Tacky the Penguin

Rating:
Summary: Embracing Differences in a Gentle, Humorous Way
Review: Both of my children (aged 4 and 5 1/2) have enjoyed all of the Tacky books, but this first book is probably the best of the series. Tacky is an unorthodox penguin who seems to either be unaware of how different he is or unconcerned with the fact beginning with his wild Hawaiian shirt attire in contrast to the buttoned up tuxedo look of his penguin peers. While other penguins in the book conform to appropriate penguin (or human) behavior with names like "Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly" and "Perfect," Tacky marches to the beat of a different, syncopatic drummer. Both of our kids readily identified with his differences and quickly learned to mimic some of his mannerisms such as hearty slaps on the back while hollering, "What's happening?!" and singing "How many toes does a fish have?" at the top of their lungs. Whether marching, swimming, or singing, Tacky is definitely different. This book is an endearing mix of wonderful messages (it's ok to be yourself, sometimes our fears are worse than the reality, and creative problem solving are a few that come to mind) that are all delivered in a humorous, silly story that my kids love and I can read over and over again without getting bored.

Rating:
Summary: If You Like Penguins Read This Book!
Review: How many wings on a cow?
Oh I wonder, yup, I wonder...
One of the best polkas ever written, and it's included in this great book about individuality! Tacky marches to the beat of a different drummer (or in this case, accordian-player), and that difference becomes valuble in saving his friends from stereotyping hunters.
Helen Lester has written a great and funny book with an important lesson, but Lynn Munsinger's illustrations are what makes makes it work.

Rating:
Summary: POOR QUALITY RECORDING -- wonderful story!
Review: I got hooked when my kindergartener niece started singing "How many toes does a fish have?" at the top of her lungs. She asked for a hardcopy "Tacky" set for Christmas - two years after she read the first one. She has the first four books (in paperback), and checks them all out of the library anyway! I've shared this book with every small child (even old(er) ones like me) I know! It's not just for ages 4 - 8.

Rating:
Summary: Tacky, the Penguin...
Review: I liked this book because I like penguins and how they live. This story is about a penguin named Tacky and his companions named Perfect, Neatly, Angel, Lovely, and Goodly. Tacky was opposite of his companions on everything, their marching, diving, and singing. One day they heard thumps and that meant hunters. The companions hid but Tacky stayed. Did the hunters take Tacky or did Tacky shew them away? Read the book to find out.

Rating:
Summary: Tacky, the Penguin
Review: I liked this book because I like penguins and how they live. This story is about a penguin named Tacky, and his companions named Perfect, Lovely, Angel, Goodly, and Neatly. Tacky was opposite of his companions on everything, their marching, diving, and singing. One day they heard thumps, that meant hunters. The companions hid but Tacky stayed. Did the hunters take Tacky or did Tacky shew them away? Read the book to find out.

Rating:
Summary: Tacky takes us beyond tolerance to embracing our differences
Review: Tacky is a well loved character in my Pre-K and K classrooms. We love to sing his song in a very out-of-tune country western style. As we become a supportive learning community, Tacky's lesson of different can be wonderful is not lost. Written in a fun to read aloud manner it impresses upon us that we can go beyond simple tolerance to acceptance and even embrace our differences for we all have something to contribute, we all have worth and we can help each other. Lynn Munsingers illustrations bring Tacky and friends to life. You can see them shake with fear and hear them join in singing with Tacky to scare away the trappers. Now if I can just get my hands on the next book? P.S. I was Tacky for Halloween. And the penguin has been our class mascot for a couple of years now. Thanks to Tacky, Helen Lesterand Lynn Munsinger.

Rating:
Summary: Tacky the Penguin..
Review: This book is about a penguin named Tacky, who is different from his companions. Their names are Lovely, Goodly, Neatly, Angel, and Perfect. They were the best penguin everyone wants to hunt. Tacky is different from them by singing, splashing, and diving. One day the penguins heard thumps, and that meant hunters. The companions hide because they were scared but Tacky stayed there. He wasn't scared. The hunters asked Tacky where the great penguins were and Tacky did something so read the book to find out what Tacky did.
I liked this book because I like penguins and the ending. Katie V.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: This book is excellent for children. It provides for entertaining and fun reading. It is easy for kids to identify with the fun, lovable, often clumsy Tacky. I would recommend this book for children's reading!!

Rating:
Summary: POOR QUALITY RECORDING -- wonderful story!
Review: VERY POOR quality RECORDING. VOLUME VARIES TOO MUCH, resulting in flinching when it increases suddenly, and straining when the reader's voice gets too soft; both happen frequently making listening pretty frustrating. Please don't try to listen to this one while driving in the car.

NARRATION begins immediately after the PAGE TURN SIGNAL sounds, making it very frustrating to try to follow along using that side of the cassette. It's challening enought for adults to turn the pages fast enough on this recording. It would be next to impossible for a child of almost any age to do so.

A re-issue would be much appreciated as the STORY IS WONDERFUL AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!