A unique and moving real-life story of the extraordinary bond between a young teacher and a penguin, this book will delight readers who loved Marley & Me, Dewey the Library Cat, The Good Good Pig, and any book by Jon Katz.In 1975, twenty-three-year-old Englishman Tom Michell follows his wanderlust to Argentina, where he becomes assistant master at a prestigious boarding school. But Michell’s … boarding school. But Michell’s adventures really begin when, on a weekend in Uruguay, he rescues a penguin covered in oil from an ocean spill, cleans the bird up, and attempts to return him to the sea. The penguin refuses to leave his rescuer’s side. “That was the moment at which he became my penguin, and whatever the future held, we’d face it together,” says Michell in this charming memoir.
Michell names the penguin Juan Salvador (“John Saved”), but Juan Salvador, as it turns out, is the one who saves Michell.
After Michell smuggles the bird back to Argentina and into his campus apartment, word spreads about the young Englishman’s unusual roommate. Juan Salvador is suddenly the center of attention—as mascot of the rugby team, confidant to the dorm housekeeper, co-host of Michell’s parties, and an unprecedented swimming coach to a shy boy. Even through the collapse of the Perónist government and amid the country’s economic and political strife, Juan Salvador brings joy to everyone around him—especially Michell, who considers the affectionate animal a compadre and kindred spirit.
Witty and heartwarming, The Penguin Lessons is a classic in the making, a story that is both absurd and wonderful, exactly like Juan Salvador.
Praise for The Penguin Lessons
“I loved this book, and you will, too! It’s as charming, heartwarming, and surprising as a penguin on a roof terrace. What’s more, The Penguin Lessons teaches an important truth: that a single act of compassion can be repaid a thousand-fold.”—Sy Montgomery, author of The Good Good Pig and the National Book Award finalist The Soul of an Octopus
“[Tom Michell’s] tone suits the material perfectly. . . . You believe every word. . . . No fool, this penguin. No fools, these publishers, who have unleashed such a delightful and charming book just in time for Christmas.”—Daily Mail (U.K.)
“Heart-warming is a wholly inadequate phrase to describe this captivating story that is pure delight from beginning to end.”—The Bookseller (U.K.)
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I loved this book so much that I bought another copy for a gift. If you have a heart you will love it.
Good story but the writing was very stilted and old-fashioned.
It was a very interesting book with some very nice messages.
For people who love animal stories, memoirs and quirky adventures …a delightful , heart warming read .
An unexpected delight. Heart-felt story by a nice person who did the right thing.
Such a wonderful story!!
Beautiful
Very engaging story about life with a rescued penguin. Enjoyable reading. I learned a lot about penguins.
Loved this very real story! The author reveals so much about Argentinian history, human nature, and South American culture while recounting his experiences with a penguin he rescued. The penguin’s personality is so delightful, he captures the heart of every human he meets. A must read so you can “Feel the love.”
I found this book to be a nice diversion from books I usually read. The story was true and entertaining. I can’t wait to go to the zoo to see the Magellan penguins and study them for a while.
Such a pleasant, fun story. Charming.
I enjoyed the book immensely. Juan was indeed one unforgettable penguin. the insights into life in the South American in that period was also enlightening.
But over it all and throughout the book I was charmed and enamored with Juan
and Tom. A whimsical pair.