The Penguin Lessons

An extraordinary friendship between a teacher and a penguin

Tom Michell author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:16th Jun '16

Should be back in stock very soon

This paperback is available in another edition too:

The Penguin Lessons cover

In The Penguin Lessons, a teacher's life changes forever when he rescues a penguin from an oil slick, leading to an extraordinary friendship.

Set against the backdrop of Argentina's tumultuous years after the fall of the Peronist regime, The Penguin Lessons tells the heartwarming story of Juan Salvador, a penguin rescued by Tom Michell from an oil slick in Uruguay. Just days before a new term begins at a prestigious Argentine boarding school, Tom, a free-spirited teacher in his twenties, finds himself with an unexpected companion. What starts as an act of kindness quickly evolves into an unforgettable journey of friendship and discovery.

As Tom navigates his new life in Argentina, he realizes that he doesn't just have a pet penguin; he has a loyal friend who transforms the lives of everyone around them. From serving as the rugby team's mascot to becoming a confidant for the housekeeper, Juan Salvador's antics bring joy and laughter to the school community. Through their adventures, Tom learns invaluable lessons about love, responsibility, and the importance of connection in a world that can often feel chaotic.

The Penguin Lessons is more than just a tale of an unlikely friendship; it’s a celebration of the bonds we form and the impact we can have on one another's lives. With its charming narrative and uplifting themes, this book captivates readers and reminds us of the profound ways in which love and companionship can change us for the better.

A much-beloved tale about a much-beloved bird ... heartwarmingly eccentric.... It's bound to be a hit * Guardian *
Entrancing ... the writing is a delight, the story itself so touching that I didn't want it to end. I really loved this book -- Michael Bond, creator of Paddington Bear
Fantastic, fantastic - I have been glued to The Penguin Lessons ... it's so good. A magical story -- Dj Nihal * BBC Radio 2 Fact Not Fiction Bookclub *
His tone suits the material perfectly ... you believe every word ... No fool, this penguin. No fools these publishers, who have unleashed such a delightful and charming book just in time for Christmas * Daily Mail *
An uplifting true story about author Tom Michell's years as a teacher in Argentina and the penguin he adopted as a pet * Good Housekeeping *
Warm and unique ... it's hard not to wish you were there ... a lovely story about a remarkable trip to the other side of the world and a gorgeous friendship between one man and his penguin * The Bookseller *
While Michell devotes much of his time to heartwarming penguin antics, he also recalls the less idyllic elements of his time in Argentina, including runaway inflation and a military coup. Michell's crisp, intelligent voice is equally at home chatting about motorcycling through the Argentine countryside and hiding a penguin for the duration of a bus trip. His classic dry British wit provides the perfect counterbalance to the inherent sweetness of the penguin's remarkable devotion. Animal lovers and travel fans alike will find Michell's adventures bright and charming * Shelf Awareness *
Lively and endearing ... In clever, entertaining vignettes accompanied by simple yet engaging illustrations, Michell ... interweaves introspection, travel tales, and penguin facts in a charming story that also reveals the charismatic nature of this gregarious and increasingly endangered species * Publishers Weekly *
One of the most touching tales we've read all year * Heat ***** *
Packed full of funny, heart-warming anecdotes and peppered with interesting details of the political and economic picture of Argentina, this would make a perfect Christmas stocking filler * Irish Examiner *

ISBN: 9781405921800

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 15mm

Weight: 172g

240 pages