Petey the Penguin wants a Banana! follows a young penguin who wakes up craving a banana, which is a funny problem for a penguin since he lives on the ice where bananas do not grow. So he swims a huge distance, wanders into a warm sunny land, and meets new friends who help him search for the fruit he wants more than anything. Together they explore beaches, roads, forests, and finally find a place full of bananas. Petey gets his long-awaited snack and then heads home after saying goodbye.

I had a good time with this story because it feels sweet and silly in the best way. The writing moves fast and keeps things light and simple. I liked how Petey just goes for it even though the problem makes no sense for a penguin. Something about that made me smile. The ideas are easy for kids to follow, and the moments of surprise kept me flipping pages. I also enjoyed the way the characters pop up one by one, each giving Petey a boost when he starts to drag. It felt warm.

The friendships felt gentle and kind. Kai shading Petey from the sun by getting a branch from a tree was cute. The banana hunt felt like a journey that a kid would imagine on a long day when everything feels big and exciting.

This children’s book works great for young kids who love animals and simple adventures. It’s a cozy story with bright art and friendly characters. If you want something sweet to read at bedtime or to spark a little imagination, Petey the Penguin wants a Banana! is a great picture book to pick.

Pages: 25