Penguin by Polly Dunbar (Walker Books)

We've been meaning to try and get hold of this book for what feels like forever. Penguin by Polly Dunbar instantly grabs your attention with its eye-catching cover, and once you start to delve into the story, you'll see why it's such a massive hit with parents and kids.

Telling the story of a young boy who gets a mysterious present through the post one morning, he unwraps the package to find a penguin.

A rather quiet penguin

A penguin that doesn't speak, doesn't move and - worst of all - doesn't play.

Despite the boy's frustrated attempts to get the penguin to join in, Penguin just sits quietly and stares. Even when the boy straps him to a rocket and fires him into space.

At the end of his tether, the boy realises that there's absolutely nothing else for it but to feed the penguin to a hungry lion...

What happens next? We're going to let you find out yourself as this book is a rare gem, one that has your child (and you) hooting out loud with laughter as the deadpan penguin - such a brilliant character - resists all attempts to get him to join in.

Well worth the wait! If you ever get the chance to check out Polly Dunbar's Long Nose Theatre Company productions of The Penguin or other plays, do so! If they're anything like the book, you'll be rolling in the aisles.

Charlotte's best bit: Can't spoil it for you but the 2nd to last page! Sheer brilliance

Daddy's favourite bit: Just love the deadpan penguin!