Meet at the Ark at Eight

Gr 3–6—When a small penguin sees a yellow butterfly in the ice and snow, he thinks he should kill it, while his friends believe God will punish him if he does. They argue, and the smallest one stomps away. It is at this moment that a dove approaches the two other penguins. They have been chosen to be saved from the biblical flood by getting on the ark, but they don't want to leave their friend behind, which breaks the dove's strict rule. Some silliness ensues as they endeavor to sneak the third penguin onto the ark and keep him hidden. Can there really be three penguins who survive the flood? Hub tries to combine religion and humor in this story, and it seems forced. It doesn't help that the smallest penguin continues to question God's existence, even in the middle of the flood. There doesn't seem to be one clear theme here. The penguins ultimately hide the extra penguin from God. The dove does God's bidding, but is stressed by the responsibility. Mühle's spot illustrations add charm and personality to the characters. Their comic style works well with the silliness, but it doesn't suit the seriousness of the subject matter. The format and length seem appropriate for young chapter book readers, but the complex religious questioning is aimed at older readers. This one will have a difficult time finding an audience.—Susan E. Murray, formerly at Glendale Public Library, AZ