An Old Man and His Penguin: How Dindim Made João Pereira de Souza an Honorary Penguin - Hardcover

by Alayne Kay Christian (Author), Milanka Reardon (Illustrator)

Winner of the Story Monsters Approved Award for Nonfiction

"A moving, affectionate, and joyful tale, all the more so for being true." -- Kirkus Reviews

"An Old Man and His Penguin holds a number of important messages about human/animal relationships, love, oil slicks and their impact on sea life, and loneliness . . . its underlying focus on letting go and reaping rewards from non-possessiveness offers an outstanding lesson about love for the very young." - D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

João loves Dindim like a son. Dindim loves João as if he were another penguin.

On an island off the coast of Brazil, a black blob bobs on the beach. The tarry figure shimmers and squirms in flowing sea foam.

João squints and moves closer.

Slippery. Heavy. Soaked with oil. The penguin squiggles and wiggles. It cannot stand.

João cradles the dying penguin in his arms and calls him Dindim.

So starts the poignant portrayal of an unlikely father-son relationship between an old man and his penguin.

Based on the magical true story that touched hearts across the globe in 2011 and became a movie in 2024, Alayne Kay Christian and Milanka Reardon bring this captivating story to life for young children everywhere. João and Dindim swim together, fish together, and stroll the beach together. But there are real penguins somewhere across the sea. Dindim dives deep and disappears, leaving João sad and lonely. Miraculously, Dindim returns. And the cycle repeats year after year. Still, each year, João sits on the shore wondering, waiting, and watching for his friend's return. One day, as João loses hope, villagers tell him that the penguin will never come back. João cannot say if he will or will not. Are the villagers right? Will Dindim ever patter into his old friend's loving arms again?

"Adults looking for an inviting animal story with an important message will welcome this appealingly different seaside tale" -- D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

"The underlying lesson about compassion and good stewardship is subtle but effective; an author's note explains the real-life circumstances. Reardon, who also illustrated the penguin-themed Noodles's & Albie's Birthday Surprise (2016), deftly captures the story's charm and expressiveness." -- Kirkus Reviews