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The Penguin Lessons

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The Penguin Lessons

By: Tom Michell
Narrated by: Bill Nighy
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

NOW A MAJOR FILM STARRING STEVE COOGAN AND JONATHAN PRYCE


THIS IS THE TRUE STORY OF THE UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN A FLIGHTLESS BIRD AND A TEACHER OUT OF HIS DEPTH . . .

Tom Michell is in his roaring twenties: single, free-spirited and seeking adventure. He has a plane ticket to South America, a teaching position in a prestigious Argentine boarding school, and endless summer holidays.

What he doesn't need is a pet. What he really doesn't need is a pet penguin.

But while on holiday in Uruguay he spots a penguin struggling in an oil slick and knows he has to help. And then the penguin refuses to leave his side . . .

Clearly Tom has no choice but to smuggle it across the border, through customs, and back to school. He names him Juan Salvador.

Whether it's as the rugby team's mascot, the housekeeper's confidant, the host at Tom's parties or the most flamboyant swimming coach in world history, Juan Salvador transforms the lives of all he meets - including Tom, who discovers a compadre like no other . . .


AS HEARD ON BBC RADIO 2

'A much-beloved tale about a much-beloved bird . . . Heart-warmingly eccentric' Guardian

'So touching that I didn't want it to end. I really loved this book' Michael Bond, creator of Paddington

'Charming' Daily Mail

'One of the most touching tales we've read all year' Heat

© Tom Michell 2015 (P) Penguin Audio 2015

Birds Environmentalists & Naturalists Pets & Animal Care Professionals & Academics Travel Writing & Commentary South America Argentina
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What listeners say about The Penguin Lessons

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  • Overall
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Amazing story

This book touched my heart deeply. Amazing story for anyone who loves animals. The beautiful penguin will crack open your heart so wide that you can only be but love. Thank you for writing this book about an unusual but fantastic friendship. May many lives be touched by both of you and everyone involved in this warm story.

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Fact and fiction on the curious life of a young man and a penguin.

Awesome narrator and a great pace of storytelling. Suitable for family listening, and a good length for a long car journey.

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The most beautiful heartwarming story ever!!

I will never forget what I have learnt in this book. It deeply touched my heart and I will never forget as long as I live. Huge thank you to Tom Michell the author. What a amazing story.... and how beautifully written...! I am so thankful you shared this beautiful story to us. Now I can not stop watching Juan Salvador’s YouTube clip. He makes me laugh and makes me cry at same time. What a story... what a bird... this is THE most beautiful book I’ve ever read. And Bill Nighy is SUPERB as always!!!

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Charming account a friendship

Sweet, charming and educational. A story of a different time, highlighting adventure and a special friendship with a penguin. If only we were all so open and caring to all the animal kingdom how much we would gain.

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Wonderful audio book experience

This story is a beautifully written, uplifting, thought provoking and joyous thing. It’s a great gift from Tom Michell to the world. And as if that wasn’t enough, then there’s Bill Nighy’s reading. It’s flawless. Somehow he seems to get inside the story and be speaking to us from there, rather than just doing a great job narrating from the sidelines. This is a fabulous collaboration between writer, reader and listener (and of course, Penguin).

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Delightful Tale

I have not enjoyed a story as much as this one in a long time. The narration was first class(as you would expect from Bill Nighy) and the descriptive style made me imagine every scene as if I was there. Highly recommended.

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One of the best books I have ever listened to.

Bill Nighy gets a 20 out of 10. Tom Michell gets the same. What a gorgeous story. I listened to it in rapt wonder. Tom Michell brings a little bird to our heads and hearts. Beautifully written and presented and a great lesson to be learnt. Thank you.

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Wonderful Story

Loved it. I looked forward each day to my quiet sit and cup of tea.

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Lovely story beautifully told

This is one of those books you don’t want to end. Just the heartwarming story and the beautiful reading by Bill Nighy would probably be enough, but the story is well told. I now feel I have a better sense of Argentina – at least at that time – and I definitely know more about penguins! I loved it.

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A joyous book

A wonderful book story expertly enlivened by Bill Nighy's narration. Enjoyed it thoroughly and you will too.

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