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The Penguin Lessons

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The Penguin Lessons

By: Tom Michell
Narrated by: Bill Nighy
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

NOW A MAJOR FILM STARRING STEVE COOGAN AND JONATHAN PRYCE


THIS IS THE TRUE STORY OF THE UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN A FLIGHTLESS BIRD AND A TEACHER OUT OF HIS DEPTH . . .

Tom Michell is in his roaring twenties: single, free-spirited and seeking adventure. He has a plane ticket to South America, a teaching position in a prestigious Argentine boarding school, and endless summer holidays.

What he doesn't need is a pet. What he really doesn't need is a pet penguin.

But while on holiday in Uruguay he spots a penguin struggling in an oil slick and knows he has to help. And then the penguin refuses to leave his side . . .

Clearly Tom has no choice but to smuggle it across the border, through customs, and back to school. He names him Juan Salvador.

Whether it's as the rugby team's mascot, the housekeeper's confidant, the host at Tom's parties or the most flamboyant swimming coach in world history, Juan Salvador transforms the lives of all he meets - including Tom, who discovers a compadre like no other . . .


AS HEARD ON BBC RADIO 2

'A much-beloved tale about a much-beloved bird . . . Heart-warmingly eccentric' Guardian

'So touching that I didn't want it to end. I really loved this book' Michael Bond, creator of Paddington

'Charming' Daily Mail

'One of the most touching tales we've read all year' Heat

© Tom Michell 2015 (P) Penguin Audio 2015

Birds Environmentalists & Naturalists Pets & Animal Care Professionals & Academics Travel Writing & Commentary Feel-Good

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All stars
Most relevant  
Just loved this charming gem of a book. Bill Nighy is the perfect narrator. I was so sad to finish and say adios to Juan Salvatore!

charming

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An enchanting story ... Heartwarming, touching and most artfully read. A most enjoyable experience. Thoroughly recommended.

Utterly delightful.

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An utterly magical account of a young mans relationship with a penguin he rescued in South America. Perfectly read by Bill Nighy. I laughed. I cried. .

Spellbinding and brilliantly read

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I read this before and was delighted to find there was an audible version. Bill Nighy gives a consumate reading of this charming, fascinating and moving memoir of Tom Michell and his penguin companion.
A wonderful book and fantastic recording.

Delightful

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For anyone who likes animals and penguins especially, obviously. It is at once fun, interesting and escapist.

One of my favourites, a great gift

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This is a book I can see myself coming back to. Beautifully written with excellent narration by Bill Nighy, this is the endearing tale of a penguin that accidentally crossed paths with a high school teacher in Argentina.

A heartwarming tale

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Such a lovely story, we’ll written and a actually even enjoyed Bill Nighy. Listen, you won’t regret it

I just wish it was longer

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A book that I will never forget. It touched me so deeply & will make sure I share with others.

Beautiful touching story

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So much in this book, learning about South America and the amazing lengths one man went to help an oil soaked penguin. Still haunted by the image of them all on the beach at the start.

Brilliantly Written

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A gentle delightful story

A little of the history of Argentina. A little of the character of penguins.
A growing up and going out into the world story.

If you’re wondering just go for it you won’t regret it

A gentle delightful story

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