an adventure that will take your child's imagination along with them.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Shhhhhh ... Chongo Chingi is sleeping. But even when sleeping, a penguin keeps thinking. Chongo Chingi soars through the air, meeting odd characters and experiencing brief adventures, until his alarm clock pulls him back to earth. The simple story and digital art is pleasing to children.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Because PENGUIN DREAMS is all about the amazing things that may happen in our minds when we go to sleep, it makes a good bedtime story. One 4-year old chants "Chingi-chingi!" from her bed every night until the book is read, and insists on examining each page, rediscovering all the balloons, canaries, little girls, and countless other details.

At times the narrative is disjointed, taking away from its soothing appeal. Also, the illustrations are computer generated, highly stylized, and cold in tone; some young ones warm up to them, and some don't.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about fantasy and dreams. What kinds of things do you dream about? How do your daydreams differ from your dreams when you're sleeping?

Book Details

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