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Pink!
When Patrick wakes up one day to find he has inexplicably turned bright pink, he sees red! "Whoever heard of a pink penguin?" he cries. "And boys can't be pink!" After too much teasing, he's had enough. "I don't fit in here anymore," he tells his parents. "I'm going to Africa to see the flamingos." But poor Patrick doesn't fit in with them, either: He can't stand on one leg, skim the water for food, or fly off with the rest of the flock. So he returns home--and everyone is happy to see him! In fact, his friends are green with envy over his exotic trip. Ends up being hot pink is pretty cool!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
3 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 28, 2021
Pink! tells the story of Patrick the penguin who wakes up one day to find that he's turned pink. In a fit of gender conformity, he declares that boys can't be pink, only to be chastened somewhat when his father tells him about flamingoes. Feeling like he no longer fits in with the other black-and-white penguins, he decides to head to Africa to live with the flamingoes. But when he gets there, he finds he doesn't fit in with those tall pink birds, either. So he heads home and everybody wants to know about his trip. The book finishes with Patrick declaring that penguins belong at the South Pole.
*sigh*
First of all, penguins don't live at the South Pole. They live near the water where they can feed, not in the landlocked middle of a continent. Second... there are penguins in Africa, contrary to what Patrick might think. What a missed opportunity to teach kids about the range and habitat of penguins!
This book rubbed me the wrong way, almost from the beginning. There's no reason for Patrick's colour change. It reinforced gender stereotypes. And it gives inaccurate information about penguins.
*sigh*
First of all, penguins don't live at the South Pole. They live near the water where they can feed, not in the landlocked middle of a continent. Second... there are penguins in Africa, contrary to what Patrick might think. What a missed opportunity to teach kids about the range and habitat of penguins!
This book rubbed me the wrong way, almost from the beginning. There's no reason for Patrick's colour change. It reinforced gender stereotypes. And it gives inaccurate information about penguins.
August 19, 2018
Patrick has fair-weather friends.
March 19, 2020
G: “At the beginning of this book, Patrick thought that pink was only for girls. But at the end, he realized that pink is just a colour for everyone.”
July 7, 2014
Very nice book for kids ... its about a little penguin Patrick who wakes up one day to find himself turned "PINK".
He is worried about it because "BOYS CANT BE PINK". The story is about how he feels like a misfit, how his friends tease him at school and how he goes away to Africa to be with pink flamingos. But he finds that he has nothing in common with them other than the color and decides to go back home to the south pole. By now his friends have started missing him and are used to the fact that he is pink in color.
I love the book because it teaches kids that you dont have to be just like others...you can be different and its perfectly fine.
It shows how parents can support kids and create a warm environment where kids can discuss their problems and know that they always have a loving home to come home to. And it teaches kids how to accept others for who they are despite size, color, shape etc.
All kids should read this!!
He is worried about it because "BOYS CANT BE PINK". The story is about how he feels like a misfit, how his friends tease him at school and how he goes away to Africa to be with pink flamingos. But he finds that he has nothing in common with them other than the color and decides to go back home to the south pole. By now his friends have started missing him and are used to the fact that he is pink in color.
I love the book because it teaches kids that you dont have to be just like others...you can be different and its perfectly fine.
It shows how parents can support kids and create a warm environment where kids can discuss their problems and know that they always have a loving home to come home to. And it teaches kids how to accept others for who they are despite size, color, shape etc.
All kids should read this!!
January 6, 2023
This is a fantastic book about being different and being accepted. It is the story of Patrick the penguin who wakes up one day and has turned pink. He finds it hard being a pink penguin so goes in search of other pink birds, specifically flamingos in Africa, but he finds out he fits in even less there. So he returns home to Antarctica and discovers that being different is not so bad after all.
I was originally attracted by the hilarious cover of this book, and both the story and illustrations are wonderful. It is one of those fun books to read and look at. I think it would be fun to share with most children, and they will learn a lesson from it also. Pink! is an excellent read.
I was originally attracted by the hilarious cover of this book, and both the story and illustrations are wonderful. It is one of those fun books to read and look at. I think it would be fun to share with most children, and they will learn a lesson from it also. Pink! is an excellent read.
