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Delightfully Different Dilly

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When Dilly is born, her parents think she is perfect--from the top of her head to the bottom of her foot. The other babies notice that Dilly is different but soon accept her and love her different ways of doing things. The adults aren't sure though, they love how all the penguins are the same. Can the younger generation convince their parents that there's space for Dilly? And maybe that positive change can be a good thing?

A charming and touching story--Dilly is a delightful character with a strong voice and a great tale of acceptance and change.

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 20, 2021

4 people are currently reading
25 people want to read

About the author

Elizabeth Dale

133 books10 followers
Elizabeth Dale always dreamed of being a writer, but somehow got sidetracked into studying for a physics degree. When her children were born, she returned to her dream and found she loved writing children’s books more than anything. She loves traveling and seeking inspiration for her stories. Having seen what a wonderful life she leads, two of her daughters have grown up to be children’s authors, too. Elizabeth Dale lives in West Sussex, England.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,405 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2021
This is a children's book that I read to my kids. This is one of the cuteness and sweetness children's books I have read in a long time. I love the pictures and the message. This book shows kids that it is ok to be different which is one of the best message. This book is written so kids can understand the message without any problem. All my kids loved this book so much. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Happy Yak) or author (Elizabeth Dale) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Profile Image for ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔.
2,880 reviews422 followers
July 17, 2021
What a lovely book. The illustrated pictures are so attractive and colourful. The expressions on the different penguins faces are so relatable.

Dilly is different from all the other little penguins. She was born different, which makes it look like she’s leading the little penguin friends in a way that’s not “normal” and some of the mummy and daddy penguins are concerned.

Yes there’s a story there and a moral of life that most children can understand I think.
But a great way of opening a very important message to instil in our little ones.

It’s ok to be different.
Profile Image for Rosh ~catching up slowly~.
2,363 reviews4,840 followers
July 16, 2021
When you see a book with a cute cover and a cute name, you expect the content to match up. And it sure does in this sweet little book.

As the title suggests, Dilly is a “delightfully different” penguin. Born with only one foot, she uses it to hop rather than waddle. While her young penguin friends find her antics funny and want to copy her distinctive style, the other adults find her a bad influence on their children. As creatures of habit, they appreciate the sameness and the continuation of established protocols. But time shows that being different doesn’t mean being dangerous and that change can be good too.

The story is great for young kids. The moral is excellent. The illustrations are adorable! The vocabulary level is just at the right level for the target readers.

Happily and wholeheartedly recommended.

Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group, for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.



***********************
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Profile Image for Blaine DeSantis.
1,082 reviews185 followers
September 2, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing and Happy Yak for providing me with this free copy in return for my honest review.
The title says it all friends. What a fun and delightful book about Dilly the Penguin who, when born, looked like all other penguins, whose parents loved her despite the fact that she was born with a handicap. You see Dilly was born with only one leg and, instead of waddling across the snow and ice, she hopped from here to there. She learned ways of moving that overcame her handicap and became friends with all the other baby penguins. Adults were appalled at her difference, but when the time came Dilly was up to the task and helped rescue other penguins thanks to her hopping abilities.
A wonderful book about being different, acceptance of others with handicaps, and how one little penguin could overcome her disability and lead a normal life. A wonderful story that is enhanced by the charming illustrations of Liam Darcy, this is one book that should be on everyones birthday or Christmas list. Great work, and love the name Happy Yak publishing. Quarto has a lot of good books out there and this is a solid addition to their portfolio.
Profile Image for Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus).
Author 23 books723 followers
July 27, 2021
Oh, my! I’m so in love with the illustrations! Dilly is a cutie, sweetie baby penguin with one leg. She hops around, twirls, and dives as she cannot waddle like the others. Not all penguin parents like this. But when Dilly’s hopping saves them, they acknowledge that being different is not wrong. In fact, they should also try different things and have fun.
The message for kids is presented in the cutest possible manner. The illustrations are soft and soothing. The detailing is wonderful. Dilly looks so cute that I wish to have a soft toy like her. The language is simple and easy to understand. This is a great book for the little ones.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#DelightfullyDifferentDilly #NetGalley
Profile Image for Storywraps.
1,968 reviews39 followers
July 14, 2021
Dilly is an adorable baby penguin who is different from all the others. She was born with an abnormality. She is missing one of her little legs so of course she does things differently than the other baby penguins do. While they waddle everywhere Dilly hops, rolls, twirls, and is able to jump very high using her one strong leg.

