Penguin Bloom

by Chris Kunz

Inspired by the true story of an unlikely hero, and adapted from the major motion picture starring Naomi Watts, Andrew Lincoln and Jacki Weaver

I guess we all kinda knew our life was perfect and that we wouldn't change a thing.

But sometimes you don't get that choice, do you? Sometimes stuff happens that you would do anything to try to avoid. But you can't. And that's what happened to us.

Penguin Bloom tells the true story of Sam Bloom, a young mother whose world is turned upside down after a near-fatal accident leaves her unable to walk. Sam's husband, her three young boys and her mother are struggling to adjust to their new situation when an unlikely ally enters their world in the form of an injured baby magpie they name Penguin. The bird's arrival is a welcome distraction for the Bloom family, eventually making a profound difference in the family's life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Birds

152 pages, Paperback

Published January 31, 2023

Reviews

[Cathy]

Beautiful story

Loved the movie....love the book! This remarkable true story has touched my heart on the deepest level. I highly recommend this inspirational true story!

[Alicia]

I really enjoyed this one. It's told from the POV of the oldest son as he talks about his mum's accident and what happened at home as they all tried to adjust. Really beautiful.

[Julie]

I loved this book! So happy a co worker said to read otherwise it wouldn’t have crossed my path.Animals/ birds any creature but most humans are so incredible so a tear jerker for me!

[Paulibrarian]

In 2016, Cameron Bloom and Bradley Trevor Greive published an award-winning book (Penguin Bloom), followed by a sequel written by Sam Bloom, in 2020 (Heartache & Birdsong). Penguin Bloom, the film, was adapted from the first book, with Naomi Watts playing Sam, also in 2020. This book is a young reader's edition of the film screenplay, and is the story from one of the Bloom sons, Noah. Noah is played by Griffin Murray-Johnson in the film, the oldest Bloom son. The photo of Griffin is on the cover. Noah's story has guilt - from spotting the balcony that his mother fell from in Thailand - and redemption. Redemption in the form of a black and white magpie chick he found in a carpark beside his grandmother's house. A bird that saves the family unit and provides the steps to take when all the alleyways seem to be dead ends. Even though the book is geared towards younger readers, the audience can be anyone who appreciates the story for what it is: one of the inspiring stories out of Australia this century.

[Chloe M]

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[Lynda]

This young readers' edition exceeded all my expectations. It was written with such a light, bright touch, and narrated through the eyes of eldest son, Noah - with all the mischief, humour and poignancy that seeing the world through the eyes of an 11 year old brings. I had been touched and fascinated by television accounts of Sam Bloom's life after a terrible holiday accident. Finally coming home to her Australian home, she was so ill and injured that she could not bear to go on. Her husband, Cam, and 3 young boys - Noah, Rueben & Oli - and family and friends, surrounded her with love but she was too broken to feel it. One day, an injured magpie chick, tumbled into their lives and was rescued by Noah. Both Sam and 'Penguin', and their beautiful family, began the slow, arduous process of healing - together.

[Dimity Powell]

Penguin Bloom is a story of intense and unfathomable pain. It drips with despair but is buoyed by ordinary, everyday humour. The Blooms could be your next door neighbours yet their story is incredibly unique more so because it is real. This story does several things. It exemplifies the extreme power of will. It presents love as the cause of great pain but even greater healing. And it showcases the deeply visceral connections that can develop between humans and animals.

Read my full review of this beautiful film / book / tie in for youngsters at DIM'SreVIEWS: http://dimswritestuff.blogspot.com/20...

[Denise Newton]

https://denisenewtonwrites.com/?p=2581

Penguin Bloom Young Readers’ Edition is a gentle way to introduce the concepts of loss and resilience to youngsters, from a child’s point of view. It will be particularly enjoyed by children who love nature, wildlife and caring for animals.

Penguin Bloom
Chris Kunz

[Anna Davidson]

Young readers will enjoy this real life story of how Penguin, the magpie, helped heal a family. Lots of children have seen the movie, so will enjoy this book, which doesn't shy away from the hard emotions experienced by the family as they come to grips with a new life following their mother's accident.

[Danielle]

Literary non fiction. Movie tie in (haven't seen film). Easy read, suits year 3-5. Lacks detail of depth somehow, it feels rushed. Only took 90minutes to read. The Penguin has the richest story line. The paralysed Mum second. But the narrator, Noah/Snow, sort of summarises everything. Still, kids should like the book.

[Karen Smith]

I bought the Young Reader version as the original version is sold out right now, & too difficult to read on my phone due to the original layout.
Great little book, lots of tears, and the movie looks great too!

[Penny O’Loughlin]

Picked this up not realizing it was a young readers book. Nonetheless, I highly recommend for any young …and old😆reader.
Had me in tears.
Beautiful story with lovely chapters that delve into the very real emotional stress from trauma.

[OrangeAntelope]

4/5 Fast paced book. Short sentences.

[Diane]

This is a powerful story! Love can be both wonderful and demanding. The story of this family is not one that the reader will soon forget.

[Kimberley Shaw]

Trip back to Sydney's Northern Beaches for me.

Lovely little story.

[Ranette]

A woman who falls from a bridge and is paralized gains inspiration from a magpie named Penguin.

[Jobfreedoms]

This story is warm my heart.I recommend for young to read it.

[Eliza]

It was quick and easy to read

[Robbie Fleming]

I loved this book, I love birds, Australia, and real life challenges, just lovely, quick easy read

[Toni Buto]

Nice easy read. Told from the perspective of the oldest son. Heart warming story of the family overcoming a tragedy

[Kimberley Simpson]

A great book for young people. Would be a terrific book to explore with a class - Years 4 - 6.

[Angus]

Brilliant book

[Kay Black]

👌👌

More thoughts….great for upper elementary! Lots of deep family grief issues to think through. Pulls at the heart! And sweet story!