September 9, 2018
This book was pretty good; my second graders seemed to enjoy this book as a read aloud this past week. It teaches students about self acceptance, among other things.
May 19, 2021
A great story of identity featuring a pink penguin who sets off to find others like himself when he turns pink. Preschool and up
September 12, 2024
Well, this book sure knows how to throw a penguin-sized identity crisis at you! One minute Patrick is your typical black-and-white, flightless bird, and the next? Bam! He’s a walking, squawking bottle of Pepto-Bismol. Naturally, Patrick is not thrilled about his new look. I mean, sure, being the only pink penguin in Antarctica is tough, but I do appreciate how he decides to solve his problem by… running away to join the flamingos? Bold choice.
In the end, the book's message is solid—being different can be cool, even if you don’t have flamingo legs or the ability to fish like a water-skimming pro. But I can’t help but feel like the story misses a chance to explore why Patrick turning pink would be so upsetting to him. Instead of really digging into the emotions behind not fitting in, it fast-tracks us to the "I’m going to run away" solution. Personally, I wanted more of a conversation on identity, and less of an "I’m going to Africa, bye!"
The illustrations are vibrant and fun, and the message—about embracing what makes you different—is great. But there’s something a little too quick about Patrick's change of heart. One minute he’s packing his bags for Africa, and the next he’s back home like, "Being pink is actually awesome, you guys!" And just like that, his friends are totally over their teasing and are now more interested in his travel stories. Oddly enough, this reinforces the idea that running away will solve any problem. Maybe a bit more penguin reflection on his hot pink fabulousness would have added some depth.
While it's an enjoyable read and the illustrations pop, I can’t help but feel like we skimmed the surface of Patrick's pink journey. Still, it’s a good reminder that being different can be pretty cool—even if you can’t stand on one leg.
In the end, the book's message is solid—being different can be cool, even if you don’t have flamingo legs or the ability to fish like a water-skimming pro. But I can’t help but feel like the story misses a chance to explore why Patrick turning pink would be so upsetting to him. Instead of really digging into the emotions behind not fitting in, it fast-tracks us to the "I’m going to run away" solution. Personally, I wanted more of a conversation on identity, and less of an "I’m going to Africa, bye!"
The illustrations are vibrant and fun, and the message—about embracing what makes you different—is great. But there’s something a little too quick about Patrick's change of heart. One minute he’s packing his bags for Africa, and the next he’s back home like, "Being pink is actually awesome, you guys!" And just like that, his friends are totally over their teasing and are now more interested in his travel stories. Oddly enough, this reinforces the idea that running away will solve any problem. Maybe a bit more penguin reflection on his hot pink fabulousness would have added some depth.
While it's an enjoyable read and the illustrations pop, I can’t help but feel like we skimmed the surface of Patrick's pink journey. Still, it’s a good reminder that being different can be pretty cool—even if you can’t stand on one leg.
June 21, 2024
This story is showing its age. While bullying still happens and being different from one's peers can present an issue, no longer do most people question boys wearing pink. As others have also pointed out, it's problematic that we don't know why Patrick turned pink in the first place, and Rickards gets her penguin information wrong (for example, their habitat/geography).
By contrast, her book 'I Do Not Eat the Colour Green' was a pleasure to read and I gave it 5 stars.
By contrast, her book 'I Do Not Eat the Colour Green' was a pleasure to read and I gave it 5 stars.
October 15, 2017
I thought this book gave "Pink is only for girls" a slap in the face. Even though the penguin isn't happy to be pink and attempts to run away to be with flamingos, he found out his story made pink cool! This is a subliminal message for how some students who are still figuring out their sexuality might feel like trying to be in a group may not prove whats best for them!
March 19, 2024
Charmig och söt... det kan väl aldrig bli något annat än så med rosa pingviner? Detta kändes precis som det kunde ha varit en av alla lite konstiga men charmiga tecknade serier som gick på teve när en växte upp.
March 1, 2021
A young boy penguin who wakes up pink one morning learns about fitting in.
September 11, 2021
A pink penguin goes on a trip to Africa to try and live with the flamingoes. This is a story about trying to fit in. The only thing that I didn't like was that it said that boys can't be pink.
