Penguin Cha-Cha

by Kristi Valiant

Follow a determined girl named Julia as she tries to join in the fun of a mischevious group of dancing penguins. Set in The Romping Chomping Park and Zoo, author/illustrator Kristi Valiant creates a vibrant, funny, and spirited picture book that will leave young readers shaking their very own tail feathers."Valiant has crafted a fast-paced and entertaining tale of zoo shenanigans." - Kirkus Reviews"...this one is gauranteed to dance off shelves." - School Library Journal

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Storytime, Animals, Fiction, Humor, Birds

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Kristi Valiant is the children's book author/illustrator of the board books, No Bunny Like You (2024), Hoo’s There (2024), and Good Night, Cuddle Tight (2023), and the picture book, Penguin Cha-Cha. Kristi has illustrated many children’s books, including the award-winning, Cora Cooks Pancit, and children's books written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel. Kristi's books have received honors including a Starred Review from School Library Journal, the APALA Picture Book Award, and Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year. Kristi loves to visit schools to inspire students to read, write, and draw. See if you can find a hidden hippo and monkey in the illustrations of her books. She is represented by Linda Pratt from Wernick & Pratt Agency. Kristi grew up in Wisconsin, studied in Ohio, moved to Texas, spent a summer in China, and now lives in Indiana with her husband, two daughters, and rescue dog. She strives to love God and love people. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kvaliant

Reviews

[Diane D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Penguin Cha-Cha features a girl named Julia who loves to watch the animal performances as the Romping Chomping Park and Zoo every weekend. She notices that the penguins seem to be having way too much fun and she tries to find a way to join their act. It's not easy though as when she follows them back to Penguin Cove, she finds that when she is around, they are still as mice. She needs to come up with a creative way to gain their interest. Cha-cha anyone?

This book is very cute. Watercolor illustrations are whimsical and fun, and the placement of the text adds interest, however, I found the size of the text way too small and strained to read this one. Considering the fact that it is for young children beginning to learn words and reading, the problem with the text size seems like an issue. Don't get me wrong, it is a cute book, but you may want to check it out at a bookstore or library before purchasing it sight unseen.

Kristi Valiant is both the author and illustrator.

3.5/5 stars

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations remind me of Tricia Tusa's style of illustration.

[duniamimpigie Anggi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cuteeeeeee~~~!!
Seorang anak perempuan, Julia, memergoki para penguin menari dan berdansa! Dia sangat ingin ikut serta, tapi tiap kali didatangi para penguin malah berpura-pura diam. Berbagai cara Julia pakai, mulai dari menyamar jadi penguin dan masuk ke tempat mereka di kebun binatang, mengajak kuda nil jadi partner dan menari di depan para penguin, tapi gak ada yang berhasil! Para penguin tetap bersikeras diam.

Sampai akhirnya, di tengah keputusasaan dan tanpa ide lain, Julia kembali mendatangi para penguin hanya dengan berbekal musik dan busana dansa. Dia berdansa chacha sendirian, terus berdansa, berdansa, berdansa... hingga akhirnya para penguin tidak tahan ikut dansa!
Wuhuuuuu~~~

Saya bahagia sekali bisa nemuin buku iniiii~~~
Waktu ke BBW2017, saya emang udah bertekad buat nyari buku cerita yang ada penguinnya. Makanya, tiap liat gambar penguin langsung saya masukin keranjang. Berhubung uang terbatas dan buku terlalu banyak yang pengen dibeli, akhirnya saya pilih "buku penguin" yang paling manis dan inilah pilihan saya!!
Gak ada yang bisa tahan ngeliat para penguin berdansa chacha~~~

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute book regarding the story line and illustrations. It is too long for my toddler story time but it would be great to read to preschoolers and elementary students who would get a kick out of dancing penguins. Plus, it would be cool to try and teach them a basic cha-cha step. Put on some music and let them dance and play with shaker eggs to cha cha cha.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good. Especially good for kids already into dancing. Took us a couple tries for Stella to want to pay attention through the whole book. Stella's favorite dance from dinosaur dance is the cha-cha, so when they start cha-chaing at the end of this book she wanted to stand up and do her cha-cha dance, which was adorable.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, but nothing special.

