by Salina Yoon
In the spring of 2021, my editor reached out to see if I’d be interested in writing and illustrating another Penguin book to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Penguin’s first book, PENGUIN AND PINECONE, a friendship story. It was an incredible opportunity to bring the series back to the forefront with a new book!
BUT, it was also a daunting task because in my mind, the series was complete with the 6 published books. The last Penguin book I wrote was in 2016, with PENGUIN’S CHRISTMAS WISH (Bloomsbury/2017). I had written one book after the next at the time, so I wondered if I could go back to the place of Penguin’s world and create a new story that was not only authentic to Penguin, but also something new and fresh, and deserving to be published.
Penguin’s 7th book began with thinking of a new character for Penguin to meet. I wanted this character to be different from all his previous friends—like Crab, Polar Bear, and Pinecone—while also being very different from Penguin. He has an eclectic taste in friends, and they often take him on new and surprising adventures.
I chose an elephant, and named her Penelope.
The elephant was different from a penguin in many ways; large body vs. small body, 4 feet vs. 2 feet, trunk vs. beak, rough skin vs. smooth feathers, large ears vs. no ears, tropical habitat vs. cold habitat, just to name a few contrasting elements. The goal I had was to find something unique that connects them despite their obvious differences. Once I found that piece in the story, I knew I had something to work with! The cover gives you a clue to what they share in common—they can both swim!
Penguin’s books show the importance of friendship and the value of kindness through a heartwarming journey like no other. In Penguin and Penelope, Penguin finds Penelope stuck in mud, and he helps her find her way back home through a journey of friendship, growth, and self-discovery.
Salina, what a delightful problem to have—envisioning a 7th book in an established series!
Congratulations on PENGUIN AND PENELOPE, which releases on September 6, 2022. The special anniversary edition of PENGUIN AND PINECONE will come out on November 1.
Blog readers, Salina is giving away one set of the first 6 PENGUIN BOOKS!
Leave one comment to enter.
A random winner will be selected in June.
Good luck!
Salina Yoon is a Geisel Honor-winning author/illustrator of a dozen picture books and early readers and nearly 200 innovative novelty books, with over 5 million books sold worldwide, including KIKI AND JAX, the life-changing magic of friendship, a picture book she co-authored and illustrated with international tidying superstar and bestselling author, Marie Kondo. Visit her online at SalinaYoon.com.
76 comments
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May 24, 2022 at 9:51 am
katiemillsgiorgio
How fun! Thanks for sharing!
May 24, 2022 at 9:56 am
stephaniemstories
I love the new elephant character. Congratulations on this book and the anniversary of Penguin!
May 24, 2022 at 9:56 am
andreesantini
Oh my gosh, this book is super cute. Congratulations!
May 24, 2022 at 9:57 am
erintsiska
Awww this looks adorable. Congratulations Salina!!!
May 24, 2022 at 9:57 am
Kim A Larson
Yay, another Penguin book! Congratulations, Salina. Happy anniversary Penguin! Such a generous offer to give away 6 books!
May 24, 2022 at 9:59 am
Kathy Watson
Congratulations, Salina! Love Penguin and can’t wait to read the new adventure!
May 24, 2022 at 10:01 am
evelynchristensen
I love your books, Salina! Congratulations on this newest one! I’m sure it will bring joy to countless children.
May 24, 2022 at 10:02 am
Katie L. Carroll
The Penguin books are such a favorite at my house! So excited a new one is coming!
May 24, 2022 at 10:04 am
seschipper
A delightful interview! Penguin and Penelope sounds equally delightful. I love stories about friendship!! Congratulations, Salina! 🙂
May 24, 2022 at 10:06 am
seschipper
PS what a generous giveaway as well!!
May 24, 2022 at 10:06 am
kurtzmom548513
I don’t know how I have missed this series but will definitely be checking it out now! Thanks for an awesome post!
May 24, 2022 at 10:08 am
Heidi Chupp
Congratulations, Salina! This looks like such a special story. 😊
May 24, 2022 at 10:08 am
authoraileenstewart
Congrats Salina. Best wishes on a resurgance of love for Penguin, his new friend Penelope, and all his former freinds!!!
May 24, 2022 at 10:21 am
katemccarrollmoore
This is silly, I know, but my youngest daughter turned 35 yesterday and her family nickname is Penguin because of a silly childhood reference. She now has 2 babies of her own that she reads to every day. They would all love another Penguin adventure!!
May 24, 2022 at 10:35 am
Doreen Robinson
I am a huge fan of Penguin and Salina’s books and art! Looking forward to this friendship story.
