Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers’ Favorite 1/20/2017
Review Rating: 5 stars!
Waddle’s Big Adventure is a children’s book written and illustrated by R.W. Thompson. Born on the west coast of Antarctica, young Emperor Penguin, Waddle, is not a fan of the cold. One day, while playing ...with his best friend, Waddle is separated from all of the other penguins when a giant storm hits, blowing him far out to sea. As he learns to survive on his own, feeding on fish in the warm ocean waters, Waddle eventually finds himself in a strange land called Argentina. Waddle’s adventures lead him to meeting many new animals, most of which are odd-looking, friendly, which try to help him get back home. He learns about many different sea creatures, both friendly and unfriendly – even finding himself in dangerous ocean waters with hungry sharks. The lessons Waddle learns during his journey will determine his survival and, if possible, his next big adventure.

I could not help but be absolutely fascinated and delighted with R.W. Thompson’s adventurous tale, as seen through the eyes of Waddle, the Emperor Penguin. Not only does Waddle’s Big Adventure talk of a wild animal being out of the familiarity of their comfort zone, but also provides a large amount of interesting educational aspects about several different animal species (from land, sea and air) throughout the book, inclusive of their habitats, feeding regimes, and how they associate with other animals (including man). The friendships forged during Waddle’s unplanned visit are strong, with virtues such as trust, good instincts, love and devotion playing a key role throughout. I liked the concept that all animals can understand each other, and that kindness to animals will come back to you, tenfold. Not only do I plan on looking into the Cape Cod Oceanographic Institute and their good deeds towards rescued animals, but I look forward to adding Waddle’s Big Adventure to my home library. Although this book is marketed towards children, I recommend Waddle’s Big Adventure to animal lovers of all ages.