FROM THE PUBLISHER

"A-huff-and-a-puff-and-a-huff-and-a-puff-and-a-huff-and-a-puff" "What's happening?" Tacky the penguin wants to know. The Winter Games, that's what's happening. And Tacky and his fellow penguins Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect have to work hard to get in shape so they can represent Team Nice Icy Land in the athletic competitions. After rigorous training, they're ready - but are the games ready for Tacky? Will his antics keep Team Nice Icy Land from winning a medal? From bobsledless racing and ski jumping to speed skating, Tacky lends his unique, exuberant style to each competition. In laugh-out-loud scenes of Tacky and his fellow penguins' athletic debacles, Tacky reminds readers of the underlying joy and enthusiasm that propels athletes to greatness. So get ready to cheer for Team Nice Icy Land and let the games begin!

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

The lovable ice bird returns to compete in Tacky and the Winter Games by Helen Lester, illus. by Lynn Munsinger. Penguins from the Highlands, Lowlands and Funlands take on Team Nice Icy Land (with Tacky as its resourceful team member) to compete for the "Big Winner!" medal. Tacky's unusual tactics may not always fly in bobsledless racing or downhill skiing, but his appetite for fun lands the Nice Ice Land's team in first place. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature - Danielle Williams

Training for the winter games is difficult and time consuming. Athletes have to stick to strict schedules and eat a healthy, balanced diet. The penguins of Team Nice Icy Land were training hard for the winter games. All except Tacky, who did not like climbing hills or eating vegetables instead of pizza. And when the team got to the winter games, it was obvious that Tacky was different from the other penguins at the winter games. Each time Tacky tried to help his team, they were disqualified for breaking the rules. Their last chance to win a medal came in the speed-skating relay race. When the baton came to Tacky, instead of racing off with it, he ate it, but still managed to make the best time, earning them the gold medal when x-rays revealed that the baton was in Tacky's stomach. Even though Tacky ruined their chances for any other medals, the other penguins on Team Nice Icy Land decided that Tacky was a pretty decent bird to have around. 2005, Walter Lorraine Books, Ages 5 to 7.

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2-Fans of this endearing penguin won't be disappointed with his latest adventure. Tacky and his friends are training for the Winter Games and when the competition finally arrives, the other animals are worried that he will ruin their chance at a medal. The illustrations are very funny. For instance, on one page the text reads, "They did one hundred sit-ups a day" and the art shows all of the other penguins doing sit-ups while Tacky is sleeping on his mat in the back. On another page, the text reads, "They ate special training meals"; while the other penguins eat spinach, Tacky is shown stuffing his beak with chips, doughnuts, and pizza. Furthermore, the drawings are detailed and full of life. All in all, this is a fresh, lively, and totally engaging read-aloud from start to finish.-Lisa S. Schindler, Bethpage Public Library, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews