The Little Penguin

Pip is a three-year-old Adelie penguin who lives in the Antarctic. The playful animal slides down snow-covered hills, glides over the ice and swims through the frigid water. Life is fun-filled and carefree, except for one thing: Pip can't understand why she is so little, and not like the emperor penguins that tower above her. Then Pip meets William the sperm whale, who is enormous--even though he, too, is just three years old. The two have a grand time playing, and Pip realizes that size doesn't make any difference. Sprinkled throughout Benson's informative text are the spontaneous, cheerful songs that Pip sings to herself, reminiscent of those any three-year-old might chant. At once realistic and humorous, the primarily blue-and-white-toned pictures add a great deal to this bright tale. Ages 3-7. (Mar.)