What do you think?
Rate this book
Diary of a Penguin-napper
3 weeks ...
2 boys ...
1 little penguin ...
What could possibly go wrong?
When 11 (and a half) year old Marty is partnered up with Jessica on the overnight science trip, he thinks all of this dreams are about to come true. It's his big chance to impress the most beautiful girl in Year 7 (and probably the world) and he wouldn't miss it for anything.
Only problem is: Marty can't afford to go on the overnight trip.
Yet.
Inspired by the urban myth that it is possible to steal a penguin from the zoo on a school visit, Diary of a Penguin-napper is a hilarious tale of growing up, bending the rules and how one big fuss can be caused by stealing just one little penguin.
2 boys ...
1 little penguin ...
What could possibly go wrong?
When 11 (and a half) year old Marty is partnered up with Jessica on the overnight science trip, he thinks all of this dreams are about to come true. It's his big chance to impress the most beautiful girl in Year 7 (and probably the world) and he wouldn't miss it for anything.
Only problem is: Marty can't afford to go on the overnight trip.
Yet.
Inspired by the urban myth that it is possible to steal a penguin from the zoo on a school visit, Diary of a Penguin-napper is a hilarious tale of growing up, bending the rules and how one big fuss can be caused by stealing just one little penguin.
- GenresMiddle Grade
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2012
6 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 29, 2012
3.5/5 Stars
THREE WORDS: Super Cute & Fun
MY REVIEW: With a title like Diary of a Penguin-napper, I just knew I was in for a wild and wacky ride when I began Sally Harris' middle-grade novel. And I was very right. This quick read is chock full of both the wild and the wacky!
Diary of a Penguin-napper follows the adventures of one eleven year old Marty, as he and his best friend Turds set out to kidnap a penguin from the zoo. Marty is paired up with his crush and the most beautiful girl in Year 7, Jessica, for an overnight science trip, but there's one little problem- Marty's mom can't afford the trip. Thus, the two young boys resort to penguin-napping and selling, and hilarity and mayhem ensue.
At a little over 150 pages, Diary of a Penguin-napper is a super quick, but super cute and fun read. Sally Harris has concocted an imaginative and exciting tale that will have readers laughing out loud and ready to put their own clever schemes into motion.
Because of the book's shorter length, delightful adventure, and funny dialogue I easily devoured it in one sitting, not wanting to put it down until I knew how Marty's story ended. Harris begins the story at the end and works backwards, as Marty tells his tale to his mother and the two cops who have shown up for the missing penguin. I like this “starting at the end” structure because it really makes you feel like you too, are being told a story. I felt like I was sitting in that living room with Marty, his mom, and the cops, munching on cookies and being delighted and amused by the unbelievable and engrossing story.
And what a zany, funny story it is! I love how outrageous and outlandish the idea of kidnapping a penguin from a zoo sounds, yet at the same time, like Marty and Turds, I too, totally believed it made perfect sense and could be pulled off. It's the kind of scheme that you know can't end well, but you must see how it plays out. And this penguin-napping scheme definitely kept me entertained and full of giggles. Harris writes with an age-appropriate voice that is both cheeky and adorable.
Harris' characters are a quirky, charming bunch. Marty narrates his own tale, so we get to know him the best, and he's an endearing guy. I love that Marty did everything in the name of love! Turds is the kind of BFF one need for a penguin-napping scheme, he's loyal, handy, and not afraid to get in trouble. And, of course, we have the lovely and surprisingly sweet Jessica.
The book ends on a satisfying and happy note that had me “Awww'ing”.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Diary of a Penguin-napper is an amusing, cute, and fun read that will entertain readers of all ages, but I think younger MG readers will get the most enjoyment out of it. An entertaining book for fans of wacky and funny adventures (and penguins!) and the trouble-makers in all of us.
THREE WORDS: Super Cute & Fun
MY REVIEW: With a title like Diary of a Penguin-napper, I just knew I was in for a wild and wacky ride when I began Sally Harris' middle-grade novel. And I was very right. This quick read is chock full of both the wild and the wacky!