[Rebecca Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute book about penguins sneakily dancing. Too long for my storytime but would work well with older kids.

[MeganRuth - Alohamora Open a Book · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute story, but the text was a little wordy. I think had it been a bit more concise with some rhythm it would've made a great storytime read.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this but found the font and font size difficult to read.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, quick read. Dancing penguins? Love it!

[Annie MacPherson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute illustrations, but I found the writing to be lacking.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Cute and fun in a far-fetched way. Enjoyed the humor and dance elements.

[Mh Weyler]

another case of pretending to be silent and sweet while actually having a party. This time it is some penguins in the zoo. Quite funny.

[Terran · Rating 5 out of 5]

As read to me by a first-grader, this book had a fun rhythm and was easy to get through while still introducing fun new words, such as 'shimmied' and 'magician'.

[Joella · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this particular story a young girl named Julia goes to the Chomping Park and Zoo quite often. While she is there she enjoys watching all the performances and seeing all the animals. On one particular day she notices that some penguins were back stage during a dance performance. And they waddled off with some of the dancing props (boas, hats, fans, bows, etc.). But when Julie went to the penguin area to see what the penguins were up to, they just acted like frozen ice cubes. Later, when she spied on them she discovered that they were dancing. She tried to dance with them…but they wouldn’t have it. She even got the hippo to dress up like a penguin to be her dance partner, but that still didn’t work. Finally Julie went into the penguin cove and started to cha-cha (a dance the penguins didn’t know from going to the show). The penguins couldn’t help it. They wanted to learn the new dance and started dancing with Julie. From then on, Julie became somewhat of an honorary penguin who would dance with her tuxedo-looking buddies. Although at the next show Julie did notice that some monkeys were especially interested in the Magician’s props…

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julia likes to watch activities at the Romping Chomping Park and Zoo from a high perch. She notices the penguins sneaking props from the dancers. When she spies on the penguins in their enclosure, she sees them dancing. Determined to join them, she creates several disguises to fool the penguins, but they will not dance with her. She ultimately dresses up in her fancy dance costume and cha-chas wildly for the group. To her delight, the penguins cha-cha with her. From then on, she keeps a penguin disguise at the ready so that she can continue dancing with the penguins. The slight story is enhanced by vivid and flowing watercolor illustrations that capture the flights of dance of both penguins and Julia. The picture book would be great fun as a read aloud; it invites conversation about the blurring of fantasy and reality and what is feasible and what is not. Dance fans and penguin lovers will enjoy this amusing and entertaining gambol. When Julia spies a monkey taking a magic show prop at the end of this story, does it signal a sequel in the works?

[Dapoppins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penguin Cha-Cha
Kristi Valiant
Age Range 2- 5 year olds
Hardcover 40 pages
Random House Books for Young Readers 2013

Penguin Cha-Cha will appeal to free-spirited kids who love to be silly. The little girl, Julia, who enjoys the dance shows held at the zoo, notices some suspicious penguin activity and sets out to discover all their "fishy" secrets. Julia's investigation draws readers into the story, her desire to partake in the penguin pleasures keep the pages turning in way that will delight children's curiosity. Told in from Julia's third person point of view, Penguin Cha-Cha is a fun story to read out loud. Filled with alliteration, and many in-sentence rhymes, this is a book with great rhythm. The pace creates it's own music adding to the fun, that readers will find easy to follow.

Although drawn from with a computer (Wacom Centiq) the illustrations have the feel and freedom of old fashioned pencil and water-color drawings which allow for soft smudges of exuberance, as if the characters are too busy playing and having fun to hold still.

