Waddle! Waddle!

by James Proimos

Key Features Description What's a penguin to do when he can't find his new friend? Yesterday he made a friend who was an absolutely amazing dancer, but now he can't find him anywhere! Waddle...waddle...bellyslide! along with this hopeful penguin as his search for his new friend takes him on some zany adventures, and, ultimately, to an unexpected and heartwarming conclusion. Acclaimed creator James Proimos, illustrator of Year of the Jungle by Suzanne Collins, brings his zest and zany humor to this charming friendship story. What's a penguin to do when he can't find his new friend? Yesterday he made a friend who was an absolutely amazing dancer, but now he can't find him anywhere! Waddle...waddle...bellyslide! along with this hopeful penguin as his search for his new friend takes him on some zany adventures, and, ultimately, to an unexpected and heartwarming conclusion. Acclaimed creator James Proimos, illustrator of Year of the Jungle by Suzanne Collins, brings his zest and zany humor to this charming friendship story. Product Details Item #: NTS590808 9780545908085 Paperback Book 32 Comedy and Humor Pre-K - K Waddle! Waddle! Paperback Book 4.13 Out Of Stock Out Of Stock Email me when back in stock Top {{#if inStock}} {{#if isSubscribe}} {{button.label}} {{else}} {{button.label}} {{/if}} {{/if}} {{#if isOutofStock}} {{oosMessage}} {{#if isTSO}}
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Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Storytime, Childrens, Animals, Humor, Juvenile

Paperback

First published November 29, 2015

About the author

James Proimos has yet to rescue a small human from a river, but he has written and illustrated many books for them. James splits his time between Los Angeles and Middleburg, Virginia.

Reviews

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable, crudely drawn book about a penguin.

“Yesterday was the best day ever!” the penguin exclaims.

”I met a spectacular dancer! He's my new best friend. But then I lost him.” Sniff sniff. The penguin is crying in sadness.
http://www.scholastic.ca/books/app/we...

The penguin spots someone over the ridge. ”Wait! That looks like him!” The penguin does a waddle, waddle, belly slide over the ridge while screaming “Waddle, waddle, belly slide!”

“Hi! Do you like to dance?”

“Who, me?” asks the other penguin, pointing to himself. “I don't dance. I sing.” Squirt squirt. The penguin squirts something from a bottle into his mouth to lubricate his vocal cords. “LA!” The blast from the penguin's singing has blown our MC's hat, tie, and feathers off.

“Thank you. That was... special. But I must be going,” says our MC. (Kids CRACK UP over this. “Thank you. That was... special...” they say, over and over again to each other condescendingly, laughing like maniacs.)

Waddle! Waddle! Belly slide!

“Yo! Do you dance?”

“You talking to me?” says this little penguin De Niro wannabe. “I don't dance. But I play the horn!” He lets out a huge HONK on his horn which bowls over our MC.

“Whoa! That was... something,” says our discombobulated MC. “Catch you later.”

Waddle! Waddle! Belly Slide!

“Oh yeah! That's him!” the MC says happily as he sees a red hat over the ridge. But instead of a penguin, he sees a huge polar bear with very sharp teeth.

”My, my. You are not the one I am looking for at all. He is not as tall as you.” Meanwhile, the polar bear is fantasizing about eating a roast penguin.

”WAH! I will never find my dancing friend!” wails our stupid MC, tears falling from his eyes, no glimmer of the life-threatening situation he is in reaching his tiny brain.

“Terribly sorry about your bad day, penguin,” drawls the polar bear in a British accent, but I shall eat you now.” And he lifts the shocked polar bear to his gaping maw lined with jagged teeth.

But, just then, the singer and the horn-blower appear.

“Put the penguin down!” yells the singer.

”I have a horn!” screams the horn-blower. The polar bear just looks slightly annoyed.

But then the singer sings and the horn-blower blows his horn, and the polar bear says, “Oy!” and drops our MC to cover his ears. Our MC slides down to the frozen lake and sees his reflection and realizes he's found the “great dancer new best friend” he was looking for all along. It's himself (although I'm not sure the little idiot realizes this). Then he does ”Dance! Dance! Belly Slide!” with all his friends. EL FIN.
…

This book is unique in that it is told entirely in dialogue presented in cartoon style dialogue-bubbles.

