This is a very, very cute book, with adorable illustrations. Dilly is born different, and, with the instinctive acceptance most of us are born with, she sees nothing "bad" or "other" about herself and how she adapts, and neither do her peers. Unfortunately, other adult penguins do not share this acceptance, and Dilly is shamed until she proves herself useful and the naysayers realize their error.

On the one hand, it's a good story to show kids how discrimination hurts and how everyone has unique gifts to share. On the other hand, I would have LOVED to see the story unfold without Dilly having to have been hurt. It would have been neat to see a positive story of unconditional acceptance and celebration of the things that make us unique. I wonder if we're ready to move away from the "Rudolph" arc where your difference is "bad" until you demonstrate your worthiness. If I were reading this to kids, I would spend as much time as possible emphasizing the first act, with Dilly and her friends, and maybe possibly skipping through the rest.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

When Dilly is born her parents think she is perfect, as all parents would! Dilly's friends eventually notice that she is different but Dilly embraces her difference & her friends learn to embrace it as well. The other parents, not so much. After a near tragedy when Dilly's difference ends up being the difference that saves the day &her friends, her friend's parents see that different is not bad & come to love Dilly too ❤ A sweet story that can be a wonderful teaching moment for kids ( and maybe some adults😉).

A sweet book about accepting others and embracing differences. This book is wonderful for young readers and will spark great conversations about being different, loving everyone, and standing out!

This story about a baby penguin who only has one foot… absolutely the most adorable and heartwarming children’s book!!!

Dilly was born with only one foot so she has learned to hop everywhere and do all sorts of tricks— this upsets some of the parents of other baby penguins until one day, Dilly’s difference saves the day.

This story highlights how just because you’re different than what “normal” seems to be, doesn’t mean you’re less than or aren’t valuable to society. You are perfect just as you are and you do not need to change because of someone else’s opinion.

I love this message and love that it is brought forth to kids in such a fun and adorable way! I hope a lot of kids will be able to find themselves in Dilly.

5/5⭐️

I thought I'd end up reminding people about the existence of "Happy Feet" here, but this is different enough. And difference is the subject, too, as a one-legged penguin chick gets a pirouetting, hopping lifestyle that irks the parents of her friends. The moral of the virtue in being different is rather forcefully slammed on to the page by the end, but this remains a charming read, especially visually. Easily four stars