This is the story of an ambitious penguin who wants to be a star... but is stardom all it's cracked up to be? Norbert lives in Antarctica, and when he finds a flyer about an exciting new show, despite his friends' lack of interest, he leaves his home and makes the long journey to the big city. Soon, he is the most famous penguin the world has ever known! But is this really the way to happiness and can Norbert have stardom and his family? The lively and vibrant stylised illustrations are full of joy and life, and chart Norbert's journey wonderfully. * Parents in Touch *
Why would anyone with a whole lot of friends and family decide to uproot himself and set off for distant shores? That's what penguin Norbert decides to do when he discovers one day, a flyer about a musical in the big city. None of his fellow penguins shows the least bit of interest in joining him so, sad as he feels at their lack of enthusiasm, Norbert sets sail on a somewhat perilous voyage of rough waters and seasickness that finally takes him to an enormous city.Perhaps it's time to write home, he thinks but the sight of the theatre sends the notion clean out of his head. Instead he heads straight inside where he is quickly spellbound by the performance. Immediately, Norbert knows he too wants to be on the stage. He joins a long line of auditioners - singers, all. The judges are seemingly, impressed; but the role they allocate Norbert isn't exactly what he'd hoped for. He does get a chance to try his flippers at various other jobs too; plenty to tell those at home, yet still he doesn't write. Then one day, the star of the show -something of a prima donna - quits and guess who is asked to step in. Norbert wows the audience; he's a star. Life as a famous singer comprises rounds of party going, being a passenger in a limousine and singing in every Broadway musical you can think of. Still he doesn't write that letter home. When he wins a prestigious award, the star penguin suddenly feels there is something he really must do - right away. Letter of apology duly penned and posted he waits for a response. Meanwhile back in the Antarctic his penguin pals have been busy organising something special to welcome him home. What could it be? They've certainly been inspired by their friend and are eager that he return to their midst. Joanna Boyle has created a super story of determination, difference, following and fulfilling your dreams and friendship. Imbued in turn with pathos and humour, her illustrations both large and small are staged with impressive style. * Red Reading Hub *
Norbert by Joanna Boyle is a tale of an ambitious penguin who longs to be famous.Norbert's friends enjoy fishing all day long but Norbert has other interests. He dreams of singing and dancing to a venue full of enthusiastic folk who enjoy stage performances. Frustrating as it is for Norbert, his friends show no enthusiasm for a musical that is due to happen in the big city but Norbert is excited and decides to set sail on a very testing trip to the big city.On arrival in the big city Norbert is mesmerised by the theatre. The thought of him writing to his family and friends back in Antarctica soon disappears and he becomes immersed in the stage life. Readers witness that Norbert doesn't get his big break straight away, he works hard and accepts different roles until finally one day when a star turns down a role it is offered to Norbert.In the midst of Norbert becoming increasingly successful he is lonely. He doesn't have his family and friends nearby and the idea of writing a letter to them seems silly now as so much has happened, until one day Norbert receives a prestigious award and his thinking changes. He goes home.Norbert's friends know him so well and they are proud of his achievements. Unbeknown to him they have been busy organising and are eager to show Norbert their efforts which he is absolutely delighted with. Norbert is a delight to read about. The book is a fantastic one for discussing determination and friendship and the illustrations throughout are brilliantly engaging. I'm sure you'll want to adopt Norbert after reading about him or better still make a Norbert using a kitchen roll tube just as we did. * Mamma Filza *