Diary of a Penguin-napper follows the adventures of one eleven year old Marty, as he and his best friend Turds set out to kidnap a penguin from the zoo. Marty is paired up with his crush and the most beautiful girl in Year 7, Jessica, for an overnight science trip, but there's one little problem- Marty's mom can't afford the trip. Thus, the two young boys resort to penguin-napping and selling, and hilarity and mayhem ensue.
At a little over 150 pages, Diary of a Penguin-napper is a super quick, but super cute and fun read. Sally Harris has concocted an imaginative and exciting tale that will have readers laughing out loud and ready to put their own clever schemes into motion.
Because of the book's shorter length, delightful adventure, and funny dialogue I easily devoured it in one sitting, not wanting to put it down until I knew how Marty's story ended. Harris begins the story at the end and works backwards, as Marty tells his tale to his mother and the two cops who have shown up for the missing penguin. I like this “starting at the end” structure because it really makes you feel like you too, are being told a story. I felt like I was sitting in that living room with Marty, his mom, and the cops, munching on cookies and being delighted and amused by the unbelievable and engrossing story.
And what a zany, funny story it is! I love how outrageous and outlandish the idea of kidnapping a penguin from a zoo sounds, yet at the same time, like Marty and Turds, I too, totally believed it made perfect sense and could be pulled off. It's the kind of scheme that you know can't end well, but you must see how it plays out. And this penguin-napping scheme definitely kept me entertained and full of giggles. Harris writes with an age-appropriate voice that is both cheeky and adorable.
Harris' characters are a quirky, charming bunch. Marty narrates his own tale, so we get to know him the best, and he's an endearing guy. I love that Marty did everything in the name of love! Turds is the kind of BFF one need for a penguin-napping scheme, he's loyal, handy, and not afraid to get in trouble. And, of course, we have the lovely and surprisingly sweet Jessica.
The book ends on a satisfying and happy note that had me “Awww'ing”.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Diary of a Penguin-napper is an amusing, cute, and fun read that will entertain readers of all ages, but I think younger MG readers will get the most enjoyment out of it. An entertaining book for fans of wacky and funny adventures (and penguins!) and the trouble-makers in all of us.
April 4, 2013
We first meet Marty when he is doing as he is told, sitting still and not moving a muscle, in response to strict instructions from his mother. This has the consequence of putting him in even deeper trouble for not answering the door to the police. Such is the stuff of Marty, a delightful young man with all a young man’s problems, and a delightful way of keeping a record of them.
The exact circumstances which led to Marty’s conviction as a penguin-napper I will leave for you to discover. There is a beautiful young woman called Jessica, whom fate has decreed will be Marty’s partner on his school assignment. There is the faithful and inventive partner-in-crime Turds, so called due to an unfortunate incident with a typewriter in his first-ever school roll-call. There is a rich spoilt brat who provides the means whereby Marty can gather enough cash for an overnight school trip to a wildlife park. And there is a penguin. More than one, so let’s just say there is a Lead Penguin and leave it at that.
The whole story is narrated by Marty, with reference to his actual journal, complete with illustrations, and punctuated only by interjections, clarifications and chocolate biscuits consumed by the police.
It is, in short, a masterpiece, and anyone in their right mind would swim with a pygmy hippopotamus in order to get it.
Reviewed for my April 4th A to Z Challenge post. A prize in the AtoZ Giveaway at http://jemimapett.com through April 2013.
The exact circumstances which led to Marty’s conviction as a penguin-napper I will leave for you to discover. There is a beautiful young woman called Jessica, whom fate has decreed will be Marty’s partner on his school assignment. There is the faithful and inventive partner-in-crime Turds, so called due to an unfortunate incident with a typewriter in his first-ever school roll-call. There is a rich spoilt brat who provides the means whereby Marty can gather enough cash for an overnight school trip to a wildlife park. And there is a penguin. More than one, so let’s just say there is a Lead Penguin and leave it at that.