[D.peabody · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Julia is watching the dancers at the Zoo she notices something very curious, the penguins are watching too and they are very sneakily snatching up the dancers props! Julia wants to know what those penguins are up to so she spys on them to discover their secret. And when Julia knows the secret she really wants to join in. How can she get those penguins to let her?

This is a lovely story with great imagination which will appeal to any young child who loves to dance. (I typed girl but I think that boys love to dance too.) I am all about great illustrations and these are just beautiful. They are bright and full of movement and lend themselves to the dance scenes well. I absolutely love Julia's red dress and cha cha cha moves.

[Amy Seto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia loves to visit the Romping Chomping Park and Zoo. She climbs a tall tree and watches a group of dancers perform on the outdoor stage. At first she is mesmerized by the dancing, but soon she notices some sneaky flippers! Penguins were making off with hats and clothes, fans and bows! Julia knows those fishy penguins are up to something! Whimsical and sketchy, the colorful illustrations are full of movement. The text moves the story along quickly and there’s a fun rhythmic sequence as Julia teaches the toe-tapping penguins to cha-cha-cha.

Read More at Picture-Book-a-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2...

[Quasar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations!! The penguins were so compelling. I found myself giggling several times at the way they behaved. I look forward to reading it to some kindergartners. What I wasn't so keen on was that most of the families were white. Also, the main character was a pushy little girl who expected to be accepted by the penguins even though they gave her no indication of wanting to. This wasn't a story of overcoming something, it was just a story of how you could possibly wear somebody down into playing with you. I guess I just know too many little kids like this who don't need their behavior enforced.

[AMY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute story about a girl named Julia who enjoys watching the local dancers at the park/zoo. She notices some penguins are snatching clothes and props away from the stage when no one is looking. She is curious what the penguins are up to. This great mystery needs to be solved and she has the persistence to follow through. There is a nice twist in the middle and ends on a really cool note. This one is lots of fun. Illustrations are pretty, whimsical and have lots of nice perspectives from different heights and angles. Well-done! Highly recommended for Gr. K-2.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the story, Love the art, Love the ending - hope there's another coming :)

When Julie notices a sneaky flipper snatching a feather boa she wonders what the penguins are up to - follow along to see what she discovers!

I support independent book stores - please use this link to find a store or to order this book!
http://www.indiebound.org/book/978037...

[Shannon Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Penguin Cha Cha is an adorable story. Some resident penguins appear serious-minded to most zoo visitors, but Julia knows otherwise. Kids will love reading this beautifully illustrated story to see how Julia discovers the penguins' delight for dancing and what other animals may have tricks up their sleeves!

[Juliana Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore the whole idea of graceful dancing penguins. They seem so clumsy on land when we see them normally. I wonder what they are hiding and why. Share this book with your little budding dancers, and I bet you’ll find that penguins aren’t the only ones hiding their talent behind a frozen facade.

http://julianaleewriter.com/2014/11/3...

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story makes me want to dance! Also, there is an incredible amount of attention to detail, from the penguin-ized "n"s in the title on the front cover, to the tiny high heels on some of the penguin feet to indicate which ones are the female dance partners. Absolutely enchanting. (=

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia notices the penguins dancing and wants to join in the fun. Cute illustrations and adventure as Julia tries to dance with the penguins.

The text could've been bigger, but that won't stop me from reading it again!

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely darling illustrations and a fun, mischievous story, to boot. I love stories requiring children (and adults) to suspend disbelief and use their imagination. She totally looks like a penguin! :)

[Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little girl knows the penguins are dancing and she really wants to dance with them, but the penguins are so shy they pretend to be non dancing penguins when she comes; until she teaches them a new dance and they break out of their shells.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute storyline and wonderful illustrations. The text is small, and can be hard to follow. My 2 year old liked both the story and the pictures. Good book to read to one child, not necessarily for a group Storytime.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

One day Julie notices that the penguins are sneaking off with props from a dance show. Determined to see them dance, Julie tries everything she can think of to get the penguins to open up to her. A very cute, imaginative book.