Pompey was a Penguin complete with Dust jacket: Illustrated by Kiddell Monroe

POMPEY returned to his home in the Antarctic in August after an absence of one-and-a-half years. He was one of about twelve thousand Gentoo penguins which lived on three islands, North Island, Middle Island and South Island. This book is a simple account of Pompey's life during the following nine months. He goes swimming among the ice-foes; he fishes for shrimps; he escapes from his arch-enemy, the Leopard Seal; and he meets the charming Jenny who becomes his wife. Together they make a nest and rear two fine, fluffy chicks. It is an accurate description of the life of a Gentoo penguin, made interesting by Mr. Bagshawe's wide knowledge of penguin habits and the conditions in which they live. Before the time comes for the baby penguins to swim away from home, Pompey and Jenny and many of their neighbours have become intimate friends. ]oan Kiddell-Monroe's pictures are accurate and quite outstanding. They help to make a really exceptional book. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ About the Author Author: Thomas Wyatt Bagshawe was born on 18 April 1901 He died on 28 January 1976. He joined the British Expedition to Graham Land, He and his companion spent a year alone in the Antarctic, the smallest and first British party ever to winter in Graham Land. Their base was at a place they called Water-Boat Point, one of the small group of islands off the Danco Coast. Here they lived in the middle of the penguin rookeries, and so had unrivalled opportunities for study. Published works: Two men in the Antarctic. An expedition to Graham Land, 1920-1922 and Pompey was a Penguin 1940.+++++++++++++++

'Pompey was a Penguin' by Thomas Wyatt Bagshawe and Illustrated by Joan Kiddell-Monroe is a simple tale beautifully told in a timeless manner. The storyline tells the tale of a penguin's life from a penguins perspective and introduces other Antarctic creatures along the way.

The book accurately describes the behaviour pattern of the Antarctic wildlife in a simple but accurate manner and in this respect is both educational and informative as well as being supported by some delightful artwork.

The structure and the grammar used throughout the book is very descriptive and is 'of it's time' but in a very positive and effective way

This book not just about telling a story and learning about the behaviour patterns of Antarctic creatures but also reminding us of what a rich heritage the English language gives us. To sum up, this book is a very enjoyable read for people of all ages but I found it a delightful book to read to a school at which I'm a chair of Governor's.

Reviewed by

Steve Wroe (ex British Antarctic Survey)