Penguin and Panda should not be friends. The very idea is absurd. Penguin likes to build things and Panda likes to nap. Panda munches bamboo and Penguin gobbles cheese puffs and jam-banana sandwiches. Penguin never powers down and Panda has a hard time powering up. There is no way their friendship would ever work. Except somehow, it does.
“Penguin and Panda demonstrate kindness, understanding, and support for each other, showcasing the positive aspects of companionship. The books are infused with humor, often through Penguin’s whimsical outlook on life and Panda’s more pragmatic responses.
Each book is composed form multiple short stories and STEM-related fun facts. The graphic novel format makes the series accessible to a wide range of readers, including those who may be transitioning from picture books to chapter books.”
Overall rating 
Plot 5.0 Characters 5.0 Writing Style 5.0 Illustrations 5.0
—YA Bookcentral
“A can-do panda and a laze-about penguin are inexplicably best buds in this odd-couple escapade series launch.”
—Publishers Weekly – Early Reader Spotlight
“…Mézes’s illustrations have a pleasant, hand-drawn quality with lovely, somewhat muted colors and the characters feel like they are bursting from the panels—and in some cases, they are…
A solid purchase for collections where elementary-age graphic novels are popular.”
—School Library Journal
There are lots of beginning graphic novels to choose from, but these stand out because of the healthy relationship portrayed in a fun way. The books are only available in paperback, but they appear to have fairly sturdy bindings and strong covers. Recommended.
—Jean Little Library
“I love that so many graphic novels and being created and published for beginning readers. As a librarian and a parent, I can tell you that they are the gateway drug to reading. One thing that is special about beginning graphic novels is that they are so wholesome. After you turn last page you feel like you just got a hug from a book. So fantastic.”
—Amanda Murphy (Librarian, Goodreads Review)
In the tradition of Narwhal and Jelly, here is a new graphic novel series for young readers.
Categories: graphic novel, early reader, middle grade
Themes: friendship, following rules, surprises, creativity, jealousy
Publishing date: April 23rd 2024
ISBN: 9781958325056 (TP)
ISBN: 9781958325063 (Ebook)
Trade Paperback: $9.99 US
Ebook: $9.99 US
Length: 72 pages
Size: 6×8.25 inches
Ages: 6-10
Grade: 1-4
AUTHOR: Brenda Maier
ILLUSTRATOR: Fanni Mézes
“These two peas in a pod couldn’t be more different—Penguin feels all the feels and Panda is super low-key. Together, they make for a hilarious and precious duo. It reminds me of series like Elephant and Piggie, and Narwhal and Jelly with its sweetness and humor!
There’s so much positivity conveyed in each book, that makes for delightful reads!”
—Jenn Kim @squarebooksroundwold
This graphic novel is adorable! In each chapter, Penguin and Panda have some sort of cute little adventure and they discover the delights of friendship.
They go to a carnival together and share their tickets. Panda accidentally breaks Penguin’s bike and tries to hide it. Panda gets a weird new pet and Penguin is not sure if the pet is acceptable.
At the back of the book, there are some fun facts about real penguins and pandas, as well as some funny animal jokes. The artwork is so cute and colorful! I love this sweet book!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
—Luminous Libro
“Quite different in personality, Penguin expresses big emotions and Panda tends to be a little more carefree. Each book contains 4 stories and some fun facts at the end. Both of my kids gravitated toward these books immediately. They are super fun and obviously cute. We will be preordering the next book, Winterfest, that comes out in the fall!”
—Linsey @3bittybookworms
“My son giggled through this entire book. It was so much fun. He has been such a hard kid to get into reading. We will be purchasing this series.”
—Megan S. Educator – NetGalley
“Penguin and Panda are best friends who go on easygoing adventures. Surprise! contains four short stories, all with an emphasis on friendship and gentle humor: . .The dialogue between the two characters is lively, funny, and kind. Illustrations are adorable, with Penguin sporting ponytails and a pink sweater, and Panda’s body language is open and expressive. Consider adding this to your intermediate graphic novel sections if you haven’t already.”
Read the full review at MOM READ IT
—Rosemary Kiladitis ( Librarian, Blogger at Mom Read It)
Available at your favorite bookstores or online retailers.
It’s always time to rejoice when there’s a new easy book/early chapter book series on the horizon. First of all, extra points for giving us a penguin with pigtails. How has no one ever thought of that before? This particular series was described to me as one step up of easy readers. For Captain Underpants lovers, it’s your typical odd couple situation told in a graphic novel format. And since we’re always on the lookout for books in this age range/reading level, I thought it wise to direct your attention accordingly. —Betsy Bird, AFuse8Production, School Library Journal
Panda and Penguin’s adventures continue.
Each book contains some fun facts about real penguins and pandas, as well as some funny animal jokes.
Categories: graphic novel, early reader, middle grade
Themes: friendship, differences, honesty, planning ahead, multiple perspectives/ understanding
Publishing date: April 23rd 2024
ISBN: 9781958325070
ISBN: 9781958325049
Trade Paperback: $9.99 US
Ebook: $9.99 US
Length: 72 pages
Size: 6×8.25 inches
Ages: 6-10
Grade: 1-4
AUTHOR: Brenda Maier
ILLUSTRATOR: Fanni Mézes
Who will like it: Readers who enjoyed the Narwhal and Jelly Books, Balooney and Friends or Grumpy Unicorn.
Available at your favorite bookstores or online retailers.
A wintry collection of four all-new stories featuring excitable Penguin and her chill BFF, Panda.
Whether earning money for the perfect Christmas tree; shopping for a cozy new holiday sweater; sledding down a terrifyingly snowy hill; or trying to squeeze in everything on Penguin’s over-the-top Christmas list, these two yin and yang besties meet every challenge with an abundance of humor and generosity of spirit. Full of clever dialogue, giggle-inducing artwork, and even a few fun facts.
Categories: graphic novel, early reader, middle grade
Themes: friendship, Christmas, winter sports, decorating, community, to-do-list, Christmas tree, sledding, change, worry, perseverance
Publishing date: October 1st 2024
ISBN: 9781958325162
ISBN:
Trade Paperback: $9.99 US
Length: 72 pages
Size: 6×8.25 inches
Ages: 6-10
Grade: 1-4
AUTHOR: Brenda Maier
ILLUSTRATOR: Fanni Mézes
Who will like it: Readers who love Narwhal and Jelly, Beak & Ally, and Pizza & Taco.
Available at your favorite bookstores or online retailers.
Brenda Maier is a writer, mother of five, public school teacher, and board member of OAGCT, the Oklahoma chapter of the National Association for Gifted Children. Among her books for young readers are The Little Red Fort and The Little Blue Bridge, both of which have been named to notable reading lists. She lives in Oklahoma with her family and enjoys visiting classrooms around the country to share her passion for reading and writing. See more about Brenda at brendamaier.com
Fanni Mézes is an artist living in Budapest, Hungary. After graduating university as a product design engineer, she pivoted to art school and set out to illustrate books for young readers. The Penguin and Panda books mark her U.S. debut. Fanni and her husband are the parents of one daughter; they all enjoy reading and watching cartoons together. Find her at fannimezes.com
“…exuberant energy and vivid hues, combined with the laugh-out-loud physical comedy…” —Publishers Weekly
“A sweet, tangible explanation of love that reaches through generations” —Kirkus
“The poignant story of a tree’s life cycle…Captivating and heartfelt.” —Kirkus
“Sophie is the perfect mix of heart, humor, and hilarity!” —Lincoln Peirce, creator of Big Nate