The whole story is narrated by Marty, with reference to his actual journal, complete with illustrations, and punctuated only by interjections, clarifications and chocolate biscuits consumed by the police.
It is, in short, a masterpiece, and anyone in their right mind would swim with a pygmy hippopotamus in order to get it.
Reviewed for my April 4th A to Z Challenge post. A prize in the AtoZ Giveaway at http://jemimapett.com through April 2013.
November 30, 2012
Giggle, giggle, snort. What a funny story of young love and misguided thinking. I mean seriously, stealing a penguin?! I would never have thought of such a thing and I can't think of any other book on such a topic. Maybe that's one of the great things about reading literature that comes from other countries, the introduction of stories that are different and unusual. I personally really enjoy these kind of books and I'm glad I had a chance to read this one.
This story revolves around a teenage boy trying to impress his crush and find a way to go on his biology class field trip. With the help of some friends(?), he decides to steal/borrow a penguin from the local zoo. How he expected to hide the penguin from his mother is an interesting question, but then again, how many teenagers think things through completely before they act?
This book reminds me of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, although instead of comics it uses illustrations involving diagrams and notes from Marty's diary/notebook. This helps make the book especially kid-friendly. I found the book easy to read and it starts off with a bang as Marty faces the consequences of his choices. I highly recommend this book to kids who want something a little different and yet funny and relatable.
This story revolves around a teenage boy trying to impress his crush and find a way to go on his biology class field trip. With the help of some friends(?), he decides to steal/borrow a penguin from the local zoo. How he expected to hide the penguin from his mother is an interesting question, but then again, how many teenagers think things through completely before they act?
This book reminds me of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, although instead of comics it uses illustrations involving diagrams and notes from Marty's diary/notebook. This helps make the book especially kid-friendly. I found the book easy to read and it starts off with a bang as Marty faces the consequences of his choices. I highly recommend this book to kids who want something a little different and yet funny and relatable.
September 16, 2015
3.5 stars rounded down to 3!!!
I picked this book because I needed a light read and a children's book is best for that, but this book lacked the humor I was expecting. This story is about Marty to steals Penguin from zoo to get money for his school trip. He takes the help of his best friend and together they carry out the mission. This book is narrated by a naughty kid and tells about his mischief, so I was expecting more humor and fun, but it didn't meet my expectations! :( :|
I picked this book because I needed a light read and a children's book is best for that, but this book lacked the humor I was expecting. This story is about Marty to steals Penguin from zoo to get money for his school trip. He takes the help of his best friend and together they carry out the mission. This book is narrated by a naughty kid and tells about his mischief, so I was expecting more humor and fun, but it didn't meet my expectations! :( :|
April 23, 2013
This is a funny, entertaining tale of two boys, a girl, and a penguin that made me laugh plenty of times.
The first thing that grabbed me about this book was the awesome cover. My hat is off to the illustrator/designer.
The second thing that grabbed me about this book was the great story. My hat is off to the author.
It's one of those tales where a small thing in itself (the need to go to a camp) leads from one event to the next, like a snowball. From the title, you already know that there is a penguin involved. Well, that penguin is central to the story but it isn't the main focus.
The story follows the antics of Marty, who along with his best friend, Turds, embark on a simple journey to find a way for Marty to go to an overnight school excursion. That sounds simple enough ... well, it's not that easy. One thing leads to another, and much of the tale is how the kids solve the problem that they've caused while they've been trying to solve the previous problem. Lack of attention to detail in their planning, contributes to their woes. As I said, it's like a snowball that grows as it rolls.
I'm not going to fill this review with spoilers so you'll need to read the book for yourself to get any more details. But I will say that the bank scene was hilarious and written so well that the awkwardness between the characters burst from the pages.
