What's in the Egg, Little Pip?

Little Pip, in her third outing, feels snubbed due to the "large, white oval" at her mother's feet. Pip commiserates with her friend, Merry, whose family is also expecting a chick. But when Chapman's acrylic landscape is slashed with sleet, Pip helps keep the egg warm, and on a sunny day when her brother cracks through the egg, Pip names him Sam. The displacement issues addressed are typical, but translate well to this tight-knit penguin community; readers awaiting a similar arrival will relate to Pip's mixed emotions. Ages 37. (Dec.) Copyright 2011 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2--In this third book about Little Pip, the young penguin wonders what is so special about the egg her parents are so carefully protecting. She experiences all the feelings that single children have when they discover that they are about to have a new sibling. Her parents don't seem to have time or room for her any more, and "I should be enough," she thinks. Her best friend, Merry, also cannot understand what the fuss is all about in her family. The two go off to play, but when a storm comes, Pip rushes back to help her father keep the egg warm and safe. When it finally hatches, she welcomes her baby brother and is happy to see all of the other penguin families with their new members. Lovely full-bleed illustrations in soft colors depict the rough texture of the Antarctic land and the harsh weather. Little Pip's expressions and body language reflect her moods of curiosity, insecurity, concern, and joy. Wilson and Chapman have once again produced an endearing book about a situation with which children can easily identify. Pip, Pip, hooray!--Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.