Do you ever wonder what animals do all day at the zoo? Many kids do! The upcoming picture book, I Might Be a Penguin (Oct. 20, 2026), is a humorous and engaging story that invites kids to imagine what it might be like to be a favorite zoo animal. From monkeys and pandas to flamingos, cheetahs, and - you guessed it - penguins, animals have unique habits and abilities that kids find fascinating.
This is an interactive and exciting book for ages 4-7 that is sure to get kids up and moving as they try to mirror the movements of their favorite creatures. Additional fun facts will satisfy curious young minds looking for more details about the featured animals.
I had a chance to interview author Rachel Tawil Kenyon to learn more.
What was the inspiration behind this book?
As cliche as it feels to type this, YOU MIGHT BE A PENGUIN TOO was inspired by the first trip with my first grandson to the zoo! We had such a great time exploring the animals and their funny ways of being. We were watching and doing our best to imitate the flamingos. JJ was doing such a great job standing on one foot, I said, "I think you might be a flamingo!" With that, my author's lightbulb flashed on high! What fun to try the different skills and habits the animals have. And what a great opening to a conversation about the special skills and talents we each have. It's a family thing now that anytime someone calls out 'flamingo' everyone stands on one foot.
Why is it so fun for kids to imagine themselves as an animal?
Kids almost always love animals. And they almost always have their favorites. So, the first draw to this book is offering a connection to the animals they love by showing how they can have similar abilities and behaviors. Not only do they get to see the animals being amazing, but they get to try out some skills themselves! And bonus points if any adults in earshot try as well!
Picture books that feature animals, whether animals being animals or animals personified, help kids to find a personal relationship to nature. A connection to creatures that are different from us. In the case of YOU MIGHT BE A PENGUIN TOO, kids get to explore the differences of the animals, which is fun and educational, all the while developing their understanding that all of us are different, unique, extraordinary. As they grow and meet more animals and people, they will be learning to recognize, appreciate and love all of the differences.
Why is it important for parents and caregivers to bolster kids' curiosity and imagination?
It's really cool that while we are having fun, playing, pretending, and mimicking, our brains are hard at work developing neural pathways that will handle a myriad of things, including emotional intelligence, empathy, and problem-solving. Play is how we learn best. Communication is how we learn best. Exploring books is how we learn best. So, when a parent or caregiver shows their own playful and curious side, the child is being actively invited to explore as well. I've not seen anything prompt this process more or better than someone reading a picture book aloud to a child/children. As they say, do the voices!
Also, bolstering curiosity and imagination in this way simultaneously bolsters confidence. And that leads to feeling safe asking questions. Get a child to open up with you while reading, and you'll watch a child become more able to share, explore with open-mindedness, and find wonder everywhere they look.
About Rachel Tawil Kenyon: She was born in Brooklyn, New York, and spent her teen years in Hollywood, California. Bringing her diverse experiences with her, she moved with her family to Nashville, Tennessee, where she writes, reads, and teaches. Rachel is known in her community for her enthusiasm working with young children and teenagers. She writes from the heart and encourages the kids she works with to do the same.
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