May 24, 2022 at 10:41 am
Jane Heitman Healy
I’m so excited for another Penguin book! It is so interesting to hear your thought process as to how Penelope came to be, and I look forward to meeting her and reading about her adventure with Penguin. Congratulations on this new title and on the very popular series!
May 24, 2022 at 10:41 am
Linda
I love Yoon’s bold colours and wonderful stories.
May 24, 2022 at 10:54 am
Jilanne Hoffmann
I love how swimming connects the two. Congrats on a 7th penguin book baby!
May 24, 2022 at 10:55 am
Nancy Furstinger
I agree–this is a delightful problem to have, Yoon! Can’t wait to see what adventures Penguin has with Penelope:-)
May 24, 2022 at 10:58 am
Ellie Huynh
I love all the Penguin books! I had the pleasure of attending the Charlott Huck Literature Festival this past March and Salina was one of the speakers! How fascinating to learn about her journey and buy more of her books! Congrats to book #7 for Penguin!
May 24, 2022 at 11:03 am
Judy Sobanski
Penguin’s adventures are so fun and his friendships are so sweet. Congratulations on book # 7!
May 24, 2022 at 11:07 am
Wendi Silvano
I LOVE Penguin and Pinecone (and am so excited you are adding this new adventure for him!) Congrats!
May 24, 2022 at 11:08 am
Mia Geiger
This new book looks just as adorable as your earlier ones! Thank you for sharing the background on it. Congratulations on your success and upcoming new book!
May 24, 2022 at 11:13 am
Angie
Oh, we LOVE Penguin and Pinecone at my house (er, RV). Congratulations, Salina! Love the series as well!
May 24, 2022 at 11:16 am
Abigail Perry
I can’t wait to read your books!
May 24, 2022 at 11:18 am
srkckass
Congratulation! Very cute concept.
May 24, 2022 at 11:23 am
Bethanny Parker
Penguin and Penelope sounds like a cool story. Congrats!
May 24, 2022 at 11:41 am
ptnozell
I love how you chose differing creatures, with a shared love of an activity for your latest Penguin story. Thanks for sharing your thought process and congratulations on this addition to the series!
May 24, 2022 at 11:44 am
Lynn's Test Site
Aww! I’m glad Penguin is making a comeback to meet his new friend!
May 24, 2022 at 12:33 pm
Danielle Hammelef
These books look heartwarming and fun to read and share. Thank you for the post.
May 24, 2022 at 12:47 pm
Reed Hilton-Eddy
I have often wondered about that process, returning to a character so much later. Getting back into their shoes (flippers). It sounds like Penguin’s voice is still there – reassuring others that returning to characters is possible.
For sounds like a lovely new friendship.
May 24, 2022 at 1:03 pm
lmconnors
I love your Penguin books! How wonderful to get to live in their world again with a new book. Congratulations!
May 24, 2022 at 1:34 pm
rosecappelli
I can’t wait to meet Penelope! Penguin is such a special character. Congratulations, Salina!
May 24, 2022 at 1:35 pm
Beth Raff
Salina’s Penguin books are among the most popular in my library. Personally, penguins are my favorite animals! Can’t wait to read the new book.
May 24, 2022 at 1:36 pm
Beth Raff
Salina’s Penguin books are among the most popular in my picture book collection! Penguins are my favorite animal, too. Can’t wait to read the new book.
May 24, 2022 at 2:02 pm
Salina
Thank you so much for leaving me your comments! I’m enjoying reading them! Thanks so much for your kind support and enthusiasm! Wishing you all the best on your own writing journey!
May 24, 2022 at 2:13 pm
Rebecca Guzinski
Wonderful news!💗⭐️😊🎉
May 24, 2022 at 2:16 pm
Stan Yan
Salina! I’m so excited to see penguin getting another book!
May 24, 2022 at 2:30 pm
seahorsecoffeeelektra79018
I just love the concept of being able to love, accept and be friends with those who are different from ourselves. What a wonderful lesson. Thanks!
May 24, 2022 at 2:39 pm
semorber80
Wow! What a super cute series! 🙂 Can’t wait to see if it’s at our local library.
May 24, 2022 at 2:57 pm
kathydoherty1
As a reading specialist, I love charming early readers like the Penguin books!
May 24, 2022 at 3:19 pm
lynnbmaccom
Congratulations on all your books! I love Penguin and Pinecone–it’s a perennial favorite.
May 24, 2022 at 3:34 pm
shirley301
What a great series. Can’t wait to see the latest book.
May 24, 2022 at 3:54 pm
nancykkkkk
I love these books. Used Penguin and Pinecone as part of my critical thesis for my MFA. Look forward to #7.