My favourite lines are:
My bottom line: This is a funny, entertaining tale of two boys, a girl, and a penguin that made me laugh plenty of times. I recommend this to anyone who would like a read that makes them chuckle at the awkward circumstances kids can bring upon themselves. As a parent, I'll be on the lookout for clues from now on, in case this ever happens at my place.
Note: I don't claim to be a pro-reviewer, I am a reader. My reviews are based on my personal thoughts around the story that the book is trying to tell. I'd rather focus on the story (which is the reason I read) rather than dissect the book and pass comment on writing style, structure or typos.
The first thing that grabbed me about this book was the awesome cover. My hat is off to the illustrator/designer.
The second thing that grabbed me about this book was the great story. My hat is off to the author.
It's one of those tales where a small thing in itself (the need to go to a camp) leads from one event to the next, like a snowball. From the title, you already know that there is a penguin involved. Well, that penguin is central to the story but it isn't the main focus.
The story follows the antics of Marty, who along with his best friend, Turds, embark on a simple journey to find a way for Marty to go to an overnight school excursion. That sounds simple enough ... well, it's not that easy. One thing leads to another, and much of the tale is how the kids solve the problem that they've caused while they've been trying to solve the previous problem. Lack of attention to detail in their planning, contributes to their woes. As I said, it's like a snowball that grows as it rolls.
I'm not going to fill this review with spoilers so you'll need to read the book for yourself to get any more details. But I will say that the bank scene was hilarious and written so well that the awkwardness between the characters burst from the pages.
My favourite lines are:
I freeze. I don't really want to give her my real name in case the whole thing backfires. I scan the nearby pamphlets.
"Mr Investment," I say, picking the first word that I can see that might be a surname. I could hardly pick Mr Money Manager or Mr Business Banking, now could I?
My bottom line: This is a funny, entertaining tale of two boys, a girl, and a penguin that made me laugh plenty of times. I recommend this to anyone who would like a read that makes them chuckle at the awkward circumstances kids can bring upon themselves. As a parent, I'll be on the lookout for clues from now on, in case this ever happens at my place.
Note: I don't claim to be a pro-reviewer, I am a reader. My reviews are based on my personal thoughts around the story that the book is trying to tell. I'd rather focus on the story (which is the reason I read) rather than dissect the book and pass comment on writing style, structure or typos.
April 27, 2013
Diary of a Penguin-napper begins with Marty sitting on a couch waiting for the police to arrive. His mother has just discovered that the missing penguin from the zoo has been hidden in their upstairs bathroom by none other then her son. Thinking it is the right thing to do, Marty's mom calls the police to turn him in. As the police arrive and interrogate him, Marty slowly begins to tell the story of how he came in possession of the stolen penguin and why. I think by having the police interrogate Marty it naturally leads into the details of the heist and why stealing a penguin was so important to him in the first place (for love of course). I especially liked this technique. I don't think I am giving to much away by saying all that. The title kinda says it all. The "trouble one little penguin can cause" well that is what makes the story so engaging. That and the fact that Sally Harris seems to have a knack for capturing the voice of middle grader Marty very nicely. Diary of a Penguin-napper also includes some hilarious illustrated diary entry pages which are both amusing and add beautifully to the story. Overall, I really loved this book. My hope is that Sally Harris will write some more fun stories about Marty and his friend Turds. I can just see them getting into all kinds of trouble and having further fun adventures together. My review ebook was featured on March MG Madness at http://www.wordspelunking.blogspot.com and was a giveaway from the author Sally Harris. I big thank you to both.
February 17, 2013
This is a really funny book.
I laughed a lot with this one, which is how it should be, because of course the subject matter is kind of ridiculous and is supposed to make you laugh. When eleven-year old Marty first lays eyes on Jessica, he knows she's the girl for him--but how to impress the most beautiful girl in school? Why, steal a penguin of course. Does it work? Read the book and find out!
The story (most of it) is told after the fact, when Marty is trying to explain to the police how a penguin got in his upstairs bathroom. The whole story is so clever I laughed myself silly while reading. Eleven year old boys can be so wonderfully stupid. And endearing.
