MEET AT THE ARK AT EIGHT

Three penguins…but only two tickets to the ark, what’s a friend to do?

A trio of penguins stand on an ice floe hoping for something to happen as they try not to kick each other. Along comes a butterfly; the smallest of the penguins decides to squash it. The two larger penguins remind him God says not to kill, but the smaller penguin has never seen God; he accidentally squashes the butterfly and storms off in anger. A dove happens by and tells the two large penguins about Noah’s ark. She gives them two tickets and warns them not to be late. Not wanting to leave their grumpy friend behind, the two concoct a plan to stuff him in their suitcase. The three hide from the dove for most of the voyage, but how are they going to exit two-by-two? German playwright and actor Hub’s light, loopy riff on the biblical tale is based on his children’s play. Fundamentalists may take umbrage at the philosophical ponderings of the three penguins (not to mention the fact they’re all male, and one cross-dresses to disembark). However, this will make a good discussion starter for youngsters contemplating the nature and existence of a creator. Mühle’s black-and-white illustrations add a touch of endearing slapstick.

Not for every reader, but sweet in its own way.