The adult penguins worry about Dilly's abilities and point out all of her short-comings which makes Dilly very sad. Her friends support her and help celebrate her differences. They accept Dilly exactly as she is. One day Dilly's discrepancies turn her into a Superhero amongst her peers and the adult colony.

The illustrations are beautiful, expressive and fun. The message is positive and inspiring for both young and old. This heartwarming book will spark meaningful conversations regarding acceptance, friendship and change. I highly recommend it. Kids will love it I'm sure!
Profile Image for Charlie Morris (Read, Watch & Drink Coffee).
1,412 reviews62 followers
July 10, 2021
Delightfully Different Dilly is a beautifully illustrated story that teaches about kindness.

Dilly is a cute and fluffy character who readers will instantly warm to, but her story is a big one. Instead of focusing on how Dilly is different from the others and how she can't do the things that they can, I love the shift in focus on how everybody else is the same and that Dilly can do things that the others can't.

The story also looks at how the younger generation can help to convince their parents that there's space for penguins Dilly which I think is another highly relevant message, as it is important that we teach our children about diversity and inclusivity so that they can pave the way for a better future.

This is a brilliant book for young readers that teaches an important lesson in an easy-to-understand way, and it would make a great addition to any bookshelf.
Profile Image for Kayla - the.bookish.mama.
309 reviews30 followers
July 11, 2021
I feel that the intentions of this book were good, but I was disappointed. The story seemed to rely on Dilly only being accepted by her penguin society when she was useful. As a relative of someone with a limb difference, I feel that this can be damaging. Anyone with disabilities, or any type of difference, should be valued just because they are who they are. However, it was nice to see that Dilly’s family accepted her unconditionally.
Profile Image for Briar's Reviews.
2,283 reviews579 followers
September 2, 2021
The cover alone is super cute, let alone getting into the meat of this story!

Who doesn't love penguins with cute names? Or pengwings... If you get the joke, comment below!

Dilly is different than everyone else - she hops! Why, you might ask? She only has one leg! All she is trying to do is fit in, yet the other penguin parents think she is a bad influence because she's different. Yet she's not doing a single thing wrong! She's just being herself and living her best life. Until one day, she proves to be a huge asset to all of the penguins in her little town...

This is a great story about how being different can actually help the group as a whole. I think this is a lovely tale that children everywhere all be able to relate to and smile about.

Four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
Profile Image for Sany.
357 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2021
Delightfully Different Dilly es una historia que habla de diferencia, de amor y aceptación. Muestra a los niños de una forma muy cercana y con un lenguaje sencillo, la importancia de aprender a aceptar a los demás tal y como son sin intentar cambiarlos. A ser tolerantes incluso frente a lo que no conocemos ni entendemos.

Reseña completa en: https://libroshappy.org/delightfully-...
Profile Image for Jan.
6,531 reviews101 followers
July 24, 2021
An excellent story for adults to read to children and for ESL to polish their English while establishing a basic truth. Being loved and being different can be a really good thing and it only takes a special circumstance to make others know this. And it's fun!
The illustrations that are mostly simple, bright, and forthright as created by Liam Darcy.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Profile Image for Megan Griest.
76 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2021
This is a cute story about Dilly, a penguin born with one leg, All of the other penguins made fun of Dilly and wondered how she would be able to do the things everyone else could do. When the little penguins are stuck in a hole, only Dilly can jump high enough to be seen by their parents, and she saves the day! All of the penguins are more accepting of Dilly's differences, and embrace differences in others as well.

