The Greatest Showpenguin

A sweet story about learning to overcome fears while discovering the meaning of success

This adorable book impresses from the start. The large size format and exquisite illustrations set it apart from typical picture books in the 3-6-year-old age category. My 5-year-old granddaughter, Millie, and I read this together via Videochat – we enjoyed every minute. The story fits the recommended age group well with appropriate content and language. Millie understood the concepts and enjoyed the characters.

Greatest ShowPenguin Children’s Picture Book – Ages 3-6

The book’s illustrations are cute without being cutesy and fun without being over-the-top. Penguins are dressed in circus costumes and there are lots of fun little circus-related pictures that she wanted to stop and talk about – she was very engaged in the reading of this book! On my next visit, we’ll be adding this treasure to her library which is full of unique and heartwarming stories that will be lovingly passed down to her younger brother.

Learn more on the Pavilion Children’s website. You can also follow them on Twitter @PavilionBooks and Like PavilionChildrensBooks on Facebook, follow @pavilionbook on Pinterest UK and pavilionbooks on Instagram, for new releases and more. Also, please read more of the Pavilion Children’s Books we’ve reviewed here.

The Greatest ShowPenguin

The Greatest ShowPenguin characters are relatable and loveable. Poppy the Penguin possesses many unique skills that were passed down to her from a long line of circus performing ancestors. But even though she’s skilled at performing in the family’s circus and has been in the show since she was small, she comes to realize that it’s not what makes her happy. She’s done with being shot out of a cannon, having knives thrown at her, and doing other daredevil antics for the crowd.

All Poppy wanted in the world was to make her parents proud. – The Greatest ShowPenguin

Poppy realizes that she doesn’t enjoy performing. The loud noises, bright lights and crowded tent made her uneasy. She realized she needed a calmer place where she can feel in control. But while her circus skills were scary, they weren’t nearly as scary as having to tell her mom that she no longer wanted to perform in the family circus.

Greatest ShowPenguin Children’s Picture Book – Ages 3-6

She has to work up the courage to tell her mother, that the circus isn’t how she wants to spend her time. She spends her days relaxing and enjoying the quiet. But soon she realizes that it’s too quiet and she misses the magic of the circus. With this new realization in mind, Poppy realizes that she’d like to work behind the scenes at the circus helping to organize it instead! That gives her the perfect mix of being a part of the circus without having the noise and commotion of being in the circus.

She starts using her new skills to improve the circus with the goal of making it the best that it can be!

Greatest ShowPenguin Children’s Picture Book – Ages 3-6

About the Author – Lucy Freegard

Lucy Freegard is a children’s book author, illustrator, and soft toy designer based in Bristol, UK. Lucy graduated with an MA in children’s book illustration from Cambridge School of Art in 2015. Since graduating, she’s gone on to work on a range of projects, including writing and illustrating picture books to designing soft toys and greetings cards. The Greatest Showpenguin is Lucy’s fifth picture book.

Visit www.lucyfreegard.com for more information, upcoming project announcements, and fun and free craft activities, coloring pages, mazes, and more created especially for her books.