The drawings are hideously ugly, but the story is good.

Hearing a six-year-old read this out loud to you may make you die of cuteness. She used little voices. It was so adorable.

Kids LOVE this book, they love it. They love when the penguin tries to not offend his friends' “talents” while at the same time not being able to praise them. Brace yourself for a lot of “Thank you. That was... special.” in voices dripping with heavy sarcasm from the kids after reading this. They are delighted. They also adore screaming “Waddle, waddle, belly slide!” at the top of their lungs, over and over again for some reason. o.O So... it might be noisy after you read this, is what I'm saying.

Took it to my (adult, female) friend after reading, and she said that the penguin was too stupid to live and that the other penguins should have let the polar bear eat him. She was also miffed about him being so critical of the other penguins' singing and horn-blowing when his own dancing is horrible.

Tl;dr – Crude, ugly drawings. A story that children will find HILARIOUS. Stupid MC who doesn't realize that the 'new best friend' he's searching for is his own reflection. What a moron. I actually asked a child about this. “Wow, he doesn't even realize that the dancing penguin is his own reflection,” I said to her. “He's not very bright.” She looked at me with a blank face. “Lots of books do that,” she said, matter-of-factly. Well, I can't argue with that. It is a trope in children's books. LOL I recommend it.
Ages 0-6.

[Sharon Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! The pictures are hilarious.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really 2.5 stars, but I rounded up for the belly slides which were fantastic.

[Kathryn (Dragon Bite Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

First posted on my blog, Nine Pages .

The style of this book, the humorous dialogue, and the final punch all strongly reminded me of Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie books, though Proimos’ illustration style and his story were both different enough from any Willems book that I could cry no foul but could only cheer. I hope this expands into a series too. Waddle! Waddle! introduces us quickly to the problem: to find the penguin protagonist’s lost friend. The penguin meets two other penguins—one who sings and one who plays the horn (neither particularly well, but both loudly)—but neither is the friend that he met yesterday. He goes to a third character—but realizes too late that this is a polar bear, not a penguin at all, and definitely not the friend that he met yesterday. The polar bear is sorry for the penguin’s plight, but announces that he will eat the penguin now. The singing and the horn-playing penguins come to their new friend’s aid and stun the polar bear with their talents, causing him to drop the penguin protagonist. The penguin slides away and discovers his friend from yesterday! But let’s not tell him that his friend is only his reflection in the ice. The dancing penguin, the singing penguin, and the horn-playing penguin go off together wing-in-wing into the sunset. I did have one parent go wide-eyed at the polar bear’s casual announcement that he would now eat the protagonist, but the tone softens the blow, I think, enough to not frighten children—and anyway, our fairytales often include such threats. “Waddle! Waddle! Belly slide!” is a lot of fun to repeat and read aloud.

[Maureen Lubitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to being able to chat with my friend when our oldest children have Girl Scouts. Her children are the same age as mine, and get along nicely. The last time we were there, her son asked if he could read Waddle Waddle to me. I was so honored that he asked; it was such a sweet gesture.

Waddle Waddle is a picture book written and illustrated by James Proimos. As the story begins, a penguin is looking for his new friend. He meets a penguin who sings, and a penguin who plays a horn… but where is his dancing friend? The penguin doesn’t have much time to think about this; a polar bear wants to turn him into a tasty meal. The penguin is in trouble, but who can help him?

The illustrations are bright and colorful. I love Proimos’ quirky style. The penguin is just adorable- he has big eyes, and he’s wearing a bow tie and hat. I loved the little details, like the singing penguin holding an old-timey atomizer to spray in his mouth. The characters speak via voice bubbles, which reminded me of Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie book.

Waddle Waddle is a very funny story. I liked the repetition of “Waddle, waddle, belly slide” as the penguin searched for his friend. There are also some funny sound effects. I don’t want to give too much away, but I do want to mention that teamwork plays an important role in the resolution of this story.

I would absolutely recommend Waddle Waddle. This book will appeal to children ranging in age from preschoolers through the early years of elementary school. I am going to keep my eye out for this book; I’m sure my girls would love having their own copy!

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like Mo Willems readers will enjoy this one. A penguin goes out looking for the coolest penguin he knows, one that loves to dance! En route, he meets other penguins that are not as cool and a scary yeti. Will he find his cool dancing friend, and will he survive the yeti?? Read the book to your little one to find out!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

So the illustration of the character on the front of this book is wacky cute!

This was a fun read about a penguin looking for his friend, but as he looks he unknowingly makes a few more along the way.

Large speech bubbles have the text on the pages in this book along with bring and fun illustrations.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining & quick read about a penguin searching for his dancing partner, but invariably runs into danger. Luckily, he is rescued by two other charming penguins with their own special talents. Bright & engaging artwork help propel this comical story forward. Recommended.

[Evan Childress · Rating 3 out of 5]

A penguin is in search of a spectacular dancer that he met and then lost track of. As he waddle waddle belly slides his way through the Arctic, he meets many possible candidates. The illustrations are sparse yet they fill the entire page, with large bubbles for text. Weird enough to be funny.

[Elaine Fultz, Teacher Librarian, MLS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite the perfection that is Swim Swim but darn close.

[Heather Orsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for younger readers. Funny bits, repetition. Toddler storytime?

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. "Waddle! Waddle!" written and illustrated by James Proimos follows a penguin who is trying to find his best friend. The only information we have about this unknown character is that he is a great dancer. The penguin is upset and attempts to locate his dancing friend by asking other penguins if they have seen him. They of course have not, however they share their other talents with him (singing, playing the horn). At the end of the story the penguin runs into a large evil snow creature. About to be eaten, the singing and horn playing penguin come back onto the scene and rescue him. The book closes when the penguin finds his dancing friend when he sees his reflection in the ice. The three penguins have fun together sliding on their bellies on the ice and then go off together toward the sunset.

2. "Waddle! Waddle!" written and illustrated by James Proimos is a great introductory text for young readers who want to dive into the graphic picture book world. A simple concept of looking for a friend produces a great exciting adventure, one that is comical and engaging. Proimos did a wonderful job displaying characters moods and feelings throughout his illustrations.

3. I would team this book with other books that James Proimos has written to show the author's craft across multiple book selections. These books would include, "Mac and Cheese-A Friendship Story that Celebrates Being Different" (an excellent choice to tie in social justice issues and conversations), "Raisin and Grape" and "The Best Bike Ride Ever."

4. "I met a spectacular dancer! He's my new best friend. But then I lost him. Sniff, Sniff." This quote is an excellent launch to set up this text. It identifies the problem and helps to mold the remainder of the text.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

PreS-Gr 1- Exaggerated cartoonish designs, contrasting colours, random humour, and the mood swings of a yoyo form the core of Waddle! Waddle!, a story about a penguin who is searching for his friend. Every red hat warrants an investigation and the question, "do you dance?". With each no, the penguin sets off again, reciting his trademark line, "Waddle. Waddle. Belly Slide!". When he approaches a third hat, he finds it perched on the head of a hungry seal, but thanks to some intervention from his talented new friends, he escapes, and even locates his buddy. Upon this reunion, his clumsy walk becomes a hopping dance, breaking the repetition with his final exclamation, "Dance! Dance! Belly Slide!". Part of this book's appeal is that this funny little creature is not the brightest penguin around. He actually believes his own reflection is another penguin, and yet, even though he was searching for a non-existent friend, he made some real ones in the process. Many of the pages go from one extreme to the next, only the "Waddle. Waddle. Belly Slide!" interludes, with their gentler green backgrounds, present a calmer face. For other tones the sky is blue, purple, or orange, while word bubbles are shaded either yellow or "loud" orange. VERDICT Like Swim! Swim!, Waddle! Waddle! is good for a quick laugh.

*reviewed for School Library journal

[The Book Maven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yesterday, a penguin made a new best friend (a spectacular dancer, and today, he wants to find him again. So he dance-dance-bellyslides all around, looking for his friend, to no avail. He does befriend two other penguins, both friendly and eager to share their musical talents, but no! they aren't the same as his the new best friend he's looking for. And so he keeps waddling and dancing and belly sliding, until he runs into a polar bear that sees him as a perfect meal. His new penguin friends come to his rescue, and by the end of the book, he realizes that HE was the new best friend...but that's okay, because he has two other new best friends? (Or does he? I mean, it seems like this penguin might be a bit confused, or possibly suffering from disassociative identity disorder, maybe? Anyway.)

