Not-So-Brave Penguin is a delightful book by Steve Smallman. Posy learns that she can do whatever she has to do when the stakes are high. I read this story with my four-year old granddaughter. We enjoyed the font changes to emphasis and emulate certain words as well as the expressive colorful illustrations.

My granddaughter loved Percy, who was fearless and perhaps a bit reckless. She can be both too. As for me, Posy was my favorite. Perhaps that is because she is more like me. Her bravery despite her fears make her a true little penguin hero. It is impossible not to love a timid soul who rises to the occasion when the concern for a loved one is so great.

Percy the Penguin is the jock, not afraid of anything, and Posy is the opposite, hence the title. Of all the things she’s scared of, and it’s mostly everything, the worst is the dark, which in Antarctica can last for months. But when Percy’s in trouble Posy overcomes her fears to rescue him, and finds some dark places are more beautiful than scary.
Though I appreciate the message and where the author’s coming from, in reality Posy didn’t rescue Percy; she just kept him company overnight. Had she not been there, Percy would have made it back the next morning on his own. So the writing’s a bit of a letdown there, a lazy out when instead a real danger, like a shark, would have made for a better story. On the other hand, Posy didn’t know that when she set out, so she was indeed brave.
The artwork is nice, if a little simplistic. There’s a couple of pages of discussion topics at the end.

Solid picture book purchase for caregivers and libraries serving children from preschool to grade 2. Artwork done by the author is cheerful and conveys the movement and emotions of penguin main characters Posy and Percy. The message of being brave in spite of fears is clear enough for small children to understand that there is nothing wrong with being afraid, but to be strong enough to act anyway. Author Steve Smallman includes great extension activities in the back matter, however I would skip his example of holding a spider for two minutes although having a fear of them.

'Not-So-Brave Penguin' by Steve Smallman is a storybook about a little penguin who is afraid of a lot of things.

Percy and Posy are friends, but while Percy is brave, Posy is cautious. He slides down icy slopes while she scoots on her bottom. She doesn't like loud noises or the dark. One day, a huge iceberg shows up nearby, and Percy wants to investigate. Posy is scared and doesn't go, but when it starts to get dark and Percy isn't back, will Posy find the courage to help her friend?

It's a good story about being scared and being brave, and the lessons are pretty clear. The illustrations are pretty cute and I think young readers will like this story of penguins that may remind them of themselves.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group-QEB, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

A really charming story, perfect for bedtime reading. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, the story shows you can overcome your fears and be a great friend. Leo (aged 10) is a huge penguin fan and even at his age enjoyed this little story! Gorgeous illustrations compliment the story well and there are ideas for further discussion for parents/teachers at the end of the book.

Percy and Posy are perfect pals. One is brave, one is nervous. One is into adventure and one is a home body, but these opposites often make for the best of friends! When’s Percy’s adventures lead him into some trouble, Posy has to do a very brave thing.
The story was spectacular and the discussion questions in the post pages were wonderful. This will be great for young children learning about character qualities, opposites or winter animals.

Posy the penguin isn't as brave as her friend Percy--he's not afraid on anything and has tons of fun. Posy, though, is scared of lots of things. When Percy goes to explore an iceberg and doesn't come back, Posy must face her fears to help her friend.

The illustrations are terrific--really beautifully done. The penguins are so adorable! The story was simple and sweet and will appeal to children. I read an ARC via NetGalley, which did have some editing problems which hopefully were resolved before the final printing.

I LOVE penguins, so I was thrilled to get to read this children's book. I am also happy to say that it is a terrific book.
The story is about two penguins: Percy is brave and adventurous, and Posy is not-so-brave, frightened by a number of things. When Percy goes to explore an iceberg near their island and doesn't return, Posy faces a dilemma: will she give in to her fear, or will she go find her friend?
The artwork for this book is adorable, and I also like the fact that certain words in the text are emphasized for effect. The plot provides several opportunities for discussion and has a good moral to it.
This book would be a wonderful addition to any young child's library.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

This children’s book is absolutely adorable and is a good story.

Posy the penguin is afraid of many things, such as jumping unto water, whizzing off slopes, loud noises and the dark. But when Posy’s friend, Percy, is lost and needs help, Posy comes to his rescue.

This book has everything that you look for in a quality children’s book. The illustrations are cut and colorful. They make you smile and cause young children to giggle. The story has a great message and is written well.

I would buy this book for all my friends who have young children. I cannot praise it enough.


I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinions or ratings of this book.

Posy and Percy are penguins that enjoy doing many of the same things, sort of. Posy would love to be more adventurous but she is just too afraid. She is afraid of snowstorms, icebergs, the dark, the list goes on and on. One day when Percy doesn’t come back from exploring an iceberg Posy has to be brave and go look for her friend.
Wonderfully illustrated! 5 star picture book.! Very cute!
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for this advanced copy, my opinions are my own.
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LanaLCole@yahoo.com

This is such an adorable children’s book! It tells the story of Posy and Percy the penguins. Posy is cautious and worries about everything. Percy, is her polar opposite. He is adventurous and has no fear.

This short tale teaches children how to be a good friend and also how to face your fears. Such a sweet story!

