Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Penguin's Hidden Talent
Picture Book
For ages 7 to 9
Peachtree Publishers, 2012 ISBN: 978-1561456291
The big annual Talent Show is taking place very soon and the animals are all working on their talents in preparation. Fox is practicing burping, Bear is juggling appliances, Rabbit is rehearsing his magic act, and Albatross is eating enormous fish whole. Penguin, unlike his gifted friends, has no idea what to do for the show because he has no idea what his talent is.
Penguin’s friend try to help him out, showing him how to eat big fish whole, juggle appliances, do magic tricks, and burp the alphabet, but Penguin does not have an affinity for any of these talents. Penguin decides that the best thing for him to do is help organize the Talent Show and make it a success, which it is. In fact it is such a great event that Penguin’s friends decide to throw a party in his honor to thank him for all that he did. Unfortunately, the party they give their friend is a complete disaster.
Some people have talents that are obvious and easy to see. They can paint beautifully, sing like an angel, or run faster than anyone else. Other people have gifts that are less noticeable, but just as special. This book helps readers to see that everyone has a talent, something that they can share with others in some meaningful way. Sometimes it takes some time to find that “hidden” talent, but it is there.
With humor, sensitivity, and wonderful illustrations, Alex Latimer gives readers a story that conveys a message that will resonate with readers of all ages.
