I have seen this adorable little penguin on some things but never knew that it had a name or that recently they had a book come out called Koupen-chan & You: Words of Encouragement from Japan’s Positive Penguin by Rurutea. When I found this book as an online reader copy (though it is available currently), I figured I would look at a few pages (as it was nearly 300 pages). What started as a “few pages” turned into “all the pages” read.
Now, it is not because the sayings are new, fresh, funny or unique. They are what you would find anywhere in any encouragement book. What made it captivating was the fact that it was so darn cute, there was a whisper of humor, and it was very easy reading. I guess having a few penguins and an evil birdie who are so “kawaii” as the kids say (What? The kids don’t say that?) telling me “Good you for getting up. Eating breakfast. Staying hydrated. Have fun.” and more. is a real plus to me as a reader and general person.
It really was the illustrations that grabbed my attention. Or maybe the lack there of. You see, there are only a few “items”’ on the page. Just a Penguin. Or the bird. Maybe a handful of penguins holding a balloon and so forth. The colors are dreamy but not blurry or fantastical. They are there to support the quick text which is usually only a handful of words, something you could put on a post-it and tack to your wall. I would even take the pages out (or in my case, print out the images), credit the heck out of Rurutea and frame them. There are some images without any text and in many ways they are my favorite, but I really can’t pick just one.
Usually I am not a huge fan of the cuter Feel Good Books, but when you find the right one you find the right one. Great to give as a gift for most occasions or to have several for yourself to have in multiple places in your home for whenever you need a little pick me up.
This line is just so I can have a break between the other images. As I said I cannot pick just one image as a favorite or just one or two to fill this review up with. I just wanted to add all the pictures!
And one more filler line for one more image but it does also show you what you can find in the book for its encouragement statements or its feel good goodness.
