Buy new:
-33% $12.79
FREE delivery Wednesday, May 15 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$12.79 with 33 percent savings
List Price: $18.99

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Wednesday, May 15 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
In Stock
$$12.79 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$12.79
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$11.50
Minimal signs of wear. Corners and cover may show wear. May contain highlighting and or writing. May be missing dust jacket. May not include supplemental materials. May be a former library book. Minimal signs of wear. Corners and cover may show wear. May contain highlighting and or writing. May be missing dust jacket. May not include supplemental materials. May be a former library book. See less
FREE delivery May 14 - 17. Details
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$12.79 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$12.79
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Ships from and sold by Dream Books Co..
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Julie Abery
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Old Man and the Penguin: A True Story of True Friendship Hardcover – Picture Book, October 6, 2020

by Julie Abery (Author), Pierre Pratt (Illustrator)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 33 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$12.79","priceAmount":12.79,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"12","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"79","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"CnRtd5kkNv%2FZDjyM3i9%2FB8ypdX5dd4k7fVyiqMfIxNiKSirBgFpFM0YsCnxIUSq6A9C4mHzn7cJOE4QDE2AwNMabv73KeO6GQJVJGXvufaFXB0sTIfSAl7O%2Bln0x6bf%2FhR5R1CuAZQM4GrIb21ZfYg%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$11.50","priceAmount":11.50,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"11","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"50","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"CnRtd5kkNv%2FZDjyM3i9%2FB8ypdX5dd4k7Q9b4n0gYEWn%2BRDo332287Z1%2BkSkEBynCsS0HHXn%2BNdIglwzd3rVLn7Yx9B%2BuR74xjVxSM2%2FoshOjDAXWDCaGCOPt21MIh594dr%2B%2Bs3h%2Bga7N4FPkhDdfKysRj5uBh8fY7g%2By2VJ524ggWRQ6qWC9sA%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Told in rhyming verse, this is the touching true story of an oil-soaked penguin, the man who rescues him and an unlikely friendship.

João hears “a sorry screech” as he walks along the shore near his home. It’s from a penguin, whose feathers are soaked in oil.

Too tired to swim, too weak to stand,

he’s barely moving on the sand.

João must save this little guy.

Without his help, he’ll surely die.

João takes the penguin home. He cleans him, feeds him and nurses him slowly back to health — and the pair develop a special bond. When the penguin is fully recovered, João knows it’s time to return him to the wild where he belongs. But the penguin has other ideas …

Told in rhyming verse, this heartwarming picture book tells the true story of João Pereira de Souza of Brazil, who cared for a Magellanic penguin that had been caught in an oil spill. When João tried to release him back to the wild, the penguin returned to João’s home and stayed for months. The penguin, named Dindim by João, did eventually leave, but he now returns to visit his friend for five months of every year. A charming read-aloud showcasing a tender relationship between an animal and human, this book also promotes environmental awareness and stewardship, and explains how human activities often threaten wildlife. Author Julie Abery includes information about João and the penguin, how wildlife is affected by oil spills every year, and what to do if you find wildlife in distress. The lively art by award-winning Pierre Pratt brings a touching sweetness and emotional depth to the story. There are character education lessons here on empathy, kindness and caring.

Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    3 - 7 years
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 2
  5. Lexile measure
    AD510L
  6. Dimensions
    8.63 x 0.38 x 11.25 inches
  7. Publisher
    Kids Can Press
  8. Publication date
    October 6, 2020
  9. ISBN-10
    1525302086
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1525302084
  11. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

The Old Man and the Penguin: A True Story of True Friendship
$12.79
Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 15
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Seven Golden Rings: A Tale of Music and Math
$17.98
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Sloth and Squirrel in a Pickle
$13.49
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An entertaining introduction for young readers to the harmful effects of oil spills on marine wildlife.―Kirkus Reviews

The Old Man and the Penguin, a warm story of an unusual friendship, will be well-received by its young listeners/readers.―CM Magazine

Few readers will be able to resist this charming tale, based on true events.―Booklist, starred review

About the Author

Julie Abery is a children's author and early childhood educator. Originally from England, she has spent half of her life living in Europe, immersing herself in new languages and cultures. She currently lives in Switzerland.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kids Can Press; Illustrated edition (October 6, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1525302086
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1525302084
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD510L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 2
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.63 x 0.38 x 11.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 33 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Julie Abery

Julie Abery

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Author Julie Abery is a former preschool teacher who shaped her career reading picture books to children from around the world. She has a passion for using rhyme, rhythm, and repetition to encourage language acquisition, and combines nonfiction with rhyming verse to tell inspirational stories.

Originally from England, she now calls Switzerland home.

Julie’s books include the Little Animal Friends board book series (Amicus Ink), Yusra Swims (Creative Editions, 2020), The Old Man and the Penguin: A True Story of True Friendship (Kids Can Press, 2020) and her latest release, Sakamoto’s Swim Club: How a Teacher Led an Unlikely Team to Victory (Kids Can Press, 2021).

You can follow Julie on twitter @juliedawnabery and Instagram @juliedawnabery

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
33 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

AJ Irving
5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming true story of friendship
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2021
Verified Purchase
This true story of friendship will certainly tug at your heartstrings! When João discovers an oil-soaked penguin on a beach near his home in Rio de Janeiro, he decides to nurse the weak penguin back to health. João names the penguin Dindim, and their friendship grows and grows. Eventually Dindim knows it’s time to go home, but just like clockwork every year, Dindim returns to visit his rescuer. The sweet rhyming text and endearing illustrations in THE OLD MAN AND THE PENGUIN will make little ones request this gem by Julie Abery and Pierre Pratt again and again.
Helpful
 Report
Jamie Bee
5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet, True Story
Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2020
This picture book is based on a true story about a Brazilian man who finds an injured and oily penguin on the beach and helps bring it back to health. This unlikely pair forms a friendship of sorts. When the man first takes the penguin back to the wild, the bird doesn't want to go and comes back to him. Eventually, the bird decides to leave, but he comes back every year to this beach and to the man. The book subtly teaches about environmentalism and more broadly about friendship. I wish the author had placed the pronunciation of the man's name at the beginning of the book instead of at the end because I had no idea how to pronounce the name as it is in Portuguese. I don't imagine most parents out there would know how to pronounce that either, but it is in the back of the book if you need it (je-WOW). The author did include a page at the back that describes the actual story of this man and the penguin. I think this story would be enjoyable for most younger children, especially when they realize that this actually happened.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Helpful
 Report
Donna Boyd
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Illustrations
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2020
If you buy one children's book this year, buy this one. This book is written in rhyming verse and the illustrations are beautiful. My three year old granddaughter absolutely loved this book and we will be purchasing it when it is published. I remember reading about the true story behind this book on the news and I was so excited to discover that there was a children's book about the actual characters.
This is the story of an old man, Joao who is walking along the beach one day and finds an oil-soaked penguin who will die without help. Joao takes the penguin home with him and cleans him up and takes care of him until he is well again. They form such a strong bond that when it is time for Dindim to leave Joao and go back to his natural habitat, Dindim will not leave Joao. Joao has to try many times before Dindim will leave, but when he does leave it is not for good. Dindim returns to visit Joao every year. There are lots of lessons to be learned from this book and it is a good platform from which to start discussions about our environment and taking care of the world and the living creatures in it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for allowing me to read a copy of this book prior to publication in exchange for an honest review.
Helpful
 Report
Soumya Gudiyella
5.0 out of 5 stars A story of friendship
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2020
It is a story of friendship between an old man and a Penguin. This book is based on a real story.

Joao lives close to Proveta Beach in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. He is a retired brick-later. On one of his walks, he finds an oil-soaked penguin close to death. He brings the penguin home and cares for it until it is fit to return to the sea. Joao knows that the penguin’s home is the sea. With a heavy heart, he leaves the penguin at sea. The penguin returns to Joao’s home.

The penguin misses the sea too. The penguin comes up with a plan so that it is both with him and the wild. This simple story teaches kids about the value of friendship and caring for other animals. It also brings to light how oil spills threaten sea wildlife. I was provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Helpful
 Report
Ashley S
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful True Story
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2021
An old man finds a penguin covered in oil, cleans him up, and saves his life. He returns him where he came from, but the penguin comes back and continues to come back every year. This is a true heartwarming story about an unlikely friendship. This book is great for all ages. Some additional information about the real story is provided in the back of the book.
Helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
1.0 out of 5 stars It was not s es hat I was expecting.
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2021
Verified Purchase
I want to return the book and get my money back.
Helpful
 Report
RF
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2020
The Old Man and the Penguin by Julie Abery is a wonderful book for children and adults.

The three things I love the most: the wonderful illustrations. Just gorgeous. Second: the adorable and touching relationship that develops between the man and the saved penguin tugs at my heart! Third: the information at the end that this is based on a true story. What could be better!
Helpful
 Report
Oohlalabooks
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2020
Omg I recognize this story, I’ve seen a news clip of this about a man that rescued a penguin and the penguin comes back to visit him. So excited to see it’s turned into a book and of course I read this to my toddlers! The story gave us all the feels, the colors are bright and colorful. My kids were engaged and asked a bunch of questions, so it was a good teaching tool.
Helpful
 Report