Pistes d'exploration

Brainstorm synonyms for the expression, “I have itchy feet.” Have you or has someone you know ever had itchy feet? Where did you (or they) want to go?

Write a sequel, about Pirate’s life with the penguins. Will they accept him? Will Pirate miss his old life? Before writing, discuss your ideas with a friend. 

If you could change places with anyone in the world, who would it be? Why do you think the grass would be greener on the other side? Share your thoughts with a friend. 

Discuss why Pirate ended up as a pirate instead of a yoga teacher. What are some advantages and disadvantages of the two jobs?

Compare this pirate to those found in other books. How are they similar or different?

Write a letter to Pirate’s mom explaining the choice he made. Write a letter to penguin’s friends telling about his adventures.

Prepare an ad posting for a pirate’s job. What skills and disposition are needed? 

Tough Boris, Small Saul, Tacky the Penguin, Penguins

Mots-clés

Picture book , contentment , identity , penguins , pirates , self-acceptance , travel

Commentaire descriptif

This story about finding a place in the world will tickle young readers with its quirky drawings and witty asides. Penguin knows there’s something better out there: “I’m tired of being bored and cold!” Far away, Pirate feels it too: “‘What’s so great about finding treasure?’ sighed Pirate. ‘I’d just like to find inner peace.’” Hilarious illustrations of cartoon-like characters are filled with visual jokes. One spread shows the very grumpy, sweater-wearing Penguin, catching an ice floe off the southernmost continent. Perplexed fellow penguins wave goodbye. Meanwhile, under the hot sun, the pirate crew check their maps for “inner peace.” Instead they find a “map to bathroom” and a “map to the mall.” Children may wish to guess what happens when these two malcontents meet. With Penguin wearing Pirate’s hat, and Pirate bundled into Penguin’s sweater, they are so well-suited to their new roles that no one notices the switch they’ve made. The last spreads show a joyful Penguin leading his raucous crew, “finding treasure . . . and eating lots of exotic fruits,” while an ecstatic Pirate, riding the returning ice floe, waves to penguin-friends on shore, “You’re back?” This is a fun—and funny—book.