Kids will love this book. Smart (and goofy,) short, written in a chatty-kid style and funny. This is a great book for both boys and girls (and adults like me who like fun stuff like this.)
I don't have a big critique on the style--I thought it was well-written and kids will have an easy time reading it. The story is written more for the younger side of the middle-grade spectrum, although I'm in my forties and enjoyed reading it. Parents and teachers will have a fun time reading this to kids also. Hopefully the book won't convince any young 'un to actually try and steal a penguin though!
I laughed a lot with this one, which is how it should be, because of course the subject matter is kind of ridiculous and is supposed to make you laugh. When eleven-year old Marty first lays eyes on Jessica, he knows she's the girl for him--but how to impress the most beautiful girl in school? Why, steal a penguin of course. Does it work? Read the book and find out!
The story (most of it) is told after the fact, when Marty is trying to explain to the police how a penguin got in his upstairs bathroom. The whole story is so clever I laughed myself silly while reading. Eleven year old boys can be so wonderfully stupid. And endearing.
Kids will love this book. Smart (and goofy,) short, written in a chatty-kid style and funny. This is a great book for both boys and girls (and adults like me who like fun stuff like this.)
I don't have a big critique on the style--I thought it was well-written and kids will have an easy time reading it. The story is written more for the younger side of the middle-grade spectrum, although I'm in my forties and enjoyed reading it. Parents and teachers will have a fun time reading this to kids also. Hopefully the book won't convince any young 'un to actually try and steal a penguin though!
February 27, 2013
When Marty gets paired up with the girl of his dreams, although she doesn't know his name, for a science trip he would do anything to go. Even if that means stealing a penguin . . .
I thought this book was absolutely adorable and hilarious! Love, love, loved it! My stepson is really excited to read it too. This is the story of how a penguin ended up in Marty's bathroom and you get to go along for the adventure. I would have to ask my stepson if this book is anything like The Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, I haven't read them but he has read them all and loves them. It includes snippets from Mary's diary throughout the book which are really funny.
This book was so cute and a lot of fun to read, even for an adult. I know that kids would LOVE this! I would definitely recommend this book! It will show you EXACTLY how much trouble one little penguin can cause.
I thought this book was absolutely adorable and hilarious! Love, love, loved it! My stepson is really excited to read it too. This is the story of how a penguin ended up in Marty's bathroom and you get to go along for the adventure. I would have to ask my stepson if this book is anything like The Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, I haven't read them but he has read them all and loves them. It includes snippets from Mary's diary throughout the book which are really funny.
This book was so cute and a lot of fun to read, even for an adult. I know that kids would LOVE this! I would definitely recommend this book! It will show you EXACTLY how much trouble one little penguin can cause.
December 4, 2012
What do you get when you mix tween angst, a school trip and a penguin. A hilarious misadventure in "Diary of a Penguin Napper."
I absolutely loved it, laugh out loud moments, awesome Aussie humour involving two very well meaning but totally misguided tweens and a very naughty penguin.
A fabulous middle grade read for the reluctant reader, I highly recommend it.
I absolutely loved it, laugh out loud moments, awesome Aussie humour involving two very well meaning but totally misguided tweens and a very naughty penguin.
A fabulous middle grade read for the reluctant reader, I highly recommend it.
November 6, 2013
This was a funny, Australian adventure, involving a get-rich quick scheme, so that the main character can go on school camp with the girl of his dreams. It involves kidnapping a penguin and the resultant debacle. Great story for young people.
October 24, 2020
Cute and silly. It was a bit hard to read/think at a 6th grader's level.
September 29, 2017
Great Fun!
My Grandson and I Loved this book! Fun! Engaging! Teaches kids a few lessons while igniting their imaginations! Very entertaining!
My Grandson and I Loved this book! Fun! Engaging! Teaches kids a few lessons while igniting their imaginations! Very entertaining!
June 13, 2022
This is a sweet short read about two misguided boys wanting to attract the attention of the opposite sex. Why not steal a penguin?!
