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The Penguin Lessons: A True Story Hardcover – International Edition, December 22, 2015

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 6,897 ratings

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*AS HEARD ON BBC RADIO 2 FACT NOT FICTION BOOKCLUB* 'I was hoping against hope that the penguin would survive because as of that instant he had a name, and with his name came the beginning of a bond which would last a life-time' Tom Michell is in his roaring twenties: single, free-spirited and seeking adventure. He has a plane ticket to South America, a teaching position in a prestigious Argentine boarding school, and endless summer holidays. He even has a motorbike, Che Guevara style. What he doesn't need is a pet. What he really doesn't need is a pet penguin. Set against Argentina's turbulent years following the collapse of the corrupt Perónist regime, this is the heart-warming story of Juan Salvador the penguin, rescued by Tom from an oil slick in Uruguay just days before a new term. When the bird refuses to leave Tom's side, the young teacher has no choice but to smuggle it across the border, through customs, and back to school. Whether it's as the rugby team's mascot, the housekeeper's confidant, the host at Tom's parties or the most flamboyant swimming coach in world history, Juan Salvador transforms the lives of all he meets - in particular one homesick school boy. And as for Tom, he discovers in Juan Salvador a compadre like no other... The Penguin Lessons is a unique and moving true story which has captured imaginations around the globe - for all those who dreamed as a child they might one day talk to the animals. Praise for The Penguin Lessons 'Entrancing ... the writing is a delight, the story itself so touching that I didn't want it to end. I really loved this book' Michael Bond, creator of Paddington Bear 'Fantastic, fantastic - I have been glued to The Penguin Lessons ... it's so good. A magical story' Dj Nihal, BBC Radio 2 Fact Not Fiction Bookclub 'An uplifting true story about author Tom Michell's years as a teacher in Argentina and the penguin he adopted as a pet' Good Housekeeping 'A crazy, witty, enchanting story' Woman & Home 'His tone suits the material perfectly ... you believe every word ... No fool, this penguin. No fools these publishers, who have unleashed such a delightful and charming book just in time for Christmas' Daily Mail 'One of the most touching tales we've read all year *****' Heat 'A cheerful, readable book and all the more lovely for being a true . . . a memoir as charming as Juan Salvador himself' Stylist's Emerald Street 'Tom Michell seems like the sort of fellow you'd like to have dinner with sometime. He would no doubt regale you with fascinating tales of life in Argentina during the 1970s: living with high inflation and the collapse of the Perónist government, hiking in the high Andes, wandering the snowy, pine-covered wilderness of Tierra del Fuego. Oh, and he might tell you a little bit about a Magellanic penguin he used to know' Washington Post 'Warm and unique ... it's hard not to wish you were there ... a lovely story about a remarkable trip to the other side of the world and a gorgeous friendship between one man and his penguin' The Bookseller 'While Michell devotes much of his time to heartwarming penguin antics, he also recalls the less idyllic elements of his time in Argentina, including runaway inflation and a military coup. Michell's crisp, intelligent voice is equally at home chatting about motorcycling through the Argentine countryside and hiding a penguin for the duration of a bus trip. His classic dry British wit provides the perfect counterbalance to the inherent sweetness of the penguin's remarkable devotion. Animal lovers and travel fans alike will find Michell's adventures bright and charming' Shelf Awareness 'Lively and endearing ... In clever, entertaining vignettes accompanied by simple yet engaging illustrations, Michell ... interweaves introspection, travel tales, and penguin facts in a charming story that also reveals the charismatic nature of this gregarious and increasingly endangered species' Publishers Weekly 'Packed full of funny, heart-warming anecdotes and peppered with interesting details of the political and economic picture of Argentina, this would make a perfect Christmas stocking filler' Irish Examiner
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“I loved this book, and you will, too! It’s as charming, heartwarming, and surprising as a penguin on a roof terrace. What’s more, The Penguin Lessons teaches an important truth: that a single act of compassion can be repaid a thousand-fold.”—Sy Montgomery, author of The Good Good Pig and the National Book Award finalist The Soul of an Octopus
 
“[Tom Michell’s] tone suits the material perfectly. . . . You believe every word. . . . No fool, this penguin. No fools, these publishers, who have unleashed such a delightful and charming book just in time for Christmas.”
Daily Mail (U.K.)
 
“Heart-warming is a wholly inadequate phrase to describe this captivating story that is pure delight from beginning to end.”
The Bookseller (U.K.)

About the Author

Tom Michell was born and grew up on the rural downs of southern England, where he grew to love animals, birds and plants. After living in Argentina he returned home and settled in Cornwall where he helps with the family business, tends a small plot of what he calls 'good Cornish soil' and sings with a local choir. He is an amateur artist and in his spare time he draws and paints subjects from the wildlife around his home, specializing in birds of prey. Tom is an enthusiastic proponent of understanding how humans can live in genuinely sustainable ways. He is married with four grown-up children and three grandchildren.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Michael Joseph (December 22, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0718181638
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0718181635
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.5 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.32 x 0.92 x 8.06 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 6,897 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
6,897 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story wonderful, informative, and well-written. They appreciate the author's descriptive writing style and simple words that convey a lot. The content is interesting and enlightening, providing an interesting look into penguin life and political climate. Readers describe the book as charming, sweet, and delightful. They find the story heartwarming and emotional, with humor that makes them laugh and cry. The penguin's behavior and the relationship between it and the young man are described well.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

122 customers mention "Story quality"122 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story. They find it uplifting, touching, and well-composed. The book provides an insightful look at animals and their impact on life. Readers appreciate the captivating tale of a penguin rescue and the young man's adventure.

"What a great uplifting story to read. Every opportunity I had to stop and read a few lines in this book I took them...." Read more

"...The writing style flows beautifully, and your imagination will transport you easily to the places and situations described by the author...." Read more

"If you are an animal lover, a must read. Heartwarming true story, once again proving the strong bond we as humans have with..." Read more

"A delightful, profound book about a young man rescuing a penguin in Argentina, and living with him for a couple of years, and what he learned about..." Read more

39 customers mention "Writing quality"37 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find the author's writing descriptive and easy to read, with simple words that convey a lot. The command of the English language is impressive, and the descriptions of Argentina and its people are lovely.

"...The writing style flows beautifully, and your imagination will transport you easily to the places and situations described by the author...." Read more

"...Interesting descriptions of the countryside and life in Argentina at the time." Read more

"The book is well written, and gives so many details about the life of a penguin. The book really educated me on this remarkable bird...." Read more

"The title of th iui s book got my attention. The writer wrote extraordinarily well...." Read more

34 customers mention "Enlightened content"34 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's content interesting and enlightening. They enjoy learning more about South America and penguin-human interactions. The book captures their interest immediately and holds it until the end.

"...It captured my attention immediately and took me on the adventures of Tom and Juan Salvado...." Read more

"...about a particular era in Argentinean politics, will make you travel through South America, will make you appreciate friendship, will make you laugh..." Read more

"The book is well written, and gives so many details about the life of a penguin. The book really educated me on this remarkable bird...." Read more

"...penguins and although playing a harp might be far fetched, they are intelligent and can bond with humans...." Read more

24 customers mention "Charm"24 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's charm. They find the story sweet, delightful, and heartwarming about an intelligent, loving penguin.

"...Juan 's delightful personality was very endearing and he was a ready counsel for all to tell their woes and work through them without imparting any..." Read more

"A delightful, profound book about a young man rescuing a penguin in Argentina, and living with him for a couple of years, and what he learned about..." Read more

"...who has had an animal companion will love this true story of an intelligent loving and lovable penguin and his young man...." Read more

"...reading this sweet story as if I was the one who found this adorable penguin. It was so fascinating and real...." Read more

23 customers mention "Heartwarming"23 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming. They say it's a lovely tale of friendship between a young man and his rescued penguin. The characters express many emotions, making readers laugh and cry. The story has lessons for life, relationships, and nature.

"...What it sounds like Juan did provide in his own way was fun, friendship, companionship and the ability to bring out the best in others...." Read more

"...politics, will make you travel through South America, will make you appreciate friendship, will make you laugh, will make you cry, and most of all,..." Read more

"...of these pets is not easy to do but this story will bring tears to many bird owners...." Read more

"What a lovely tale of friendship! A young man and his rescued penguin. Utterly charming...." Read more

19 customers mention "Humor"17 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it lighthearted and delightful, with humorous interactions between penguins and humans. The emotions and laughter are fresh throughout the story.

"...through South America, will make you appreciate friendship, will make you laugh, will make you cry, and most of all, will make you FEEL...." Read more

"...this story forty or more years after it happened but the emotions and laughter are as fresh as if it wss happening right now...." Read more

"...It is entertaining as well as being true." Read more

"I JUST LOVED THE PENGUIN LESSONS. WHAT A SWEET DARLING HILARIOUS AND KIND OF SAD AT THE END.TOM MICHELL FRIST BOOK IS JUST GREAT FULL OF LOVE ANS..." Read more

11 customers mention "Penguin behavior"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the penguin's behavior and travel details. They find the story engaging and educational about these remarkable birds. The relationship between the penguin and boys at the boarding school is also appreciated.

"...The book really educated me on this remarkable bird. I would highly recommend this book to animal lovers." Read more

"...has an above-average knowledge of, and fascination with, these remarkable birds...." Read more

"...companion will love this true story of an intelligent loving and lovable penguin and his young man...." Read more

"Michell was a remarkable and fortunate young man and so was the penguin he rescued. A lovely, entertaining story in an Argentinean setting." Read more

9 customers mention "Animal content"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's animal content. They find it insightful for animal lovers and travelers, providing an understanding of animals and their importance. The story demonstrates that animals are clever and able to express many emotions. It affirms how much animals enrich our lives and provides an insight into penguin care and keeping.

"...In my opinion this is for conservationists, zoologists, older children, and all who love animals. In short, a loving memoir." Read more

"...It's a wonderful story and can really provide an insight the animals all around us and their importance to man. Definitely recommended reading." Read more

"This lovely book is not only an insight to penguin care and keeping but also contains a fascinating look into the life and political climate of the..." Read more

"This is an easy, relaxing read - a real change. Great for animal lovers and travellers. It will make you want a penguin of your own." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2021
    What a great uplifting story to read. Every opportunity I
    had to stop and read a few lines in this book I took them. It captured my attention immediately and took me on the adventures of Tom and Juan Salvado. I held my breath while reading the part about the customs office and laughed out loud when reading about the bus trip.

    Juan 's delightful personality was very endearing and he was a ready counsel for all to tell their woes and work through them without imparting any awkward feelings to another human being and therefore avoiding any criticism or unwanted advice. What it sounds like Juan did provide in his own way was fun, friendship, companionship and the ability to bring out the best in others.

    I purchased this book because my friend loves Penguins and Christmas was coming. Before I was to give it to her I purchased a copy for my kindle so I would know if she would like it. After just reading a few chapters I was very excited to be giving her a copy. I am sure she will enjoy it. I was glad that the author went back to Argentina in the end and got some answers to some unanswered questions.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2016
    I bought this book based on all the positive reviews I saw on Amazon, and, if that is possible, it completely exceeded my expectations. This book will make you learn about a particular era in Argentinean politics, will make you travel through South America, will make you appreciate friendship, will make you laugh, will make you cry, and most of all, will make you FEEL. The writing style flows beautifully, and your imagination will transport you easily to the places and situations described by the author. The ending is very moving, and months after having finished this book, it has still stayed with me. By far one of the best reads of 2016 and a future re-read for me.
    33 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2016
    If you are an animal lover, a must read. Heartwarming true story, once again proving the strong bond we as humans have with
    our fellow inhabitants on the place we call Earth. I think as humans we somehow feel superior and in control of who we pick as our
    "pets", "I want a chocolate lab, or a gray cockatoo" and yet I find that they more often pick you, at least that has been my experience,
    and this is a case in point. It also poignantly points out the damage humans inflict everyday on our precarious relationship with our
    environment. It would have been a 5 star for me, but to be fair the writing rambles a bit at times, that said, it is his first book and
    certainly told from the heart.
    16 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2024
    A delightful, profound book about a young man rescuing a penguin in Argentina, and living with him for a couple of years, and what he learned about penguins, people and himself. And how brilliant penguins really are!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2023
    I am so glad this came up in a Kindle list of things I might enjoy reading. I cannot remember reading anything as moving and unforgettable! I'm a great lover of the writings of James Herriot, and this is certainly on par with the quality of his books. I believe it would make a wonderful movie as well. All I can say to the author is "well done!"
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2022
    The true story by a young Englishman whose life in South America is enriched by his rescue of a near-death, oil covered penguin who takes over the hearts of all who get to know him. In my opinion this is for conservationists, zoologists, older children, and all who love animals. In short, a loving memoir.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2016
    Very different book describing rescue of a young penguin in Argentina. On occasion the style is childlike ( e.g. 60 dollars had a very different value in the 1970s) and on occasion absolutely lyrical when describing the penguin swimming or interacting with him. Interesting descriptions of the countryside and life in Argentina at the time.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2018
    The book is well written, and gives so many details about the life of a penguin. The book really educated me on this remarkable bird. I would highly recommend this book to animal lovers.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Jane Eligh-Feryn
    5.0 out of 5 stars just a wonderful story of adventure and love
    Reviewed in Canada on October 23, 2024
    You will not be disappointed by this sweet story. Anyone who loves animals and has ever loved a pet will be enthralled by this well written account of boy and penguin. Treat yourself to a joyful little read and be prepared to shed a few tears.
  • Anita
    5.0 out of 5 stars Pinguin
    Reviewed in Germany on January 6, 2023
    Kurzweiliges Buch mit authentischem Hintergrund
  • luckylulu
    5.0 out of 5 stars Une bouffée d’air pur
    Reviewed in France on July 21, 2021
    Un livre qui fait voyager, sourire et rire de nombreuses fois, livre qui fait aussi monter les larmes aux yeux. Quel bon moment passé au travers de ces pages! Un bol d’air frais, une histoire hors du commun. Très belle lecture! Je recommande chaleureusement 👍🏽
  • Ritu Khanna
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in India on May 25, 2018
    Absolutely delightful! A must read.
  • sara
    2.0 out of 5 stars Raccontare una storia non sempre è facile
    Reviewed in Italy on December 11, 2016
    All'inizio è interessante, poi pian piano sembra stufarsi anche lui. Avere un pinguino come amico sarà anche bello ma chiudere la storia in quel modo lo rende quasi noioso