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Mr Penguin #3
Mr Penguin and the Catastrophic Cruise
From the international bestselling creator of Claude comes a brand new Mr Penguin. Indiana Jones meets Hercule Poirot in this series from Alex T. Smith.
Follow Mr Penguin and his trusty sidekick Colin (the spider) as they head off to the Pyramids! When they receive a ransom letter for their good friend Edith, they're on their most important mission yet. Can they find the mysterious object that the kidnapper is demanding? Will Mr Penguin complete the three impossible tasks - and get home in time for a fish finger sandwich ...? Find out in the third Mr Penguin book with plenty of slapstick humour, mystery and adventure. Highly illustrated throughout with a striking black and orange design. Praise for Mr Penguin and the Lost Treasure :
'Addictive slapstick' - Guardian
'The perfect introduction to mystery stories' - Scotsman
Claude won the 5-9 young fiction Sainsbury's Children's Book Award, was selected for the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize, the Richard and Judy Book Club and is now a TV star on Disney Junior. Alex T. Smith was a World Book Day Illustrator. Follow him on Twitter @Alex_T_Smith
Follow Mr Penguin and his trusty sidekick Colin (the spider) as they head off to the Pyramids! When they receive a ransom letter for their good friend Edith, they're on their most important mission yet. Can they find the mysterious object that the kidnapper is demanding? Will Mr Penguin complete the three impossible tasks - and get home in time for a fish finger sandwich ...? Find out in the third Mr Penguin book with plenty of slapstick humour, mystery and adventure. Highly illustrated throughout with a striking black and orange design. Praise for Mr Penguin and the Lost Treasure :
'Addictive slapstick' - Guardian
'The perfect introduction to mystery stories' - Scotsman
Claude won the 5-9 young fiction Sainsbury's Children's Book Award, was selected for the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize, the Richard and Judy Book Club and is now a TV star on Disney Junior. Alex T. Smith was a World Book Day Illustrator. Follow him on Twitter @Alex_T_Smith
288 pages, Hardcover
Published September 5, 2019
16 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Alex T. Smith
113 books85 followersAlex T. Smith is the creator of the much-loved and bestselling Claude fiction series for early readers. He was the official World Book Day illustrator in 2014, and other recent accolades include the UKLA Picture Book Award for Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion and the Children’s Book of the World Illustration Award for illustrating Dodie Smith’s The Hundred and One Dalmatians. When not working, Alex enjoys doodling in his sketchbook, reading, people-watching, and eavesdropping. He lives under the watchful eye of his small canine companions, who are a constant source of inspiration to him.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 4, 2024
This is a children/middle grade book, and this is the third book in the Mr. Penguin series. I have not read the first two books in this book before picking up this book and that could be why I did not follow this book as well as I may have. I think the pictures are very cute and bring a lot to the story. I liked the characters. I do not like or understand the plot of the story. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
September 28, 2020
Mr Penguin, Colin, Edna, and Gordon are setting off on a much needed little vacation. Colin is slated to perform a musical number with 7 elderly ladies on Mr Chuckle's cruise, and his friends get to tag along. And even though Mr Penguin isn't thrilled with water or sailing, he does need a break from the crazy adventures they've been on lately. Only, this cruise isn't turning out to be very relaxing. There are mysterious notes scattered around deck, the crew of the ship looks suspiciously pirate-like, and they overhear someone planning something for midnight during the big full moon party. Can Mr Penguin and gang find it in themselves once again to come to the rescue?
Alex T. Smith has such a way with turning a phrase just so to make it comedic gold. If P.G. Wodehouse wrote fantasy adventures for kids, we might have gotten something similar. This book, more than any other Mr Penguin book yet or Claude book for that matter, really lets Mr Smith's comic brilliance shine. It's hilarious, but also keeps you on your toes, and yet you also know in the back of your head that Colin is somewhere around to whip Mr Penguin into shape and save the day, though just how they'll do so is completely unpredictable. In case you haven't guessed, Colin the spider is the real star of the show. Mr Penguin is a likable but somewhat cowardly and bumbling adventurer. Edith always shows up in the clutch and pulls something out of her bumbag to help, and then there's Gordon who everyone thought was just kind of along for the ride until he pulls out a surprising skill in this book. If you're looking for a book with high seas adventure, pirates, sea monsters, mysterious islands, and treasure with lots of laughs, you'll want this book. Highly recommended.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are some perilous situations but no one is seriously hurt.
Alex T. Smith has such a way with turning a phrase just so to make it comedic gold. If P.G. Wodehouse wrote fantasy adventures for kids, we might have gotten something similar. This book, more than any other Mr Penguin book yet or Claude book for that matter, really lets Mr Smith's comic brilliance shine. It's hilarious, but also keeps you on your toes, and yet you also know in the back of your head that Colin is somewhere around to whip Mr Penguin into shape and save the day, though just how they'll do so is completely unpredictable. In case you haven't guessed, Colin the spider is the real star of the show. Mr Penguin is a likable but somewhat cowardly and bumbling adventurer. Edith always shows up in the clutch and pulls something out of her bumbag to help, and then there's Gordon who everyone thought was just kind of along for the ride until he pulls out a surprising skill in this book. If you're looking for a book with high seas adventure, pirates, sea monsters, mysterious islands, and treasure with lots of laughs, you'll want this book. Highly recommended.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. There are some perilous situations but no one is seriously hurt.
January 28, 2021
Read aloud... I enjoyed these books just as much as my boys I think. Excellent middle grade they could’ve read on their own but I wanted to join in to find out what adventures were in store. We’ll be waiting for more Mr. Penguin.
September 24, 2024
Mr Penguin is ready for a much needed vacation. Too bad he and his friends are headed onto a cruise ship, somewhere that would be a lot more fun if Mr Penguin knew how to swim and didn't have to worry about tumbling into the ocean. The first few days are riotously fun, with fish finger sandwiches galore. But suspicious notes start showing up, and sneaky sailors have Mr Penguin concerned that he won't have the relaxing holiday he was hoping for.
This series has gone from utterly ridiculous to impertinently ridiculous. And I'm totally here for it. I'm slightly skeptical of the number of times the word "hoiked" shows up in this book, but otherwise, it made me smile.
This series has gone from utterly ridiculous to impertinently ridiculous. And I'm totally here for it. I'm slightly skeptical of the number of times the word "hoiked" shows up in this book, but otherwise, it made me smile.
April 5, 2023
Very unoriginal plot. It seems like the author was going for a silly main character who is fun and dimwitted like Clouseau from pink panther. But he just comes across as a complainer who can't do anything without help.
Also, without knowing a lot of British slang, I missed out on a lot of the humor of this book because I had to look up what the words meant.
I do like the blend of colors and illustrations throughout the book, but it wasn't enough to make it more than 2 stars for me.
Wouldn't recommend this to my children.
Also, without knowing a lot of British slang, I missed out on a lot of the humor of this book because I had to look up what the words meant.
I do like the blend of colors and illustrations throughout the book, but it wasn't enough to make it more than 2 stars for me.
Wouldn't recommend this to my children.
May 18, 2021
A return to form after a weaker second book in the series, although my kids (10 and 7) have liked all three equally.
April 18, 2023
This was awesome. I think I'll have to read the rest of the series.
March 9, 2024
Another hilarious and epic adventure with Mr Penguin and the crew. These books never fail to impress or leave me with a smile, they are humorous, well written and include great illustrations, what more is there to love!
July 6, 2020
This is the third adventure for Mr. Penguin and his sidekick, Colin, and how can you go wrong. For this adventure, we join Mr. Penguin and Colin on a cruise and learn that not all is as it seems. We learn more about our adventuring duo and their friends with each installment but they can be enjoyed as a standalone, as well. I look forward to more zany adventures in the future.
Thank you NetGalley and Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
Thank you NetGalley and Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
May 18, 2020
I Love These Guys
This is the third book in the Mr. Penguin series, and I think they are getting better with each volume. In the first book we had to set up the premise and introduce the main characters, and that was a bit time consuming and sometimes odd. The characters are a touch surreal so it took a little time to warm up to them. By the second book we had the players and the premise down, but then the plot went a little loopy.