This was a good story, with a great lesson, but reminded me A LOT of the movie Happy Feet. Overall, little kids will like this one!

**Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Laura Vogt.
Author 2 books39 followers
July 21, 2021
"'It seems it's good to be different,' said Popple's daddy.
'Yes, maybe we could all do with a little change,' said Pip's daddy."

A fun and playful story of a disabled penguin--Dilly, who was born with only one leg. I appreciated how realistically the characters treat Dilly--they are unsure and judgmental. Dilly always carries herself with a positive, hopeful attitude. Then, when Dilly saves some penguins due to the special strengths she's gained due to her disability, everyone now praises and values her.

I believe this is an important book. It's important to introduce the concept of disability to young children--and this is a fun and positive way.

The illustrations are colorful and fun, and Dilly is adorable. The text is clear and enjoyable to read.

I read with my daughters who are 6 and 8. My 8 year old has a disability (type one diabetes), and she often feels different with all the gadgets she has to wear--along with all of the other issues of having a chronic illness. Both of my daughters enjoyed the story, as did I.

I believe this book is helpful for a younger audience. I would be careful with older kids, though. I don't want my daughter thinking she always have to be cheerful about her disability or to always find the positive--as, well, that's toxic positivity. And, the brutal truth is there AREN'T always positives to a disability -- sometimes it's just awful.

Overall, though, I think this book is important for the target audience of younger children. It's important for them to be aware of disabilities and that there are different struggles people (or penguins!) go through.
Profile Image for The Silvan Reverie | Sarah Street.
746 reviews55 followers
August 6, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one had, it's incredibly cute and playful and my kids were utterly charmed by the little penguins and the story. Dilly is a penguin born with only one foot and she hops instead of waddles. She is "perfect" according to her parents. All the other baby penguins are quick to see that Dilly is delightfully different and they in turn try to mimic her movements and live in the world the way she does. It's wonderful to see the other penguins notice the difference but not judge it.

But... then the other adult show up and ruin it. They don't like Dilly teaching their children different ways to be penguins. Dilly is forced to try and hide her difference but cannot keep up with the other waddling penguins. In the end, the other adults finally come to see Dilly's value, but only after her expert hopping skills come in handy to help alert the adults to where the penguins are when they fall into an ice hole and get trapped. So, the message from the perspective of the adult penguins is: Dilly only has value because she helped saved their babies. They learn their error and say things like "We're so sorry. It seems it's good to be different" and "Maybe we could all do with a little change."

So, the part where the adults are terrible is cringey, but at the same time they apologize to Dilly and admit they were wrong, and make a point to change. I think that is indeed worth celebrating.

I think that kids will pick up on this layered message as they enjoy the cute penguin antics. Overall I think this is enjoyable and one to revisit.

***Note: I was given a review copy of this book by Quarto Kids. Opinions are my own.
Profile Image for MookNana.
847 reviews7 followers
July 10, 2021
This is a very, very cute book, with adorable illustrations. Dilly is born different, and, with the instinctive acceptance most of us are born with, she sees nothing "bad" or "other" about herself and how she adapts, and neither do her peers. Unfortunately, other adult penguins do not share this acceptance, and Dilly is shamed until she proves herself useful and the naysayers realize their error.