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - QEB,
QEB Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

This is the story of two penguin friends, Percy and Posy. Percy sees life as an adventure and is fearless while Posy worries about many things. One day Posy is worried because Percy has not returned. Those around her attribute this to Posy's usual way of being but Posy is certain that Percy needs help...so...she does many brave things in order to find and save him.

This story is a reminder that we can do brave things even when we do not feel brave inside. It lets young listeners know that it is okay to have fears and also that one does not have to be ruled by them. One small quibble...it seems stereotypical that the boy is brave and the girl afraid at the start of the story.

The illustrations in the book are appealing. This book seems like a good resource for pre-schoolers.

Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto. The opinions expressed are my own.

Percy penguin and Posy penguin are very good friends but they couldn't be more different in their outlook on life. You see Percy is a self-proclaimed daredevil. He loves to whiz down snowy slopes on his tummy and jump off huge icebergs into the water to make a gigantic SPLASH!!! Anything goes when it comes to taking a risk and he is able to have a blast doing it.

Posy, on the other hand, is not so brave. She has anxiety and worry about many things like: shuffling down unfamiliar slopes (she slides on her bottom), being afraid that she may belly flop if she jumps off an iceberg, fear of snowstorms and loud noises, and her biggest fear? THE DARK!!!!

One day Percy goes missing and Posy is very upset. Who will go and find him? Is Posy brave enough to take on his rescue mission of retrieving her friend all by herself?

This delightful story is about overcoming fear and a special bond between two adorable penguins. The illustrations are extremely well done and very integral to the success of the story. At the back of the book the author has included short lessons and activities for parents, teachers and caregivers to open up dialogue regarding bravery and letting go of fears and apprehensions. I love the positive messages the book portrays.

The universal message for young readers of "conquering your fears" for the sake of others certainly resonates in this book. Percy, a penguin, is frightened of the world but when his friend, Percy, is missing, his strength of character emerges. He is able to overcome his terror and undertake, what to him, is a scary mission to find his friend..
He succeeds which is a happy message for all young readers, The illustrations are beautifully rendered and the color schemes so vibrant. The book will be a lovely addition to your collection.

Storytime: The Not-So-Perfect Penguin by Steve Smallman is a children 's book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. What a delightful and adorable little book! Cute illustrations and a nice little story about a penguin that is not normally brave. Very clever!

This is a fun story that I can easily see becoming a firm favourite!
The images in the book are lovely and my daughter loved them.
The plot is great and I loved the ending too.
Four stars from me for this one - highly recommended!

This is a delightful picture book for young children. Many kids will relate to fear of the dark, as well as other things they see their friends doing. The story feels familiar in some ways, but I think it will have appeal to kids of toddler or preschool age.

This was designed from the outset to be a print book (there's a page toward the beginning which has a space for the owner's name to be written in!) so it lacks the same force when viewed as an ebook which is the only format I had access to. I wouldn't recommend trying to read this to a kid on a smart phone, but on a tablet computer it's a decent size, unless the pad is one of those really small pads.

Instead of being presented as a double-page view, it featured only single pages which made it hard to appreciate the layout as it was intended to be seen. I don't know why ebook versions do this - some which ought to be seen as single page images are instead presented as double, and vice-versa. It makes for an irritating read in some regards, and not something suitable for a small screen, but once I got past that, I appreciated this book for young children which talks of fear and bravery and friendship.

Percy Penguin is a tear-away, whereas Posy Penguin is timid and reserved. This might be seen as a bit genderist, but it does comport with how many boys and girls tend to be, although it by no means is true in every case. There's a moral to this tale however, because Percy's passion for daredevil activities is what gets him into trouble when he goes off to explore a passing iceberg. Posy seems to be the only one who thinks there might be something wrong, and like a guardian angel, she steps up where others fear to waddle, heading over to the iceberg to see why Percy didn't come home.

She learns that she can do anything Percy can - and do it better since she doesn't get herself into trouble, and she learns some self-sufficiency and garners the strength to overcome her fear of the dark to boot! It would have been nice to have had the point raised about running-off without telling your parent/guardian where you're going (parents here seem to be alarmingly laissez-faire!), but that aside, I enjoyed this book carrying a lesson in a fun and colorful story, and I commend it as a worthy read.

Storytime: Not-So-Brave Penguin is a simple and charming tale for young children (although as an adult I benefited as well!) about how to overcome fears. Percy penguin is daring and adventurous and loves swimming and sliding and climbing while Posy penguin is prevented from sharing the same adventures out of fear. When Percy goes missing Posy overcomes her fears out of concern for Percy. Posy tells her fellow penguin friends that she's worried because Percy hasn't returned from playing but they are not concerned thinking "Percy will be fine." But Posy isn't convinced and follows her instincts to find Percy. Percy then tells Posy she is very brave. I liked that Posy admits to still being scared even while finding Percy although her fear becomes less when she looks at the beautiful sky. The book has wonderful illustrations and ends with practical lessons (including making your own penguins) discussing with children why Posy is scared and how those fears can be overcome and then letting the children discuss their own fears and how they might overcome those. A lovely book and definitely recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for review copy.

I read this to my son tonight. He seemed to enjoy it. My son is 6 and is learning his sight words and this had a whole bunch.