Sophie Cunningham (text) and Anil Tortop (illustrator), Flipper and Finnegan, Allen & Unwin, August 2022, 24 pp., RRP $19.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781761180071
The tale of Flipper and Finnegan ticks all the boxes when it comes to a kind-hearted, feel-good story for children. Two little penguins are enjoying their life of frolicking and playing in the beautiful blue sea. That is, until one day when they come up to the surface of the waves to find the water covered with a clinging choking substance. An oil tanker has lost its load of a toxic substance. The little penguins would need a lot of help to survive however through the actions of the rangers, and help from the worldwide community, the penguin colony is saved.
The story is based on the real-life event of 2001 when an oil spill occurred at Summerland Beach on Phillip Island, just 90 minutes from Melbourne in Victoria. The oil risked making the penguins sick through ingestion as they preened themselves and oily feathers would not keep the penguins warm. So, after a call-out via all forms of media that went viral, people from all over the world busied themselves knitting tiny jumpers for the penguins to wear while they were waiting to be cleaned of the oil. Over 100,000 tiny jumpers were knitted—by young and old—which saved the little penguins lives.
There is a very powerful message in this delightfully charming book. The little penguins—a group of marine animals for which Australians feel a strong affection—were rescued because individuals worked together for a cause. It is heart-warming to read about the wonderful results that were achieved in this particular case through the cooperation of our broader community. It seems we can make a real difference to the future of our world after all; one important task at a time.
Very inspiring.
Reviewed by Jennifer Mors