On the one hand, it's a good story to show kids how discrimination hurts and how everyone has unique gifts to share. On the other hand, I would have LOVED to see the story unfold without Dilly having to have been hurt. It would have been neat to see a positive story of unconditional acceptance and celebration of the things that make us unique. I wonder if we're ready to move away from the "Rudolph" arc where your difference is "bad" until you demonstrate your worthiness. If I were reading this to kids, I would spend as much time as possible emphasizing the first act, with Dilly and her friends, and maybe possibly skipping through the rest.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
445 reviews3 followers
July 13, 2021
Dilly's parents thought she was perfect when she was born but as time went on they learned that something just wasn't the same as the other little penguins in their group. Dilly didn't waddle like the other penguins she hopped. The other little penguins tried hopping but they didn't like it and wasn't very good at it. Dilly adapted and learned to do things differently. The adult penguins wanted Dilly to stop doing things differently than the other penguins. They were mean to Dilly. She stopped being different and she had a hard time. Then Dilly and two of her friends fell into a hole. The adult penguins couldn't seen them. Then Dilly to the rescue because she could hop up and down they found them and rescued them. Then the adult penguins apologize to Dilly for being mean and said sometimes it is good to be different. This book teaches a good lesson that just because someone is different doesn't mean that is a bad thing.
Profile Image for Hal.
745 reviews55 followers
July 8, 2021
arc provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review

This story about a baby penguin who only has one foot… absolutely the most adorable and heartwarming children’s book!!!

Dilly was born with only one foot so she has learned to hop everywhere and do all sorts of tricks— this upsets some of the parents of other baby penguins until one day, Dilly’s difference saves the day.

This story highlights how just because you’re different than what “normal” seems to be, doesn’t mean you’re less than or aren’t valuable to society. You are perfect just as you are and you do not need to change because of someone else’s opinion.

I love this message and love that it is brought forth to kids in such a fun and adorable way! I hope a lot of kids will be able to find themselves in Dilly.

5/5⭐️
Profile Image for Eunice R.
229 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2021
The hearts of children everywhere will be instantly captivated by the cuteness and delightfulness of Dilly and the other 'babies'. The author has brilliantly woven and subtly crafted an important and essential message within the seemingly straightforward story. Dale turned what some may call "different," into Dilly's strong point and to still have the ability to reach out effectively, benefiting others in fun and frolic, as well as in a more serious happenstance. This is a book I would have definitely wanted to read to my own children!

~Eunice C. - Reviewer/Blogger~

July 2021

Professional Reader
Profile Image for Michelle.
92 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2021
Such a "delightful" book! I think kids all over the globe are going to fall in love with little Dilly.
This is such a fantastic way to spread the message to little kids that everyone's differences can be used and seen in a positive light. All of us look different, act different, talk different, yet, that doesn't mean we should treat each other differently. Dilly was born with one leg/foot instead of two, but he didn't let that stop him. Instead of walking, he hopped. In the end, his diversification was used in aiding him and his friends. This demonstrated to the other penguins that the alteration in his appearance and use of one leg/foot could be used and seen as a positive instead of a negative.

Loved the book. Will recommend it.

Thank you Elizabeth Dale, NetGalley, and Quarto Publishing Group-Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the advanced reader's copy.
Profile Image for bookventures_of_a_wildflower.
77 reviews14 followers
July 15, 2021
This was an adorable book teaching kids about acceptance, the strength in all of us and the beauty of unity in diversity. Dilly was born different, does things differently than the average penguin chick yet she's exactly like any other toddler, full of life and laughter.

I adored the artwork and the way it (and the text both) floated through the pages. I like how fluid and interactive a story can get when the text and the artwork are both dynamic. The targeted age group was very clear, so I would definitely recommend this book for purchase.

I also like to add that I adored how the prints appeared in the snow at the endpapers it was such a cute detail to add.

I received an e-arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Novel Obsession.
183 reviews4 followers
August 24, 2021
Dilly the penguin hatches with only one leg, as as with so many children, her parents are absolutely delighted with her. Despite only having one leg and having to hop and find other ways to get around, Dilly manages to keep up with the other young penguins in her own ways. Though the other parents are concerned when their children begin copying her movements, they all applaud when Dilly manages to save the day.

