One Cool Friend

Featuring three narrators, writer Toni Buzzeo and illustrator David Small's 2012 picture book was a Caldecott Honor Book as well as a New York Times bestseller. Somewhat visually reminiscent of Mr. Popper's Penguins, this mostly black-and-white animated tale (with dabs of color for the boy's pink cheeks and his father's red facial hair) focuses on proper young lad Elliot, who wears a tuxedo during a family fun day at the aquarium. Elliot does not find the other children entertaining, but he does perk up at the sight of penguins. A miscommunication when asking about penguins (his distracted father hands him money to buy a stuffed one) results in Elliot bringing home a real penguin in his backpack. Dubbing his new bird buddy Magellan, the duo enjoy each other's company, including an info-gathering trip to the library. But Magellan's overnight munchies on the family's seafood and a bathtub diving episode ultimately lead Elliot's father to suspect that something fishy is going on… Also featuring a read-along option, this cute tale—an ALSC Notable Video selection—is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)