This book provides a subtle message that while we should value our own strengths and talents, it's important, too, to celebrate and embrace differences, because sometimes that's where the best friends are.

[Samantha Beaujour · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. None.
2. Pre k-1st grade.
3. A sweet and funny story about friendship, starring three penguins. A penguin can't find his new friend and finds himself on an adventurous search.
4. A simple concept of looking for a friend produces a great exciting adventure, one that is comical and engaging. The author did a wonderful job displaying characters moods and feelings throughout his illustrations. I loved the colorful illustrations and the repeated lines "Waddle, waddle, belly slide".
5. Team this book with other books that James Proimos has written to show the author's style, create their own penguin craft.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this one up from the library for a possible read at Story time. The illustrations were cute and his little repetition of "Waddle, waddle, bellyslide" was fun. The only "problem" I had was the interaction between him and a polar bear. Obviously, those two are polar opposites and unless seen in a zoo, these two would never come face to face. It took me a long time growing up to understand this concept too..lol..it just seems natural that polar bears eat penguins..but..they don't. And thank goodness! The story is all told in speech bubble and the pictures were big, colorful and fun.

[Kalynne]

Date: 07.21.23
Attendees 96
Theme: Friends
Introduction and announcements: My Hands Say Hello

Book one: Noni the Pony by Alison Lester

Song/rhyme/game one: Do you Want to Be my Friend?
Do you want to be my friend,
To be my friend,
To be my friend?
Do you want to be my friend,
And jump along with me?
(switch out with other actions)

Book two: I Just Ate my Friend by Heidi McKinnon

Song/rhyme/game two: Herman the Worm with Tambourines

Book three: Waddle! Waddle! By James Proimos

Song/ rhyme/ game three: Doin the Penguin by Sesame Street

Announcements:
Activity: Coloring Pages

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little penguin is searching for his new best friend that he met yesterday, mostly remembering that this friend is an amazing dancer! He looks here, he looks there... he meets two other penguins who have their own unique skills, but are not his new buddy. Then he stumbles upon a seal that is sure this penguin is his new best dinner. However, his new friends come to the rescue and help him locate his buddy from the day before.

A simple, cute penguin adventure with minimal peril and a slightly predictable punch-line.

No content issues.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A penguin tells readers that yesterday he made a new best friend who dances, but then he lost him. He sets off to find his new friend.

Penguin is subtly silly. He runs into some very colorful characters, who in the end turn out to be great friends. The reveal of his best friend is quite funny (though also a little eye-roll inducing). Kids who enjoy silly books and penguins should enjoy this. Also a good pick for those who like surprise endings.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very simple but cracks me up every time. An optimistic little penguin sets out in search of a friend that s/he met the day before. In the end, the penguin realizes said friend was just its reflection but it makes friends along the way! I love this book for its simplicity and the cute/silly presentation of the characters.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This penguin is cute and cannot find his new friend that dances. He asks everyone he meets if they dance and finally solves the mystery at the end. Cute and big text and fun for kids to listen to and participate in.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really fun. A penguin is trying to find another penguin he met yesterday who dances well. Instead, he meets a penguin who sings and a penguin who plays the trumpet. And a polar bear who tries to eat him. Fun humor and illustrations to go with it.

[Darcie Saunier · Rating 4 out of 5]

My storytime group loved this one. It has funny illustrations and humor for everyone. Perfect story for us "loud librarians!" :-)

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, fun and silly.

[Candace W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the pictures. I liked the belly slide. Thought it was kind of pointless, but still cute.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept the attention of all the kids I read it to and drew lots of laughs.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book in the same vein as Swim Swim with themes of loneliness and friendship and sweet illustrations. I do, however, prefer Swim Swim.

[Shayna R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super quirky illustrations and an odd story. A fun read, but not something that I expect many people will pick up over and over

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My grandsons LOVED this book - they thought it was so funny. Really enjoyed reading it to them.

[Kaethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was liking it but not loving it, and wouldn't have said anything about it. And then Plot Twist. And now I like it very much.

Library copy