Elizabeth Dale’s Delightfully Different Dilly is a sweet book for toddlers and preschoolers about embracing our differences and accepting each other for who we are. It is also a reminder to parents that children are much more accepting. We can learn a lot from one another.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was provide by the publisher. Originally posted at Novel Obsession.
Profile Image for beckys_book_blog .
571 reviews39 followers
March 27, 2021
This is a heart warming story about a baby penguin called Dilly who is different from the other penguins. She hops instead of waddles because she only has one leg. At first the adult pengins are not very accepting of Dilly but after her hopping helps to save the day they realise being different can be good after all. This is a lovely story to help children learn to accept each others differences. The illustrations are gorgeous. I'm going to buy a hard copy of this book because my son loves penguins and will love this story. It would be a useful book to have in school to help introduce this topic and teach children to appreciate that everyone is unique. Thank you to Edelweiss for this ARC.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,090 reviews
July 9, 2021
When Dilly is born her parents think she is perfect, as all parents would! Dilly's friends eventually notice that she is different but Dilly embraces her difference & her friends learn to embrace it as well. The other parents, not so much. After a near tragedy when Dilly's difference ends up being the difference that saves the day &her friends, her friend's parents see that different is not bad & come to love Dilly too ❤ A sweet story that can be a wonderful teaching moment for kids ( and maybe some adults😉).
Profile Image for Lauren Gibson (rocknreader).
178 reviews34 followers
July 17, 2021
This was a cute children’s book that reminded me a bit of Happy Feet. I liked the way the disability was explained in order for younger children to understand. The kids don’t know or understand the differences in each other until the adults tell them what they are. This rings true in real life as well.

This was a very enlightening and child appropriate book about disability and discrimination for younger readers. I loved the illustrations as well.

Thanks NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for the opportunity to review this ARC
Profile Image for Catherine Craig (Angelic Light).
1,136 reviews20 followers
August 5, 2021
This is a cute little children's book about a penguin called Dilly, who is different from the other penguins as she only has one leg, so she moves in a different way from them. At first, they all react strangely towards her, but eventually, they accept her and show her that it is ok to be different. The illustrations in the book are very bright and colourful and my daughter loved them. She had a lot of fun counting all of the penguins.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
8,892 reviews129 followers
March 10, 2021
I thought I'd end up reminding people about the existence of "Happy Feet" here, but this is different enough. And difference is the subject, too, as a one-legged penguin chick gets a pirouetting, hopping lifestyle that irks the parents of her friends. The moral of the virtue in being different is rather forcefully slammed on to the page by the end, but this remains a charming read, especially visually. Easily four stars.
Profile Image for Stefanie Bevins.
314 reviews10 followers
July 12, 2021
I read this book to my 2 year old son. He enjoyed the pictures and I enjoyed the message..while he's a bit young to understand it. It truly goes to show that children may notice differences, but they don't seem bothered by them and in fact even embrace them. It is adults who have problems with people different than them. This book shows a very good lesson that our differences are what make us unique and helpful in all different situations.
1,018 reviews14 followers
July 14, 2021
Thank you to the author, Quarto Publishing and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a lovely children's book about what being different than "normal" can mean, and that it doesn't mean you're less than. The central message of accepting others and embracing differences is emphasized by the story, and provides a great place to start conversations with children. The only - minor - quibble I have is that I find the illustrations a bit too cutesy.
Profile Image for Rebecca Hill.
Author 1 book66 followers
July 19, 2021
Dilly is a happy little penguin, but she has one abnormality - she is not like the other penguins. She only has one foot! This doesn't stop Dilly from participating, and she learns to get along, but some of the other parents don't think she should be around their children. When disaster happens, can Dilly save the other penguin?

Cute story, and this different-abled penguin did not allow her disability to slow her down! I read this to my kids, and we loved it!
Profile Image for Rachel.
Author 12 books73 followers
August 12, 2021
When a little penguin is born with only one foot, she finds her own way to excel. The other penguin babies love the way she hops, but their parents are worried Dilly is too different. But it's her unique strengths that help save her and two other baby penguins in the end. A cute story about physical differences and the ways in which we all have our own differences and strengths. The book is full of wonderfully bright illustrations, too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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