A little “freaky Friday” action occurs and it just might be what the doctor ordered for this odd (yet adorable) little pair. I have to say it, I love Penguin and his outgoing personality amongst all the “suits” in his home (pun intended)….by the same token, I love Pirate for being the quirky little guy he is and despite his differences from his companions, still trying to grin and “arrr” it. The underlying message….being true to oneself is the best (perhaps the only?) way to be truly happy and find your version of peace in this world….a reminder that most of us could use from time to time.

Now, let’s talk art work because really, as much story as this one has…it’s still about the illustrations. From just inside the front cover to just inside the back, we are treated to the fun (and funny) filled illustrations of Ms. Storms. We see what Penguin really thinks of the South Pole with a map listing “Yawny Yogaland” and “Chilly Cove”, whilst on the Pirate side of things we see places like “Sticky Sweaty Island” and “Drives-Me-Coconuts Island”….but the fun doesn’t stop there. Once inside, we are greeted with a pleasing palette of colors adding to the peace or vibrancy (depending on what’s called for) of any given scene, truly working in harmony with the story.

In summary, whether seeking calm and comforting waters or a pirate’s life for thee, readers young and old will delight in this charming tale of what it really takes to show this world what for….the real you. Don’t be afraid to let your true self shine through for it is in those most revealing moments that we are at our finest. ( )

The penguin just isn't happy with his life in the South Pole. It's too cold and there's nothing to do, except daydream and yoga and daydream about yoga! So the penguin set off on an ice floe to find sunshine and adventure. Meanwhile, somewhere in the Caribbean Sea, a pirate wasn't feeling much happier than the penguin. The sun made his skin itch and he didn't care about finding a treasure. He just wanted some inner peace! So the pirate went down to sleep in his cool, cozy cabin on the ship. While the penguin is off to seek adventure and the pirate is off to seek inner peace, they find each other in the middle of the sea. When they find each other, they finally find there happiness.... ( )

Author Patricia Storms visited my school in November; her presentation on the life of a writer and illustrator, and her ‘how to draw cartoons’ workshop was a hit! Although she has been an illustrator for many years, this is Storms’ first author credit.
Both Pirate and Penguin are fed up with their lives. Penguin yearns for somewhere warmer, as well as some adventure, while Pirate is fed up of following treasure maps that don’t lead to any riches! Storms’ illustrations are wonderful; her wide-eyed characters show great expression, and they enhance the story perfectly.
This is an excellent book for primary students, who will be captivated as they follow the adventures of the pirate and the penguin around the world. Fans of The Pirate and the Penguin should also try Thirteen Ghosts on Halloween by Robin Muller – this book is illustrated by Storms – it’s a spooky tale set to the rhyme of The Twelve Days of Christmas.
Also posted at: http://manybooksmanyvoices.wordpress.com/2009/12/03/the-pirate-and-the-penguin-b... ( )