April 21, 2022
Trying to sell a positive message but doesn’t quite hit the mark.
October 6, 2013
Book Title: What’s a Penguin to Think When He Turns Pink! By Lynne Rickards
Short Description of Book: Patrick the Penguin turns pink unexpectedly and cannot stand the teasing that ensues. He decides he has had enough and sets out to find other pink birds just like him. He finds them but he is still different (they are flamingos). He goes home only to realize that being different is not always a bad thing.
FOCUS: Narrative Features I would use in a mini lesson
1. Character Development: Rickards takes a penguin and turns him pink. This difference changes his perception of himself and sets him out on an adventure that includes different places and different creatures. However, when he found more pink birds, he realized they were still “different.”
2. Students will write choose a “normal” character. It can be an animal or a human character. They will then use brainstorming and pre-writing to write down character traits that are the complete opposite of what you might expect that character to have. They will then begin to organize their ideas into a piece of writing to show how these differences develop the character and these traits will affect the resolution of their story. Did the difference make the character weaker or stronger in the end? How did the difference affect the character and the events in the story?
TEACH: CCS Connection (8)
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.3d Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.5 With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.
Short Description of Book: Patrick the Penguin turns pink unexpectedly and cannot stand the teasing that ensues. He decides he has had enough and sets out to find other pink birds just like him. He finds them but he is still different (they are flamingos). He goes home only to realize that being different is not always a bad thing.
FOCUS: Narrative Features I would use in a mini lesson
1. Character Development: Rickards takes a penguin and turns him pink. This difference changes his perception of himself and sets him out on an adventure that includes different places and different creatures. However, when he found more pink birds, he realized they were still “different.”
2. Students will write choose a “normal” character. It can be an animal or a human character. They will then use brainstorming and pre-writing to write down character traits that are the complete opposite of what you might expect that character to have. They will then begin to organize their ideas into a piece of writing to show how these differences develop the character and these traits will affect the resolution of their story. Did the difference make the character weaker or stronger in the end? How did the difference affect the character and the events in the story?
TEACH: CCS Connection (8)
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.3d Use precise words and phrases, relevant descriptive details, and sensory language to capture the action and convey experiences and events.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.5 With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.
February 21, 2009
Okay, I'm hardly an unbiased reader for this one as it is written by one of my best friends from childhood but I loved it! When Patrick the penguin suddenly and inexplicably turns pink overnight, he is mortified and afraid of being teased. He is teased initially but his transformation also inspires him to seek out other pink birds, in this case, flamingos in Africa. He comes to understand that, pink or not, Antarctica is where he belongs. Upon his return from his adventures, he finds he is accepted and appreciated among his friends who missed him while he was gone. A great book for helping kids accept their own unique differences, whatever they may be. Makes a terrific read-aloud.
November 14, 2012
Patrick the penguin woke up one morning and was very confused--instead of his normal tuxedo coloring he was suddenly bright pink. At first his disbelief follows gendered lines ("boys can't be pink!") but when his father shows him pictures of flamingos he then decides to defect from his species, and swims to Africa to hang out with his new chromatic compatriots.
Patrick quickly discovers that he is comically inadequate as a flamingo and heads back to Antarctica. Instead of teasing him for his color his classmates are amazed and impressed that he went all the way to Africa, and he teaches a lesson on his new bird friends. This cute story both combats gender stereotypes and communicates a message of friendship and acceptance.
Patrick quickly discovers that he is comically inadequate as a flamingo and heads back to Antarctica. Instead of teasing him for his color his classmates are amazed and impressed that he went all the way to Africa, and he teaches a lesson on his new bird friends. This cute story both combats gender stereotypes and communicates a message of friendship and acceptance.
Read
April 6, 2011When the Penguin turns pink, he cant believe his eyes. After being teased by friends, he decides to swim to Africa where pink birds (flamingos) are everywhere. He lives with the flamingos for a while until he realizes that he doesn't belong with them because he cant do all the things they do,like fly. He goes back home, where his friends except him in all his pink glory! he learns to love himself. This is a good read for all ages. All children go through a stage where they feel like an outcast, only to find out that they are more alike than different from their friends.Recommended for all ages.
