Where to Find the Best Penguin Books for Kids

Are you looking for a fun and educational book about penguins that your kids can enjoy? Here’s a curated list of the best penguin books for kids. From silly stories to facts, this selection has something to offer readers of all ages and reading levels.

Your Personal Penguin by Sandra Boynton

A friendly penguin seeks friendship with a confused hippo in this sweet board book. My family has read this book so many times that my husband and I have memorized it! The illustrations are endearing, and the penguin exudes the definition of loyalty. An excellent read for babies and older.

If you like this book (I hope you will), check out some of my other reviews for Sandra Boynton’s books about dinosaurs or featuring other animals.

Penguins, Penguins, Everywhere by Bob Barner

Penguins, Penguins, Everywhere is an adorable picture book that introduces the youngest readers to fascinating penguin facts! Readers will enjoy the great rhyming of the text and colorful collage illustrations! The book also includes information about all of the 17 known breeds of penguins. Ages 2+.

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnel, Illustrated by Henry Cole

This work is an illustrated true story of inseparable male penguins at the Central Park Zoo who care for an abandoned egg and then raise it. An excellent book that is often challenged or banned. Ages 2+.

National Geographic Readers: Penguins! by Anne Schreiber

This book combines excellent nonfiction about penguins with phenomenal National Geographic photography. Kids will be drawn to the jokes sprinkled throughout the book, eye-catching maps, and diagrams, and teachers/parents can use this book as a teaching tool to introduce nonfiction text features. Ages 4+.

A Penguin Story by Antoinette Portis

Edna knows only three colors: white ice, black night, and blue water. She wonders if there are more colors in the world and searches for more. I love Edna’s curiosity, adventure, and the quest for knowledge. A great read-aloud in its own right, A Penguin Story can be used to start a unit on colors, habitats, and continents. Ages 4+.

Penguinaut by Marcie Colleen and Illustrated by Emma Yarlett

Orville, a tiny penguin who lives in the zoo, dreams of doing something BIG. Something extraordinary. To go into space. How does one get there? Will a ladder get Orville into space? Through determination, perseverance, and a little creativity, nothing is impossible! My family loves this book, combining one of our favorite animals with our favorite topic (space); this book is a winner at my house! Readers will be charmed by the endearing illustrations and optimism that shines bright. Ages 2+.

Penguin Problems by Jory John and Illustrated by Lane Smith

I love the cover of this book! My eyes are drawn to the cute orange beaks! 

Penguin Problems highlights some of the challenges penguins encounter daily. There are many! Beaks get cold, there is too much snow, and you must be vigilant against predators! Readers may find humor in Mr. Smith’s whimsical illustrations and take heart in the powerful reminder from Walrus of how the value of mindfulness and gratitude can improve life’s experiences. Ages 3+

The Emperor’s Egg: Read and Wonder by Martin Jenkins and Illustrated by Jane Chapman

The Emperor’s Egg: Read and Wonder describe the early life stages of an Emperor Penguin from the time the mother lays the egg through feeding the newly hatched chick. This is a great companion book to And Tango Makes Three, as it provides further facts about the male penguins’ role in rearing penguin chicks. Ages 2+.

Yours Sincerely, Giraffe by Megumi Iwasa Illustrated by Jun Takabatake

Originally written in Japanese, Yours Sincerely, Giraffe is an international best-selling illustrated chapter book about a friendship between Giraffe and Penguin who become pen pals. An excellent read for children reading independently or for a cozy read-aloud. Ages 5+.

Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester and Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger

Tacky lives on icy land with his friends, Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect. While all his friends do things one way, Tacky puts his spin on things….which ruffles some feathers. Read Tacky the Penguin and find out the advantages of being unique and how it helps Tacky save the day! Ages 3+.

Waddle Waddle 🙂

I love penguins! I love how they waddle, their colors, and their charm.

As a school librarian, I had so much fun whenever I got to read books about penguins with my classes or teach research skills using penguins as the theme. I hope you will enjoy these books as much as I have!

Happy Reading!

xoxo, Sheryl