View source for When Grandad was a Penguin by Morag Hood

{{infobox2
|title=When Grandad was a Penguin
|author=Morag Hood
|reviewer=Ruth Ng
|genre=For Sharing
|summary=It's the dilemma of small children everywhere...what should you do if you suspect that your Grandad has turned into a penguin?!  Very silly, with some great illustrations.
|rating=4
|buy=yes
|borrow=yes
|pages=32
|publisher=Two Hoots
|date=January 2017
|isbn=9781509814015
|website=http://www.moraghood.co.uk/
|aznuk=1509814019
|aznus=1509814019
|cover=1509814019
}}

When a little girl goes to stay with her Grandad, she is worried that all is not well.  Grandad doesn't seem quite the same, somehow, and he is talking about fish a lot, none of his clothes fit, and he is spending a lot more time in the bathroom.  Thankfully, one day the zoo phones up, having discovered a bit of a problem there that might explain what is going on with Grandad!

There's a lot to enjoy about this story, such as seeing penguin talking about a multitude of different aspects of fishing, or trying to put on some clothes.  The illustrations almost work by themselves at times, as we watch the little girl grow increasingly puzzled by her Grandad's behaviour.  You'll probably guess that there's been a mix up at the zoo, and poor old Grandad has been stuck there, whilst the penguin has been living in his home and puzzling his granddaughter!  The little girl goes along to collect her Grandad, though the final picture shows us her walking home with a glasses-wearing flamingo, so perhaps all is not resolved!

I have to say, I was expecting the ending to show us good old Grandad back at home, but perhaps slightly changed and behaving more like a penguin, after having lived with a group of them for so long.  For me, the ending as it was felt a little flat, because surely she wouldn't get fooled twice?  And why was Grandad being so naughty and staying behind with the other flamingoes?  Perhaps I overthink these things sometimes, but I thought I'd mention it, in case anyone shares in my desire for an alternate ending!

There are lots of silly moments to enjoy with Penguin Grandad, such as when we see him sitting inside the toilet bowl, or sliding down the banisters!  I also really liked the picture of him sitting in the fridge as inside the fridge is a bag full of peas and one single carrot stick, which is a nice little reference to Morag Hood's other book [[Colin and Lee, Carrot and Pea by Morag Hood|Colin and Lee, Carrot and Pea]]!  My absolute favourite thing about this book really is the cover, with the picture of the penguin in a flat cap and glasses!  It never fails to make me smile when I see it.  There's lots to enjoy, and it's a quick and easy read to share on repeat.

Further reading suggestion: For more penguin madness, then one of my favourite stories to share is [[Penguin by Polly Dunbar]] or you might also enjoy the very moving [[Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers]].  We also have a review of [[I Am Bat by Morag Hood]].

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