We love Penguin and Panda and their shenanigans. These books are such a great younger reader option!

"The Adventures of Penguin and Panda: Surprise!" by Brenda Maier with art by Fanni Mézes is a collection of 4 stories plus some fun activities featuring a pair of unlikely friends.

Panda and Penguin are quite different, but they are still good friends. Penguin wants to surprise friend Panda with a picnic in one story. In another story they play hide and seek and Panda takes a while to catch on. When they go to an art class, Panda follows directions differently, and the results are quite unusual. In the last story, Penguin wants to hang out with Panda, but Panda seems to be avoiding Penguin and spending time with other friends.

The stories are gentle and cute as is the art. I liked the content and I think young readers will too.

This is an early graphic novel. I can see first and second graders really getting into these books and wanting more. The stories are simple and shows feelings and events kids at that age would be feeling themselves.

This is a super cute tale of two friends: a panda and a penguin. Panda is a go with the flow and zen creature. Penguin is a little more anxious and worries a lot. When penguin plans a picnic for panda... it's supposed to be full of surprises... all of which Panda knows about. Rats! When they play hide and go seek - Panda tries to be the best of friends and lets Penguin win until Penguin explains that's not how the game is played.

If you're looking for a cute adventure into what it means to be friends, this is it!

Love the animated style and happiness in this graphic novel!

There is an increasing number of books for young readers featuring an unexpected pairing. In this case, we have a penguin and a panda. As is standard, they have vastly different personality types, leading to minor conflicts that are easily resolved. Lots of messaging about appreciating differences. The color palette is a bit softer, the lines more round, so not as jarring or stark as some.

I love when I get to discover a new series for young readers! As a kindergarten teacher I am very familiar with new and treasured picture books. But when it comes to easy chapter books my expertise is much less. That's part of why I was so excited to discover The Adventures of Penguin and Panda! Two unlikely friends are always a hit with kids and this book was no exception. The book was split up into four short chapters, with each chapter representing a different mini story. Penguin and Panda were giving me Piggie and Gerald vibes, but in a slightly more grown up way. The two characters complement each other in positive ways. Penguin tends to worry more about things and Panda tends to be more relaxed and flexible. Even though they have different personalities they enjoy their adventures together having a picnic, playing hide and seek, taking an art class, and a party.

The format of the book was comic/graphic novelesque and would likely be a pretty quick read full of laughs for any young reader!

I'm excited to check out more of the books in the series and add them to my early chapter books bin in my classroom library for my students who are ready to tackle something a bit more challenging!

Penguin and Panda is a precious graphic novel about besties - Penguin and Panda. Though they are opposites, their friendship works beautifully. The stories exhibit kindness, patience, support, and understanding to the reader. This book is a wonderful transitional book between picture books and those with more text.

This was a very cute and funny book. Characters were big hits with my little ones; they both asked for more stories starring these two.

A graphic novel featuring a penguin and panda as friends? Yes, please. This contains a few different stories detailing the adventures of these two, along with little facts and tidbits here and there. It's absolutely adorable and the art style is colorful and fun. I thought the addition of guides on how to draw both characters was a nice touch as well.

A big thanks to NetGalley and Marble Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

An adorable graphic novel.

Surprise! by Brenda Maier and Fanni Mézes is a graphic novel about an adorable penguin and panda. 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.

Just too adorable.

cute GN about fun and friendship. Loved the illustrations. Elementary students will enjoy the adventures of Panda and Penguin. I liked the facts included at the back of the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own

I am penguin! I love this graffic novel, and I will be buying it for my niece for her birthday. Very entertaining

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was adorable! The page of jokes was the best part, there were so many giggles from that page alone. This is a definite hit with my child and will be a great read for kids.

Such a fun new series for early readers and fans of Narwhal and Jelly! My daughters absolutely devoured both books and are begging for more! The illustrations are the sweetest too!

This is a cute kids book about two friends that go on different adventures with each other. It's so cute as we see two animals from different parts of the world being the best of friends and get to see how much each other means to each other. The art really brings it to life as well. This is definitely a good book for young children.

Penguin Panda Surprise is a delightful graphic novel authored by Brenda Maier that has captured the hearts of children aged between six to ten years. This book revolves around the lovable panda and penguin characters that are relatable and cute, making them a hit among young readers. The story's engaging plot and colorful illustrations make it a perfect addition to any home or classroom library. Children will be delighted by the charming adventures of the panda and the penguin, making it an ideal gift for kids who love stories with engaging characters and beautiful artwork. Overall, Penguin Panda Surprise is a must-read for anyone looking for a fun and enjoyable book that will inspire kids to read and explore their imaginations.

Simple and innocent stories of two best friends, Penguin and Panda. Split into four different stories, each stories depicts the positive factors of life, that being different is ok, that things are not what they seem at first glance, and overall a very wholesome book about friendship and life. Ebook from NetGallery was 38 pages, so I would recommend this book to readers who are first learning how to read, perhaps kindergarten/first graders. The dialogues are easy to understand and simple, with hidden meanings inside if you think deeper in the words; good for children’s growth development.

Thank you to NetGallery for letting me read this book in advance!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Surprise! This was a really cute story about 2 unconventional friends. This is a good book for newer readers transitioning from picture books to juvenile chapter books.

I think this is a cute series of books about a sweet friendship between a penguin and a panda. The story was quite difficult to follow at times, as though words are missing, making it very difficult to fully follow the story. Hopefully this will be fixed at printing. My son read this and was a bit confused but overall enjoyed the story.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I received an electronic ARC from Marble Press through NetGalley.
Readers meet Penguin and Panda and get to be a third friend enjoying adventures together. The artwork is cleverly simple looking for younger readers. A lower elementary level chapter book that readers will love. The humor is obvious as is the friendship between the two characters. They each take turns doing something special for the other as the chapters unfold. Can't wait to share this with our students.