May 24, 2022 at 3:59 pm
Linda Mitchell
That is the best first line I’ve read in a long time! Made me laugh–after a day in a middle school. Thanks and best of luck with this newest book!
May 24, 2022 at 4:24 pm
Stephanie Wildman
So excited to learn Penguin is coming back and with an elephant friend! My grandkids love your books (and the eldest has an elephant for his “cozy.” – can’t wait – congratulations!
May 24, 2022 at 4:37 pm
Lisa Kingsford
What fun to find a common tie with penguins and elephants. This book looks so cute!
May 24, 2022 at 4:41 pm
William David Curtis
Love the idea of penguins and elephants united in sharing the ability to swim. And penguins do fly through the water!
May 24, 2022 at 6:11 pm
tinamcho
Congrats, Salina! Penelope is a cute addition!
May 24, 2022 at 6:30 pm
Mary McClellan
You had me at penguin. Can’t wait to read #7!
May 24, 2022 at 7:31 pm
chardixon47
Penguin always captures my heart ❤ Congrats, Salina! I'm looking forward to more heart and fun!
May 24, 2022 at 8:49 pm
Chelle
Such a cute series of books. Very creative. Love the artwork, too.
May 24, 2022 at 8:55 pm
Karen Chun
Thank you for sharing your process of creating a new character and the commonality with Penguin. I can’t wait to read it!
May 24, 2022 at 9:08 pm
TonyaAnn Pember
I appreciate your sharing the thinking behind a penguin and elephant friendship.
May 24, 2022 at 9:18 pm
pollyrenner
Wow! What a dream to be asked to write another Penguin book for this series! I cannot wait to read the new book, and maybe win the whole series – Yipee for us lucky readers:>
May 25, 2022 at 12:01 am
Karan Greene
What a delightful series! Thanks for sharing!
May 25, 2022 at 6:38 am
Laura Purdie Salas
The Penguin books are so adorable and heartwarming, and deceptively simple looking. Congratulations, Salina, on Book 7!
May 25, 2022 at 7:33 am
Varda Livney
Congratulations, Salina! You are a talented author/illustrator, a lovely person, AND generous with your knowledge. Thanks for sharing.
May 25, 2022 at 10:09 am
Micki Ginsberg
What a delightful problem! What an ingenious solution! And on to the next?
May 25, 2022 at 11:00 am
Darcee A Freier
Another Penguin book, YAY! Congrats!
May 25, 2022 at 11:28 am
Rebecca Van Slyke
My second graders still love Penguin. They will love Penguin’s new friend, too!
May 25, 2022 at 11:28 am
Susan Johnston Taylor
Congrats, Salina! These look adorable.
May 25, 2022 at 3:19 pm
Katie McLendon
Love this series! Can’t wait for Penelope
May 25, 2022 at 3:30 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
Penguin and his friends are adorable!
May 25, 2022 at 4:12 pm
Penny Schneider
Really cute! I love the idea of the series, meeting someone new and taking them on an adventure.
May 25, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Stephanie Jones
Such a great opportunity to find a new and contrasting Penguin friend! I love it! Thanks for sharing.
May 26, 2022 at 3:19 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Penguin and Pachyderm – lovely
May 28, 2022 at 8:44 am
Laronda
Congratulations on finding this story! This friendship looks delightful! 😊
May 28, 2022 at 8:10 pm
Melissa Coffey
Salina’s workshop on concept books/board books including PENGUIN was the first SCBWI presentation in SoCal I ever attended. 🙂 Congrats on the 7th in the series!
May 29, 2022 at 2:40 pm
LaurenKerstein
How exciting! I loved reading about your process as you envisioned a new adventure for Penguin! Penelope sounds like a wonderful character.
May 30, 2022 at 11:50 am
Teresa 何 Robeson
Hooray for another book in the fabulous PENGUIN series! Salina rocks!
May 31, 2022 at 8:29 pm
Sandy Lowe
Could Penguin be any more adorable?
June 1, 2022 at 1:00 pm
Paul Brassard
Salina,
Your books are so simple and heartwarming. They make me return to the young child that still lives in my heart.
Congratulations!
Paul
June 2, 2022 at 12:11 am
Natalie Lynn Tanner
By pairing SUCH DIFFERENT characters ONLY SHEER SWEETNESS can POSSIBLY ensue!!! I’m SO LOOKING FORWARD to another visit with Penguin!
June 4, 2022 at 9:54 pm
marty bellis
Congrats on adding another fun book to this series!
June 19, 2022 at 11:12 am
Kelly Rice Schmitt
What a fantastic series! We love these in our house. They are so joyful and we love the bright illustrations.