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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On a trip to Uruguay, the author rescues a penguin covered in oil from an oil spill. He christens him Juan Salvado(r).
“I really didn’t want to discuss with anyone why I was carrying a penguin in a string bag,” he writes of his return journey to Argentina, where he taught in a prestigious boarding school.
He could not have anticipated the transformative effect of the little bird, on himself and everyone who met Juan.
I particularly enjoyed reading of his healing effect on a shy young boy, who found his niche in the schools swimming pool.
Highly recommended.
I loved this book. The relationship between the young man and the penguin was so unusual and heartwarming. Their problems traveling when no one allows a penguin on a plane, train, bus are most interestingly solved. At University many of the students become involved in the penguins life and he enjoys their games.
It was great knowing someone could be so attached to a penquin. Get the handy out for the ending.
Less than half way through I knew this was a 5 star read–despite having no expectations for it. Well-written, heartfelt, and compelling. Read it, even if it’s not your usual book choice.
Really enjoyed this true story
After reading this book, I wanted a penguin for a pet. Wonderful story.
A great story about having a penguin as a companion. Having never thought of penguins being pets, I learned a lot about them.
charming little story with delightful humor and a sensitive insight.
Wonderful story about the relationship between a penguin and his rescuer. Loved it!
Great read about a penguin with a lively personality.
Funny and charming.
This is not only a bit of travelogue, but also full of interesting penguin tidbits. I liked the way the students interacted with the penguin. We can learn from our feathered friends.
This book was fantastic! What an amazing story- I learned way more about penguins and people than I ever thought I would. Seriously, it was such a great story that neither my wife nor me could put the dang thing down until we finished reading it. You will NOT be disappointed you bought this one !
The first part of the book about when the penguin was rescued and cared for was interesting. About half way through I lost interest and didn’t finish the book.
Written in a very friendly, charming style. I enjoyed the whole story, especially the willingness of the people to just accept a penguin as a friend. As a biologist, I generally disapprove of that sort of anthropomorphism, but somehow in this story, it really worked.
Easy reading. This is one of my favorite books. I enjoyed it all the way to the end and then cried.
This book was great fun and informative.
I got bored
A very enjoyable book A quick, easy, fun story.
This is a true story of a the author when he lived as a teacher in Argentina. He came across a large amount of penguins that were dead and covered with oil from an oil leak. But one moved just a little so he rescued it intending to either let it go or give it to a zoo after cleaning it. But the penguin wouldn’t leave and the book tells of their lives together. Heart-warming and funny.