But now this third time is definitely the charm. With the characters firmly in place we get to develop them more, and both Mr. Penguin and Colin, (his sidekick spider), develop deeper and more interesting personalities, (as does Edith, who's always a treat just when least expected). This is all still done for laughs, but they aren't quite so cartoony this time around. In the same vein, the plot is reliably antic, but it stays on the rails and is easy enough to follow even when it heads, (as these plots always do), into nutty territory. It also seems that more space and effort has been devoted to little side scenes and funny bits that aren't directly related to the plot but do flesh out the adventure.
As always, the drawing, (and attention grabbing splashes), support and complement the storytelling, and many panels are loaded with clever and wacky details that add a good deal to the overall enjoyment of the book, and understanding, (for younger readers), of the action.
So, "Mr. Penguin" is a series with continuing appeal, (and just enough sly good-natured humor for parents and older readers), and this third volume is a fine addition.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
This is the third book in the Mr. Penguin series, and I think they are getting better with each volume. In the first book we had to set up the premise and introduce the main characters, and that was a bit time consuming and sometimes odd. The characters are a touch surreal so it took a little time to warm up to them. By the second book we had the players and the premise down, but then the plot went a little loopy.
But now this third time is definitely the charm. With the characters firmly in place we get to develop them more, and both Mr. Penguin and Colin, (his sidekick spider), develop deeper and more interesting personalities, (as does Edith, who's always a treat just when least expected). This is all still done for laughs, but they aren't quite so cartoony this time around. In the same vein, the plot is reliably antic, but it stays on the rails and is easy enough to follow even when it heads, (as these plots always do), into nutty territory. It also seems that more space and effort has been devoted to little side scenes and funny bits that aren't directly related to the plot but do flesh out the adventure.
As always, the drawing, (and attention grabbing splashes), support and complement the storytelling, and many panels are loaded with clever and wacky details that add a good deal to the overall enjoyment of the book, and understanding, (for younger readers), of the action.
So, "Mr. Penguin" is a series with continuing appeal, (and just enough sly good-natured humor for parents and older readers), and this third volume is a fine addition.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
June 21, 2021
In this middle reader fiction book ,we meet an unusual penguin who can solve mysteries. Mr. Penguin teams up with his friends , Colin the spider, and a lady named, Edith, with her pigeon, Gordon . They’re going on a luxury cruise for fun. Little do they know their relaxing vacation will be ended by a kidnapper!
After Mr. Penguin and his team board the cruise, they quickly bump into a crew mate with a mystery to solve. Her grandpa was kidnapped. Threatening notes pop up everywhere. Mr. Penguin and his team to the rescue! I don’t want to spoil the book but it ends on a happy note.
I found the plot lighthearted and fast paced. I was shocked by all of the twists and turns. There is nothing too scary here. The characters Mr. Penguin and Colin are smart and charming. It made me chuckle when Colin wrote on his pad,"zzzzzzzzzz.” When Gordon fell off the boat, I was shocked. Fortunately, Mr.Penguin and Colin rescued him . Mr. Penguin was brave to conquer his fear of water .
Mr. Penguin reminded me of Inspector Gadget or Mr. Bean from the movies. He takes himself seriously as a detective, but is clumsy and bumbles into solving his cases. It seems like where ever Mr.Penguin goes, there is an adventure for him .
I give this book a 4 star review because of its funny characters, and engaging plot. This is a stand alone book but I can see there are other Mr. Penguin mysteries. I would definitely like to read another of his adventures. I recommend this book for ages 7-12 , penguin lovers, and people who enjoy mystery books . It’s sure to make you laugh!
Reviewed by Cameron H., 11, New Mexico Mensa
After Mr. Penguin and his team board the cruise, they quickly bump into a crew mate with a mystery to solve. Her grandpa was kidnapped. Threatening notes pop up everywhere. Mr. Penguin and his team to the rescue! I don’t want to spoil the book but it ends on a happy note.