August 13, 2014
Well, we are not exactly talking crime of the century, but for two eleven year olds named Marty Finn and Scot Trudman, the penguin caper was a big deal. This book is a middle grade fiction story that combines all those elements of crucial importance to children of that age. Marty has the usual problems adjusting to school, learning to cope and fit in with peers and adults, and finding a way to understand and deal with his first crush. His good friend, Scott owes him due to the fact that Marty has rescued Scot from embarrassment more then once, including the time Scott lost his trunks while diving into the swimming pool.
The story begins at the end. Marty is sitting in his living room reading his diary explaining the details of the kidnapping to two police offices he calls Fat and Skinny. That crime of snatching a penguin from the Australian zoo has been thwarted because his mother has discovered the penguin in the attic bathroom. Why would he possibly want to steal a penguin? He needed the money to go on an overnight school trip to the nature center so that he could work with his assigned partner, Jessica, who just happens to be the girl he has a crush on. Marty’s mother had informed him that she did not have the money for the trip; after several attempts to raise money by doing chores and securing a loan at the local bank, the boys realize they have run out of options. But an unexpected opportunity springs up when the wealthiest student in the school offers them $500 to bring a wild animal to his little sister’s birthday party. So Marty and Scott hatch their plot and succeed in bagging the penguin. The end results and punishments have both predictable and unforeseen consequences.
This story is written mainly for middle grade students. Fans of Diary of A Wimpy Kid will appreciate the clever entries in Marty’s diaries, the names used for characters, and the offbeat humor. The plot, humor and dialogue are age appropriate and genuine. In addition, the cover is an eye catching design which intrigues the reader. If you are looking for an amusing pleasant read, spend a couple of hours with this one.
The story begins at the end. Marty is sitting in his living room reading his diary explaining the details of the kidnapping to two police offices he calls Fat and Skinny. That crime of snatching a penguin from the Australian zoo has been thwarted because his mother has discovered the penguin in the attic bathroom. Why would he possibly want to steal a penguin? He needed the money to go on an overnight school trip to the nature center so that he could work with his assigned partner, Jessica, who just happens to be the girl he has a crush on. Marty’s mother had informed him that she did not have the money for the trip; after several attempts to raise money by doing chores and securing a loan at the local bank, the boys realize they have run out of options. But an unexpected opportunity springs up when the wealthiest student in the school offers them $500 to bring a wild animal to his little sister’s birthday party. So Marty and Scott hatch their plot and succeed in bagging the penguin. The end results and punishments have both predictable and unforeseen consequences.
This story is written mainly for middle grade students. Fans of Diary of A Wimpy Kid will appreciate the clever entries in Marty’s diaries, the names used for characters, and the offbeat humor. The plot, humor and dialogue are age appropriate and genuine. In addition, the cover is an eye catching design which intrigues the reader. If you are looking for an amusing pleasant read, spend a couple of hours with this one.
May 28, 2014
Marty decides he has to go on a field trip to impress the new girl, only he doesn't have the one hundred dollars it costs to go. So he and his friend try to come up with the money.
I loved this story because it told the story both with diary pages and with Marty telling the story.
Imagine stealing a penguin to impress a girl.
Very fun read!
I loved this story because it told the story both with diary pages and with Marty telling the story.
Imagine stealing a penguin to impress a girl.
Very fun read!
October 31, 2013
Funny adventure and sweet crushes. Cute diary illustrations. Recommend to grades 3-6.
September 9, 2016
Super cute story!
September 3, 2015
Awesome and funny
September 29, 2015
A plus reading.
My 10 year old son said, "It was good. I guess. Could have had an explosion at some point."
I thought it was excellent. No explosion required.
My 10 year old son said, "It was good. I guess. Could have had an explosion at some point."
I thought it was excellent. No explosion required.
June 20, 2016
I loved this book it was a very interesting book.
Read
August 29, 2017loved it
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews