Vikram Madan - Artist & Author
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[Art with a Sense of Humor, since 2014]
OWL & PENGUIN, by Vikram Madan, (Holiday House, Ages 3-8) is an early comic reader employing an innovative story-telling format consisting of expressive visuals in comic book form, with basic easy-to-read narrative text, and characters who converse with emoticons, all of which makes the book appealing and accessible to new/emerging readers, pre-readers and struggling readers, and allows young children to independently develop their reading skills and feel confident about their reading abilities. ​
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A 2023 THEODOR SEUSS GEISEL HONOR WINNER
Awarded by the American Library Association to
​"the most distinguished American books for beginning readers"

* A Junior Library Guild GOLD STANDARD Selection
​* An ALA ALSC Notable Children's Book.


"Reminiscent of the strong bond between Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad" - Kirkus Reviews

Owl likes peace and quiet.  Penguin likes to SING OUT LOUD. But best friends don’t need to be the same. Sometimes it’s good to disagree! Owl and Penguin celebrate their differences and solve their problems with creative play. There’s nothing these pals can’t get through together. 

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In three nearly wordless stories, expressive art takes charge of the storytelling, supplemented by simple text captions and emoticon-style images in speech bubbles. This innovative format supports visual literacy and sight word recognition for the earliest independent readers. With warm humor and a joyful palette, it’s perfect for kids to giggle over on their own.

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The second book in the OWL & PENGUIN series, releasing June 2023.

* A Junior Library Guild GOLD STANDARD Selection

Owl wants to play catch. But Penguin wants to play tennis! Which should they play? Sometimes best friends disagree. Though Owl and Penguin are opposites, they like to solve their conflicts with creative play. From conquering fears to flying a kite, there’s nothing these pals can’t get through together.

In five nearly wordless stories, expressive art leads the storytelling, supplemented by simple text captions and emoticon-style images in speech bubbles. This innovative format supports visual literacy and sight word recognition for the earliest independent readers. With warm humor and a joyful palette, it’s perfect for kids to giggle over on their own.


Book #1 is available at all bookstores and online retailers, including Penguin / Indiebound / Amazon / B&N / 
Book #2 is available to preorder now and releases June 2023.


Signed Copies can be ordered from Island Books in Mercer Island WA and Brick & Mortar Books in Redmond WA. 

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An American Library Association 2023 NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK - awarded to the "best of the best".
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"Reminiscent of the strong bond between Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad, Owl and Penguin’s friendship is deep and delightful, and this easy reader makes the story comprehensible ... in an accessible and entertaining way." - KIRKUS REVIEWS

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"Debuting with an exercise in adorable empathy, Owl and Penguin make a breezy foray into the tradition of supportive picture book friendships...As an opportunity for early readers and caregivers to discuss problem-solving and feelings with copious visual clues, this title is the perfect tool. Cute and cheery, this graphic novel for early readers is a functional, fun read-together." - SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

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Wow! OWL & PENGUIN is a Junior Library Guild GOLD STANDARD Selection (awarded by JLG only to less than 3% of all books evaluated).

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"...engaging title...instantly lovable...little twists and surprises...comical landings... 
IT'S AN ABSOLUTE DELIGHT!"
- Mr. Brian's PB Picks 

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 "Easy's hard and these stories are good. Worth some consideration." - Betsy Bird, Famous Librarian & Blogger


"Owl and Penguin are a hoot! Brings the comic format even younger and in a way that reads so clearly. 
​This book has wings!
" - Ben Clanton, New York Times bestselling creator of Narwhal and Jelly.

​​Owl & Penguin - a graphic novel for pre-readers and emerging readers ages 3-8.
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Holiday House Books for Kids
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 082345150X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0823451500
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 8 years
​Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3


​New: Download an Activity Kit for this book!
​


New: Download the OWL & PENGUIN FONT and have fun making your own Owl & Penguin coloring sheets and comics. Check back soon for detailed instructions on how to install the font and all the ways you can use this font for creating fun activities for kids. 
OwlAndPenguinFont.zip
File Size: 271 kb
File Type: zip
Download File


"[The author] excels with body language and facial expressions.
The reader can tell what the characters feel at all times.
It’s an absolute delight." 
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​- Mr. Brian's Picture Book Picks (Mr. Brian is a former Caldecott Medal judge).
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Kids love Owl & Penguin!
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Owl & Penguin is a Junior Library Guild GOLD STANDARD Selection.
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School Library Journal Says "Cute and Cheery, This Graphic Novel for Early Readers is a Functional, Fun Read-Together."
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Goodreads Reader Review describing the positive experience of reading this book with a dyslexic child.
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MA Youth Services says the book is easy-to-follow, accessible, really funny, colorful, sweet, cute, and "will be appreciated for themes of empathy and consideration".
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Oregon Coast Youth Book Center says the book is easy to read, sweet, kind, mostly visual, and "builds confidence in emergent readers".
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The Toldeo Blade says the book is amusing, has 'joie de vivre', is filled with "undeniable charm", delightful, gleeful, and has "lovable pals that will win legions of young fans".
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Sketch vs. Final Art
Now available at all bookstores and online retailers, including Penguin / Indiebound / Amazon / B&N / 

Signed Copies can be ordered from Island Books in Mercer Island WA and Brick & Mortar Books in Redmond WA. ​

​Graphic Novel, Early Reader, New Books for Kids, Owl, Penguin, Early Graphic Reader, Beginner Graphic Novel, I like to Read Comics, Holiday House, Vikram Madan, ArtByVikram, Owl & Penguin, Emerging Readers, Award-winning, Geisel Honor, Dr. Seuss Honor, Theodor Seuss Geisel.

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