(First I need to remind myself that Alison Lester and Helen Lester are both picture-book writers whom I enjoy, but they are not the same person.)

I've not read all the Tacky books, but I think this may be the favorite of those that I have. ?áIt's funny, and heartwarming, and though it is still tightly focused on the original theme it presents it with creative charm. ?áThe details of the 'world' are wonderful... these are penquins, in the Nice Icy Land; they are not human. ?áI mean to say, yes they eat s'mores, and use tents, but their Scary Stories feature sharks. ?áOh, and, unfortunately, a polar bear... wrong Pole... but then, Nice Icy Land is neither the Arctic or Antarctica, is it? ( )

A really sweet story about penguins, and summer camp, and so much adventure. Kids would love this book because it is so entertaining.

Review: This book is a great example of fantasy because it combines the world as we know it and fantasy. The personified penguins, Tacky and his friends, go to camp and tell scary stories at night, never really expecting them to come true!
Theme: This story has an implicit them of the good things about differences among people, or penguins in this book. Tacky's friends realize that although he is different in some of his behavior, he is useful to the group overall and is good to have around.
Level: Primary, Intermediate

Another hilarious Tacky story! Tacky and his companions go to camp and scary story night turns into a funny scary experience. And as usual, Tacky saves the day in his own, accidental, odd way. ( )