The Penguin Lessons

Tom Michell

From Shelf: The books we read in 2021

Set against Argentina's turbulent years following the collapse of the corrupt Peronist regime, this is the story of Juan Salvador the penguin, rescued by Tom from an oil slick in Uruguay just days before a new term.

SOON TO BE A MAJOR FILM, THIS IS THE TRUE STORY OF THE UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN A FLIGHTLTESS BIRD AND A TEACHER OUT OF HIS DEPTH . . . 'I can't remember the last time I read a book that made me smile so continuously' 5***** Reader Review 'How could a penguin transform so many lives? Read it and see. You'll not regret it' 5***** Reader Review 'Delightful, uplifting, enjoyable, fun and beautifully written' 5***** Reader Review _______ Tom Michell is in his roaring twenties: single, free-spirited and seeking adventure. He has a plane ticket to South America, a teaching position in a prestigious Argentine boarding school, and endless summer holidays. What he doesn't need is a pet. What he really doesn't need is a pet penguin. But while on holiday in Uruguay he spots a penguin struggling in an oil slick and knows he has to help. And then the penguin refuses to leave his side . . . Clearly Tom has no choice but to smuggle it across the border, through customs, and back to school. He names him Juan Salvador. Whether it's as the rugby team's mascot, the housekeeper's confidant, the host at Tom's parties or the most flamboyant swimming coach in world history, Juan Salvador transforms the lives of all he meets - including Tom, who discovers a compadre like no other . . . _______ AS HEARD ON BBC RADIO 2 'A much-beloved tale about a much-beloved bird . . . Heart-warmingly eccentric' Guardian 'So touching that I didn't want it to end. I really loved this book' Michael Bond, creator of Paddington 'Charming' Daily Mail 'One of the most touching tales we've read all year' Heat