“Dunbar’s winsome mixed-media illustrations carry the dayin a story that pulls a few punches on readers.” —Publishers Weekly(starred review)

A Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of theYear
A Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choice
A Baker’s Dozen: Best Children’s Books for Family LiteracySelection (Pennsylvania)

Ben rips open his present and finds a penguin inside. “Hello,Penguin!” he says. “What shall we play?” But Penguin says nothing.Even when Ben tickles its belly, does a dizzy dance, and sticks outhis tongue, Penguin makes no response. What will it take forPenguin to say something — or for Ben to understand what Penguinhas to say? Spare illustrations bring whimsy to this offbeat tale,in which a little boy gets his heart’s desire.