Three Cheers for Tacky (Tacky the Penguin)

Lynn Munsinger is the illustrator of many funny and popular books for children, including the stories starring Tacky the Penguin and Wodney Wat. She divides her time between Connecticut and Vermont.

PreSchool-Grade 2-Hip, hip hooray! Tacky's back, along with his proper penguin pals, Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect. They are in school now, and, as usual, Tacky has his own way of doing things. When the friends enter the great Penguin Cheering Contest, the main concern is whether Tacky can get the cheer right. He handles the situation in his own unique style and once again proves that although he's "an odd bird," he's certainly "a nice bird to have around." Although there is a touch of predictability to the story for those already familiar with previous stories, this one is a smooth, fun read. Munsinger's full-color illustrations are charming and subtle. The penguins wear sweaters and caps; Tacky wears his over a Hawaiian shirt, and his cap is askew. One minor reservation-two of the judges of the contest are a walrus and a polar bear. But if readers can believe in cheerleading penguins, then they'll believe that these judges are special guests imported from the Arctic. Tacky's fans will flip for this title.
Donna L. Scanlon, Lancaster County Library, PA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.