Penguin is a 2007 children's picture book by Polly Dunbar. It is about a boy who receives a penguin as a present and how they interact.
Reception Penguin has been favourably reviewed, with Kirkus Reviews writing: "Visually, Ben’s contortions and Lion’s aplomb hearken back to early Sendak. While it’s at first unclear whether the immutable Penguin is a stuffed toy, a pet or something else entirely, kids will know—by story’s end at the very latest—that this bird’s a friend. An attractively designed, child-appealing package.". Publishers Weekly found Dunbar’s "winsome mixed media illustrations carry the day in a story that pulls a few punches on readers", while Common Sense Media described it as a "charming, whimsical boy-meets-bird tale."
Penguin has been translated into many different languages. Walker Books published a 10th anniversary edition in 2017.
Penguin won the Nestlé Children's Book Prize Silver Award,Nestlé Children's Book Prize the Red House Children's Book Award for Younger ChildrenRed House Children's Book Award and a Booktrust Early Years Award. It was also shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal,The CILIP Carnegie Medal & Kate Greenaway Children's Book Awards and was selected by The Sunday Times as one of the best books of 2007 for children 0 to 3 year olds.The Sunday Times best books of 2007: children from The Sunday Times
Adaption Penguin has been adapted for the stage, has played at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and received positive reviews.
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