Full of energy and emotion, Reggie is a young penguin who is always getting up to something. In Reggie: Penguin in Charge, the second book in Jen de Oliveira’s beginning reader graphic novel series, young readers will find themselves giggling along with this new set of tales starring the adorable, charming penguin.
Nine different stories make up this graphic novel, including a few interludes drawn by Reggie himself. Some of the things Reggie deals with in the book are a pet talent show that quickly goes off the rails, the coolest new toy that maybe isn’t as exciting as expected, and the sensory nightmare that is slimy slippery flippers. The stories are short but still full of activity and emotions.
The stories are set around things readers are likely familiar with in their own lives, like their attachment to their favorite stuffed animal. When the other kids’ pets are wowing the judges, Reggie’s pet fish Rover just…is a fish, making Reggie feel left out. When he loses his mom in the grocery store, Reggie quickly realizes how much he needs her and isn’t afraid to cry his emotions out. Kids will find these somewhat ordinary adventures of Reggie relatable. They aren’t alone in feeling those same kinds of emotions, he’s feeling them too.
Reggie’s passionate about the things he loves and his interests, even when they don’t work out exactly as he thought they would. They’re also learning experiences and present great jumping off points for conversation with kids. Would they want a responsibility like Reggie has as Butterfly Monitor? How would they feel if they were in that same situation? Some of the stories are drawn by Reggie. If they were telling a story from their life, would it be a comic?
The art is wonderfully colorful and bright, perfect for keeping the attention of its intended audience. The panels are short with action and movement in nearly every one. It’s fun to see the action and sound words included with the art. Some panels are chaotic in such a fun bright way, with lots happening on the page, and can be poured over to take in every single detail, which some readers certainly will.
Reggie: Penguin in Charge is a joyful, sweet graphic novel for beginning readers. It would work great as a read aloud with a smaller group or a read along between a child and their caregiver. These stories will make you laugh and center on emotions enough to give you something to talk about when the book is done. The book is recommended for fans of heartwarming and silly comics, series like Owly and Bunbun and Bonbon. Reggie is a welcome addition to the growing collection of beginning reader graphic novel series. Readers will be eager to meet him yet again in future collections of his adventures.
Reggie: Penguin in ChargeÂ
By Jen de Oliveira
Little, Brown, 2024
ISBN: 9780759557574
NFNT Age Recommendation: Easy Readers (5-9)