I found the plot lighthearted and fast paced. I was shocked by all of the twists and turns. There is nothing too scary here. The characters Mr. Penguin and Colin are smart and charming. It made me chuckle when Colin wrote on his pad,"zzzzzzzzzz.” When Gordon fell off the boat, I was shocked. Fortunately, Mr.Penguin and Colin rescued him . Mr. Penguin was brave to conquer his fear of water .
Mr. Penguin reminded me of Inspector Gadget or Mr. Bean from the movies. He takes himself seriously as a detective, but is clumsy and bumbles into solving his cases. It seems like where ever Mr.Penguin goes, there is an adventure for him .
I give this book a 4 star review because of its funny characters, and engaging plot. This is a stand alone book but I can see there are other Mr. Penguin mysteries. I would definitely like to read another of his adventures. I recommend this book for ages 7-12 , penguin lovers, and people who enjoy mystery books . It’s sure to make you laugh!
Reviewed by Cameron H., 11, New Mexico Mensa
February 3, 2021
Mr. Penguin is tired of adventures -- I mean, he's already done two books at this point! -- so he welcomes the opportunity for a break on a cruise ship where he can enjoy fish sandwiches, music, and the company of his trusted companions. Unfortunately for our hero, a mystery is lurking just below deck and it'll soon be up to him and his friends to solve the case and prevent a disaster waiting in the deep blue sea.
The characters readers have come to know through the first two books are back at their antics as they don disguises, solve puzzles, and take terrifying leaps into unknown waters to save the day. Smith wastes no time introducing the reader to the dastardly deeds of the unknown villain as the book begins with a thunderous rainstorm, a secret letter, and a shadowy kidnapper. This dramatic beginning has a hint of the silliness to come while still grabbing readers' attention. From here, the humor continues to heighten and will surely have elementary students dissolving into giggles. The mystery portion of this title is well done for its audience as Smith hands out small (and big!) clues that young readers can piece together to either arrive at the solution early and get a great sense of achievement or exclaim, "Oh!" as they realize how everything fits once the climax is revealed.
Accompanying illustrations by the author are scattered throughout the pages and primarily depict the characters in exaggerated and cartoonish style. Each illustration helps to set the scene and/or the emotional atmosphere while giving readers a visual break from the text.
The characters readers have come to know through the first two books are back at their antics as they don disguises, solve puzzles, and take terrifying leaps into unknown waters to save the day. Smith wastes no time introducing the reader to the dastardly deeds of the unknown villain as the book begins with a thunderous rainstorm, a secret letter, and a shadowy kidnapper. This dramatic beginning has a hint of the silliness to come while still grabbing readers' attention. From here, the humor continues to heighten and will surely have elementary students dissolving into giggles. The mystery portion of this title is well done for its audience as Smith hands out small (and big!) clues that young readers can piece together to either arrive at the solution early and get a great sense of achievement or exclaim, "Oh!" as they realize how everything fits once the climax is revealed.
Accompanying illustrations by the author are scattered throughout the pages and primarily depict the characters in exaggerated and cartoonish style. Each illustration helps to set the scene and/or the emotional atmosphere while giving readers a visual break from the text.
June 23, 2020
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
This was such a delightful book! The illustrations are beautiful and dynamic - they are sure to keep all readers engaged. The visuals throughout the book also make this the perfect book for struggling or reluctant readers because they help to bring the story to life and will very likely help these readers fill in any parts where the text is more difficult for them. This was the first book from the series that I have read, but I don't feel that prevented me from catching on quickly to who the characters were and the relationships between them. The story is fun and perfect for the target audience. I highly recommend this book for school classrooms and libraries!
This was such a delightful book! The illustrations are beautiful and dynamic - they are sure to keep all readers engaged. The visuals throughout the book also make this the perfect book for struggling or reluctant readers because they help to bring the story to life and will very likely help these readers fill in any parts where the text is more difficult for them. This was the first book from the series that I have read, but I don't feel that prevented me from catching on quickly to who the characters were and the relationships between them. The story is fun and perfect for the target audience. I highly recommend this book for school classrooms and libraries!
