Book Review: How the Penguins Saved Veronica

In the 4th grade, I wrote a report on penguins. I did all the research (back then I actually went to a library and checked out books), drew a big penguin on a posterboard, and got up in front of the class and shared a bunch of fun (to me) facts.

Ever since then, I’ve had a soft spot in my heart for those waddling creatures who seem to defy nature with their very long bodies, barely there wings, and little tiny “legs.” Apparently, Veronica, the main character of How the Penguins Saved Veronica, a sweet ensemble-type book, has a soft spot for them, too.

Veronica is a curmudgeonly 85-year-old in England used to having her own way. She’s living a lonely life bossing around her maid and getting angry at whomever she can when a few things happen at once that send her looking for a project: she realizes she needs to find a place to leave her fortune (yes, she’s also rich), she meets her estranged grandson, Patrick, for the first time (she’s not impressed) and she watches a nature show about penguins (and she becomes obsessed).

She makes the rash decision to head to Antarctica to visit the penguins–even though the scientists make it clear that isn’t the best idea…

I won’t give away the rest of the story, but I’ll share that it’s a sweet one. You’ll find yourself caring for the characters, enjoying the story, (and bonus: learning a few things about penguins).