Penguin's Christmas Wish
Penguin Series
on Goodreads (625)
What’s inside...
Geisel Honor-winning author/illustrator Salina Yoon's beloved character Penguin celebrates the holiday season in Penguin's Christmas Wish-- a charming picture book that's perfect for the holidays. Penguin is excited to celebrate Christmas with his family and friends, but when things don't go as planned, he learns to find holiday magic in the most unexpected places. Salina Yoon continues the Penguin series with this timeless story emphasizing the importance of family and friends during the holidays.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Penguin wished for and why?
How did Penguin feel when the Christmas tree and all the decorations disappeared, and what did he do?
What does this story teach us about the true spirit of Christmas?
Can you think of a time you shared something important with someone else? How did that make you feel?
Why do you think Penguin's friends were happy even when the decorations were gone?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story by asking them how they would feel in Penguin’s situation.
Discuss the importance of giving and sharing during the holiday season, drawing parallels to Penguin’s actions in the story.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them to foster a deeper connection with the narrative.
Use the story's setting and events to discuss the different ways families around the world might celebrate holidays and the common themes of love and generosity.
Prompt your child to think creatively by asking them what they would wish for if they were Penguin, encouraging them to explain their choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of community and sharing
Explanation: In 'Penguin's Christmas Wish,' Penguin demonstrates the joy of sharing and community spirit when he works to ensure everyone has a memorable Christmas, despite initial challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and practice sharing in their daily interactions, understanding that collaboration and generosity can bring happiness to themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: When Penguin’s plans for an ideal Christmas are disrupted by a storm, he adapts and works creatively to salvage the situation, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain optimistic and resourceful when facing difficulties, helping them learn to overcome obstacles in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: The story highlights how Penguin finds happiness in giving and creating joy for others, rather than focusing solely on receiving gifts.
Real-World Application: Children can be guided to understand that true satisfaction often comes from altruism and that contributing to other people’s happiness can enrich their own experiences.
Example Lesson: Creativity and resourcefulness
Explanation: Penguin uses his creativity to solve problems and create new traditions when faced with unexpected challenges during Christmas.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to use their imagination and creativity to navigate challenges and invent new ways to enjoy and celebrate with others.
Example Lesson: Value of traditions and creating new ones
Explanation: Penguin shows that while traditions are important, being open to creating new ones can also bring joy and inclusiveness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of respect for traditions while also feeling empowered to start their own, fostering a sense of innovation and personal identity.