Flipper and Finnegan – The True Story of How Tiny Jumpers Saved Little Penguins

 Flipper and Finnegan – The True Story of How Tiny Jumpers Saved Little Penguins

Reviewed By  Grasshopper2       August 1, 2022

 

Author  Sophie Cunningham, illustrated by Anil Tortop

Distributor:      Allen & Unwin
ISBN:                 9781761180071
Publisher:         A&U Children's: Imprint Albert Street Books.
Release Date:   August 2022  

Website:    https://www.allenandunwin.com 

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Flipper and Finnegan, what a great introduction to the environment, geography, and history. For younger readers the main characters of penguins will have instant appeal. This is a true story and although the oil spill disaster is not laboured, it is quite plain to see its effects. 

Facts given make this an interesting read as well as meaningful. Penguins’ blue colours on top blend in with the sea, and their white tummies blend with the sky above.

In 2001 there was an oil spill that affected the colony of little penguins living off Pt Phillip Island in Victoria. The Rangers in the Wildlife Centre knew they had to clean the many penguins quickly.

Because of the oil coating their feathers, the birds could not retain heat. The Rangers had the idea of little knitted jumpers. Word went out and thousands of jumpers were knitted to save many lives.

This very colourful, hard back picture book is well composed. The white text on the coloured pages helps young readers, while the double page spread adds greatly to the text. Anil Tortop’s penguins appear to be cheeky and fun loving.

The cooperation shown by so many people willing to knit these tiny jumpers, is heart-warming. The penguins are an important part of our echo system and have a place in the heart of most.

Flipper and Finnegan: the true story of how little jumpers saved tiny penguins is an important reminder on so many levels.

Childrens