Penguin Oh Penguin (Gladys Milroy, illus Helen Milroy, Magabala)

Penguin Oh Penguin is a mother/daughter collaboration between Palyku women Gladys and Helen Milroy, and a charming picture book for early childhood. Gladys Milroy, author of Silver Leaves, wrote this story 60 years ago for her children, and it has been passed down through generations. There is even a video of Gladys singing this beautiful story, accessible through a QR code in the front of the book. Penguin Oh Penguin is the story of a penguin that runs away to sea (and comes back!), but it’s also about unbreakable friendship, the desire to play together and to be at home, feelings of hope, and discussions about nature and animal journeys. As the penguin leaves, there are moments of heartbreak and resignation—‘You’ll live in your world and I’ll live in mine’—but it doesn’t last too long! With straightforward rhyme and bright, contrasting illustrations in Helen Milroy’s beloved style—which incorporates dot painting among other techniques (as seen in her forthcoming Crow Baby)—Penguin Oh Penguin is a gentle and relaxed addition to the read-aloud rotation for young children, with an opportunity to sing and share the story with older siblings. The Milroys are again at the forefront of beautiful books for children, and the family partnership makes this story so special. Suitable for newborns up.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Clare Millar is a writer, editor and children's bookseller. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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