Nabil Steals a Penguin
Nishani Reed and Junissa Bianda
Nosy Crow

On the last day of a holiday in France with his parents, Nabil is at the zoo watching the penguins when one of them addresses the boy introducing itself as Pierre. The penguin goes on to complain about his dull diet – fish, fish and more fish, saying he’d love to sample something more exciting. Obligingly, Nabil offers to share his lunch with Pierre and before you can say ‘spicy’ the penguin has scoffed the lot.

As the family are departing, Pierre bids farewell to his fellow penguins and dives into Nabil’s backpack and eventually, after a somewhat worrying journey for Nabil, the family plus penguin reach home. Very soon Nabil’s sister suspects something strange is going on: how on earth is the boy going to conceal his increasingly lively guest from his parents?

The answer is, he can’t. Into the bathroom comes Mum;

what will her reaction be? Young readers and listeners may well be surprised at what happens thereafter. I’m sure they’ll approve however.

Deliciously daft, this tasty offering is author Nishani Reed’s debut picture book. Junissa Bianda’s wonderfully expressive illustrations capture Nabil’s consternation at the antics of the lively stowaway and the delight of the entire family in the final few spreads.

Vegetable biryani anybody?