January 11, 2012
A boy penguin turns pink and exclaims that boys "cannot be pink!" His father ends up showing him that flamingos are pink, beautiful, AND some are boys! His dad proved to him that boys can in fact be pink. At school, he was teased for being pink and different from his peers. He ends up visiting Africa to try and fit in with flamingos. When he returns home, he has found that he was missed by his classmates and his parents. They were so thankful that he returned home, that they stopped teasing him. He ends by saying "being different wasent so bad after all."
This book teaches that it is OK to be different.
This book teaches that it is OK to be different.
February 7, 2016
Patrick is a school-age penguin who turns pink overnight. He feels like he no longer fits in at school, so he journeys to the land of the flamingos. But he doesn't fit in there either, so he goes home. His friends all welcome him back and Patrick decides that being different isn't so bad after all.
This book is more about self-acceptance than being gay, but a hot pink colour for boys is associated with gays or sissies, plus Patrick's best friend, Arthur, seems to have an extra gleam in his eyes when Patrick returns. So I'll assign this one a GLBTQ tag. Preschool - Grade 3.
This book is more about self-acceptance than being gay, but a hot pink colour for boys is associated with gays or sissies, plus Patrick's best friend, Arthur, seems to have an extra gleam in his eyes when Patrick returns. So I'll assign this one a GLBTQ tag. Preschool - Grade 3.
June 29, 2019
Poor Patrick is most disconcerted when he wakes up pink one morning, making him look very different to his penguin friends. He desperately wants to fit in so travels across the sea to meet a group of flamingos but although his colour blends in , he realises he isn't cut out to be a flamingo. His friends have missed him so greet his homecoming with delight. Patrick decides that being different isn't so bad after all! Lovely gentle story about finding your own identity and embracing your uniqueness, with the help of your family and friends.
December 14, 2008
Patrick is in a prickly predicament when he turns pink! His classmates tease him, even though his parents said they wouldn't. He decides to swim for eight days to Africa to live with the flamingos. But, Patrick doesn't quite fit in, so off he goes, back to the South Pole, swimming eight long days back to his family. His classmates are impressed and his best friend, Arthur missed him. Patrick guesses it isn't so bad being pink.
April 1, 2010
Cute book about being different. At first I thought it was very timely for us because DS has been saying that he wanted to get something pink and I told him it'd be hard to find anything since most boys don't like pink. Patrick mentions this in the book too, but in the end it doesn't too much matter. My son was confused at the end why they never figured out how he turned pink in the first place...
March 20, 2013
We get all kinds of ideas about what we should and shouldn't be but sometimes you just can't help it. This penguin learns what it is like to be different from everybody else. He is unable to accept it because the other penguins tease him. He must go on a long journey to meet other birds before he can learn to accept himself. The nicest part of the story is that he never changes back but is still happy in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2009
Patrick the penguin wakes up one day Pink! He is teased for being different, and in a search to find where he belongs, sets of to Africa to see pink flamingos. He is treated well there, but still doesn't fit and returns home. Telling of his travels, he gains respect and acceptance.
Done well enough, but not exceptional.
Done well enough, but not exceptional.
April 14, 2009
One day Patrick the penguin wakes up and he is pink! This is awful he is a boy penguin and does not want to be different so he learns about flamingos and goes to visit. Well I don't want to tell more but a great book about it being ok that you are different. It may end a little too happy but it is a nice story and there is tons of pink in it. I loved it. Ages 4+
October 10, 2011
Cheerfully entertaining story with great illustrations and lovely page design. The story is one which will reflect particular situations to particular kids - but the overall impression is that although it's not always comfortable being different, it generally works out fine - with the support of the right people.
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July 2, 2012It is verry cute book. It reminds me of somethings that have become common sense, such as "Boys CANT be pink!" This book teaches children about being different. Being different isnt a bad thing, it's just how you live with it. Trying to be something else wont do any good to them. The illustration is very colorful and bright!
January 27, 2009
Patrick the Penguin has turned Pink! He didn't like being pink. He went to visit the Flamingoes but didn't fit in there either. But when he came home, everyone was so glad to see him he didn't mind being pink anymore.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews