Absolutely adorable, this is an autobiography full of eccentricity, charm and a penguin called Juan Salvador. As a young man in the 1970’s Tom Michell travelled to Argentina to teach at a boarding school. While in Uruguay Tom rescued a penguin from an oil slick and found himself with an unexpected companion. Writing in a fresh, chatty and friendly style, Tom introduces his colleagues, students and the beautiful country of Argentina. With super little titbits and recollections of his time in South America this a beautifully written memoir, however, I have to confess, that it is Juan Salvador who truly enchanted me. This confident, sociable little penguin must have been a joy to get to know. ‘The Penguin Lessons’ has left me with a lovely warm glow of optimism, there’s far more to be gained from these lessons than you would originally suspect.
Explore our '80+ Books That Deliver a Hug' listicle for more feel-good or uplifting books.
| Primary Genre | Travel |
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NOW A MAJOR FILM STARRING STEVE COOGAN AND JONATHAN PRYCE
This is the true story of the unlikely friendship between a flightless bird and a teacher out of his depth…
'So touching that I didn't want it to end. I really loved this book' Michael Bond, creator of Paddington
'Heartwarmingly eccentric' Guardian
'Charming' Daily Mail
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Tom Michell is in his roaring twenties: single, free-spirited and seeking adventure. He has a plane ticket to South America, a teaching position in a prestigious Argentine boarding school, and endless summer holidays.
What he doesn't need is a pet. What he really doesn't need is a pet penguin.
But while on holiday in Uruguay he spots a penguin struggling in an oil slick and knows he has to help. And then the penguin refuses to leave his side . . .
Clearly Tom has no choice but to smuggle it across the border, through customs, and back to school. He names him Juan Salvador.
Whether it's as the rugby team's mascot, the housekeeper's confidant, the host at Tom's parties or the most flamboyant swimming coach in world history, Juan Salvador transforms the lives of all he meets - including Tom, who discovers a compadre like no other . . .
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Readers adore The Penguin Lessons:
'I can't remember the last time I read a book that made me smile so continuously' 5***** Reader Review
'How could a penguin transform so many lives? Read it and see. You'll not regret it' 5***** Reader Review
'Delightful, uplifting, enjoyable, fun and beautifully written' 5***** Reader Review
Praise for The Penguin Lessons
'Lively and endearing' Publishers Weekly
'Warm and unique ... it's hard not to wish you were there' Bookseller
'One of the most touching tales we've read all year' Heat
The Penguin Lessons features in the following genres: Travel, Biographies & Autobiographies, eBooks of the Month, Non-Fiction Books of the Month, Lifestyle, Hobbies and Leisure, Biography, Literature and Literary studies, Recommendations
The Penguin Lessons is available in Paperback, Hardback
The Penguin Lessons was written by Tom Michell and published by Penguin Books an imprint of Penguin Books Ltd
The Penguin Lessons has 240 pages
£9.89
