‘Penguin Oh Penguin’ is about a penguin that runs away to sea. The underlying themes are adventure, friendship, play and home. Author Gladys Milroy reveals she wrote this rhythmic tale for her children over 60 years ago. The story was inspired by a toy black velvet penguin brought home one day that became the children’s favourite bedtime companion.
Rhythm and rhyme take young listeners on the penguin’s adventurous journey climbing a high mountain, swimming in the sea, rolling in the snow, riding on a whale and catching an albatross by the tip of its tail. But when the adventurous penguin is tempted to take a trip by boat there is a warning: ‘You’ll just end up in a cage in a zoo’. The very satisfying conclusion to this story reveals our adventurer swimming home again.
The small square shape of the book will appeal to the very young. So too will the book’s illustrations which feature background patterns that highlight each of the penguin’s adventures. The text opposite is set against brightly coloured patterns. Families can use the QR code in the book to hear Gladys Milroy singing the story.
Both author and illustrator are Palyku women. Gladys Milroy was stolen from her mother as a young child and placed in Parkerville Children’s Home. Helen Milroy has written and illustrated many children’s picture books including the series ‘Tales from the Bush Mob’. She is a strong advocate for children’s mental health and wellbeing. She was the WA Australian of Year in 2021 and made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2023.
Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Resource
