Tacky Goes to Camp
By Patricia Tauzer,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Oddball penguin comes through to save the day.
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What's the Story?
When Tacky goes camping with his more perfect penguin pals, they have a great time, that is, until it's time for campfire, scary stories, and bed. Suddenly, a visit from an unwelcome guest throws the campsite into an uproar. However, sticky with s'mores, Tacky manages to save the day.
Is It Any Good?
Tacky is loud, messy, and carefree, and kids will enjoy finding Tacky in the illustrations and noticing just how unique he is. He definitely marches to a different drum, and it usually works out for him. That alone is a worthy lesson for readers of all ages.
The story here is a cute one, silly and lighthearted, and one kids will enjoy hearing again and again. If you don't mind penguins dressed up like boy scouts and eating s'mores, you'll like this Tacky adventure. Playful wordplay makes it all the more fun. They live in Nice Icy Land, go to Camp Whoopihaha, and tell stories about a penguin-poking swordfish and the whooping Wubbawubba bird.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about all the ways that Tacky is different from his friends, and what happens because of it. How do their names tell you what kind of characters they are? How about their clothing? Their tents? Tacky seems to be quite happy. Do you think he notices that he is different? What do you think his friends think? Do you know anyone who reminds you of Tacky?
Book Details
- Author: Helen Lester
- Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger
- Genre: Picture Book
- Book type: Fiction
- Publication date: May 4, 2009
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Last updated: November 15, 2019
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