Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Tacky and the Winter Games
Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger
Picture Book Series
For ages 4 to 7
Houghton Mifflin, 2005 ISBN: 978-0618556595
One day Tacky the Penguin comes across the other penguins and finds out that they are in training for the Winter Games. Before he can waddle away – Tacky is not at all fit – the penguins grab Tacky and soon he is busily racing up steep hills, jumping rope, doing sit-ups, lifting weights, riding bikes, eating "special training meals, and getting plenty of rest. Of course Tacky finds a way to do the training in a manner that is in keeping with his unique personality.
When the penguins arrive at the games they have high hopes that they will win a medal, but things don't turn out as planned – because of Tacky of course.
Children will have a hard time not falling in love with the messy, sloppy, greedy, pudgy Tacky who stays true to himself, and who somehow always seems to land on his feet... er flippers. With its cleverly written text and its outrageously funny illustrations, this is a picture book that is sure to keep readers engaged from start to finish.
