Chris Kunz, Penguin Bloom (Young Readers’ Edition), ABC Books, January 2021, 160 pp., RRP $14.99 (pbk), ISBN 9780733341670
Now a major Australian movie and based on a true story, Chris Kunz’s young readers edition of Penguin Bloom cleverly captures the devastation of a tragedy and its impact on a family along with the possibility for growth and renewal.
When Sam, the mother of a young family has a near fatal accident in Thailand that leaves her unable to walk, her perfect life appears to crumble before her: A nurse and lover of the outdoors Sam’s days of surfing, skating, and travelling with her husband and three boys are over.
Told through the eyes of Noah, her eldest child, Sam and her family’s struggle to rebuild their lives is beautifully captured through the everyday interactions of family life. One day, when Sam is at her lowest, Noah finds an injured baby magpie and despite initial disapproval from his mother the bird soon becomes a much-valued member of the family; with their help Penguin is nurtured back to health and independence, becoming a symbol of both personal and collective transcendence.
Well-paced, Kunz’s simple dialogue and clear, short sentences aptly reflect something of the lightness and innocence of youth as well as capturing Noah’s internal struggle to process what has happened and deal with his own feelings of guilt.
Inspiring and uplifting, the Bloom family story is both personal and universal in its search to find meaning through adversity. A terrific early-years reader and great addition to home or school library.
Highly recommended for readers 8+ years.
Reviewed by Mem Capp
