I wanted to tell y’all about a new picture book that I absolutely LOVE, One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by David Small.

During a visit to the aquarium, the precocious Elliot realizes that he has always wanted a pet penguin. He know that if he is to get a penguin, he must ask his father, who without much thought, says yes. We as the reader know that Elliot should have realized that when fathers say yes to getting a penguin, they usually mean a stuffed one from the gift shop. This clever story by Toni Buzzeo is absolutely adorable and David Small’s illustrations complete the hilarity of this tale. With a surprising ending that is completely unexpected, this book gets an A+ in my book.

I personally love David Small. His art is iconic and whimsical. He is also highly acclaimed. He has won a Caldecott Honor for his book The Gardener and a Caldecott Medal for So, You Want To Be President. I think he did an especially good job with this story. The simple color palette highlights the logical, if not off base Elliot when he decides that he wants a penguin–and decides to liberate a real penguin from the aquarium. This story is fun for kids and adults all the way to the unexpected ending.

All this to say, I am very happy to announce that we have a small supply of One Cool Friend signed by the author, Toni Buzzeo, AND the illustrator, David Small! I hope that y’all enjoy this book as much as I did. It is a hoot!

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