Hatty’s Reading Corner

30th August 2025

Hi my little birds,

How are you?

I am okay thank you. I am feeling very strange right now. I have had to give up on my Library Apprenticeship for now. I recently discovered that I was pulled into a scam so please steer clear of Open Study College. I will not give up on my dream though. I am really hoping that Dorset Council decide to re-open the Library Apprenticeship soon. I do enjoy my current job but I would really love to join the Library Service. I would appreciate being more local to Poundbury rather than Poole.

Speaking of Poundbury I would love to take this opportunity to show you what Ria has been making again. She never stops that amazing girl.Stitch money box- £3

Great present for little kids or even adults. Who doesn’t love Disney?

Stitch picture – £2

This is a lovely picture of Stitch that would be brilliant for anyone who likes Lilo & Stitch. This can be framed.

Wednesday picture – £2

Do you like The Adam’s Family? If you do I suggest you watch Wednesday on Netflix. This is what has inspired Ria to make this picture. It can be framed. Also perfect for Halloween lovers!

All of the things Ria makes can be picked up from Cambridge Court in Poundbury.

 Let’s go from Poundbury to penguins with today’s book.

Review

Dedication

Today’s is a double thank you.

Firstly, to a lovely lady called Sybil who I get to spend yime with when I volunteer at the Library. Thank you for lending me your copy of this remarkable story.

Thank you as well to my fabulous aunty Cathy for chatting about the book with me.

Author: Tom Michell

Memoir title: The Penguin Lessons

Publishers: Penguin Random House

Imprint: Michael Joseph

Ways of reading: Audiobook/paperback

Started reading: 7^th July 2025

Finished reading: 30^th July 2025

Genre: Memoir

First published: 5^th November 2015

Original language: English

Number of pages: 240

Read rating: *****

Enjoyment: 5/5

Ease of reading: 5/5

Would I recommend? Yes, but you need to be prepared with tissues.

Magellan penguin

This is a beautiful true story about the power of a penguin that was saved from an oil slick. Tom Michell did more than rescue Juan Salvador his penguin. He taught himself and his students many lessons. This is a tale that tugs at the heartstrings in places and then makes the reader burst out laughing in the next pages. I certainly preferred the book the recent film. I think they should re-cast Steve Coogan as I don’t think he suited the role of Michell very well. it might have been better with Bill Nighy because he read me the audiobook.

The bond between Juan Salvador and Michell is what brings this story to life. He touches so many lives when he is smuggled into Michell’s classroom. Magellan penguins have very expressive faces and ways of tilting their heads that make you feel heard and seen. Michell really focuses on this so it feels like Juan Salvador will waddle off the page and listen to my ramblings.    

My favourite quote explains Juan Salvador.

‘A penguin in a class of his own.’

The power of animals is precious. The language and method of communicating is something to behold.

I feel like this narrative came at just the right time when I needed a hug and to be able to find my voice.

Thank you for today everyone. Next time we meet in the reading corner we will be starting a Lord John Grey double bill.

See you soon and don’t forget to pick up a penguin on your way out! This time I do mean the biscuit.

Xxx