PICKLE AND PENGUIN
by Lawrence David & illustrated by Scott Nash
Definitely setting new parameters for unlikely friendships, a strayed penguin and a lonely cucurbit go in search of each other after becoming separated on a busy New York City street.
Weary of snow and ice, Penguin jumps (figuratively speaking) at the chance to leave Antarctica with a visiting talk-show host who also happens to be the world’s only talking pickle. Dazzled by Manhattan’s giant “icicles,” Penguin wanders off, exploring the city’s ups (elevators) and downs (subways) before making his way to New York’s other big green celebrity, the Statue of Liberty, where he’s reunited with his frantic, tubular companion. Nash caps an affectionate view of a crowded but clean-lined city with a glimpse of Lady Liberty winking at viewers, as Pickle happily ushers Penguin off to his palatial high-rise apartment.
Fans of Peter Armour’s unjustly neglected Stop That Pickle! (1993) will happily add this to the barrel.
(Picture book. 6-8)