June 9, 2020
In the latest Mr. Penguin adventure, he and his team of unlikely heroes are facing danger on the high seas. Mr. Penguin and his friends think they are headed on a luxury cruise ship for a holiday. Mr. Penguin thinks his biggest concern is going to be that he cannot swim and the floatie around his waist seems to have solved this problem. They do not anticipate the scheming, missing person, or strange creature threatening the entire ship. Fast paced, consistently comical, and full of the antics that continue to entertain Mr. Penguin fans the third book in this series does not disappoint.
January 27, 2020
As always, Mr. Penguin’s third adventure doesn’t disappoint - Violet and I giggled throughout and loved the unexpected delightful little twists (like Mr. Chuckles’s fate and Gordon’s secret). But I especially very much loved the conversation between Edith and Mr. Penguin at the end about aging - such a fantastic message to include in a children’s book. Edith is a spectacular character for so many reasons and this is just one more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2020
Mr. Penguin is such a fun character, and everyone else in his gang of helpers is equally appealing. On this adventure, Mr. Penguin and the gang help to solve a mystery aboard the Cruise Ship the Saucy Saundra and manage to save the passengers from grave dangers. With pirates, disguises, sea monsters, and Gordon’s hidden abilities, this book will keep you engaged, and laughing, throughout the story!
May 12, 2023
As with the previous two books in the series read this with my 9 year old.
I think as the series had gone on the stories have got more silly and far-fetched 🤪 My sone loved the outcome of this one - he thought it was hilarious - I just thought it was weird 😂
I think this is my least favourite of the Three so far, however I enjoy reading them with my son and we're now onto the final one!
Colin the Kung-Fu Spider is still my fave! Gordon the Pigeon holds his own in this though! 🤣
I think as the series had gone on the stories have got more silly and far-fetched 🤪 My sone loved the outcome of this one - he thought it was hilarious - I just thought it was weird 😂
I think this is my least favourite of the Three so far, however I enjoy reading them with my son and we're now onto the final one!
Colin the Kung-Fu Spider is still my fave! Gordon the Pigeon holds his own in this though! 🤣
July 7, 2024
A reasonably enjoyable bedtime read for a 8-11 year old, relies quite a bit on the Mr Penguin is always hungry trope for its comedy, but the plot is fairly intriguing and well thought-out and the language finds the sweet spot for the age group between being accessible but also occasionally challenging.
November 6, 2020
We enjoyed the story, the humor, and the great illustrations. We sometimes had trouble keeping the characters, who had similar names, straight. But throughout,my kids were frequently asking for more, and we're hoping there'll be a 4th book in this series.
June 30, 2021
I am still a big fan of Mr. Penguin and his adventures. This one I read quite quickly and then waited too long to write the review and so I plan to read it again. Still much of the same as the first two books but the plot wasn’t quite as unique.
May 3, 2022
Another creative and jolly adventure. Lots of fun and jokes. I love the way that the scary element gets made less scary very simply and leaves the reader with the understanding that fear can be conquered with the ordinary and mundane.
July 28, 2024
Mr Penguin and friends go aboard a cruise ship and when they get there, they realise things are not QUITE as expected. They definitely didn’t bargain for pirates, kidnap and greed! I think these books are so great: full of fun and adventure with GORGEOUS illustrations!
February 14, 2021
My third and fourth graders will like this!
May 26, 2021
Explore the unexplored
Delightful story with an unexpected adventure on the open seas.
Delightful story with an unexpected adventure on the open seas.
August 24, 2021
It was good. My 7 year old loves Mr Penguin's adventures.
August 27, 2021
This series is adorable!
April 4, 2022
Fun to read to a 6yo. Concepts are fine for that age, but the book could probably only be read at ages 8+.
January 23, 2023
Delightful! Funny and just complex enough to challenge yet really engage. My kids and I really loved the entire series.
April 23, 2023
A step down from the second book, but still a delightful adventure mystery for children.
October 18, 2023
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews