A Delightful Sensory Adventure: A Comprehensive Review of That’s Not My Penguin by Fiona Watt

Introduction: A Charming Introduction to Sensory Play

There’s something magical about a child’s first encounter with a book—the way their tiny fingers explore textures, their eyes widen at bright colors, and their giggles erupt at the simplest surprises. Fiona Watt’s That’s Not My Penguin from the beloved Usborne Touchy-Feely Books series captures this magic perfectly. Designed for babies and toddlers, this board book isn’t just a story—it’s an interactive experience that engages multiple senses while fostering early literacy skills.

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator looking for a book that entertains while subtly teaching, That’s Not My Penguin is a must-have. But what makes it stand out in a sea of children’s books? Let’s dive in.

Plot Summary: A Simple Yet Engaging Journey

That’s Not My Penguin follows a repetitive, rhythmic structure that young children adore. On each page, a cute little penguin is introduced with a unique tactile feature—soft tummy, bumpy feet, shiny beak—but with one recurring refrain: “That’s not my penguin!” The real penguin is finally revealed at the end, offering a satisfying conclusion to the search.

While the plot is minimal, the joy lies in the sensory exploration. Each spread features a different penguin with a distinct texture, encouraging little hands to touch, feel, and compare. The predictability of the text (“Its [body part] is too [texture]!”) helps build anticipation and reinforces memory and language skills.

Character Analysis: Meet the Penguins!

Though the book doesn’t have traditional “characters” in a narrative sense, each penguin has its own personality thanks to Fiona Watt’s playful illustrations. Some penguins look mischievous, others sleepy or curious, making them visually engaging. The final penguin—the “right” one—is always depicted with a warm, friendly expression, rewarding the child’s persistence.

The real “character” here is the child interacting with the book. The repetitive, interactive nature empowers them to participate, turning reading into a game rather than a passive activity.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Perfect for Little Learners

Fiona Watt’s writing is deceptively simple. The repetitive phrasing:

“That’s not my penguin. Its [body part] is too [texture]!”

is genius in its effectiveness. Repetition is key in early childhood development, helping with:

  • Language acquisition (reinforcing adjectives like “soft,” “bumpy,” “shiny”)
  • Pattern recognition (predictable structure builds confidence)
  • Fine motor skills (touching textures strengthens sensory processing)

The narrative technique is interactive storytelling at its finest—children don’t just listen; they participate.

Thematic Exploration: More Than Just a Touch-and-Feel Book

While That’s Not My Penguin seems straightforward, it subtly introduces several developmental concepts:

  1. Sensory Exploration – Each texture (fuzzy, smooth, rough) stimulates tactile learning.
  2. Visual Discrimination – Bright, high-contrast illustrations help with focus.
  3. Early Literacy – Rhythmic text fosters phonemic awareness.
  4. Emotional Engagement – The “search-and-find” element creates excitement.

It’s also a great tool for teaching body parts (beak, feet, tummy) and opposites (soft vs. scratchy).

Personal Reading Experience: Why Kids (and Parents) Love It

As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how this book captivates little ones. My toddler giggles every time we reach the “too bumpy” penguin, scrunching up her nose in mock disapproval. The textures keep her engaged longer than most books, and the sturdy board pages survive enthusiastic handling.

What stands out is how inclusive it feels—even pre-verbal babies can “read” along by touching the textures. It’s a book that grows with the child, from sensory exploration to early word recognition.

Comparison to Other Books in the Genre

The Usborne Touchy-Feely series is often compared to DK’s Baby Touch and Feel books or Pat the Bunny. Here’s how That’s Not My Penguin stands out:

Feature That’s Not My Penguin Baby Touch and Feel Pat the Bunny
Textures Varied & well-integrated Standard (fur, etc.) Limited
Narrative Repetitive, engaging refrain Minimal text Simple actions
Illustrations Bold, high-contrast colors Photographic Vintage-style
Durability Thick board pages Thick but prone to wear Less sturdy

While all are great, That’s Not My Penguin strikes the best balance between storytelling and sensory play.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✅ Engaging textures – Each page offers a new tactile surprise.
✅ Perfect pacing – Short enough for short attention spans.
✅ Durable construction – Survives teething and rough handling.
✅ Educational value – Teaches adjectives, body parts, and observation skills.

Minor Weaknesses:

❌ Limited storyline – Not a “plot-driven” book (but that’s not the point!).
❌ Some textures wear out – Fuzzy patches may flatten over time.

Still, these are minor quibbles for a book that delivers so much joy.

Target Audience: Who Will Love This Book?

  • Ages 0-3 – Ideal for babies and toddlers.
  • Sensory-seeking kids – Great for children who love tactile input.
  • Early educators – Useful in daycare or preschool settings.
  • Gift-givers – A fantastic baby shower or first birthday present.

Memorable Quotes & Passages

While not quote-heavy, the refrain is irresistibly catchy:

“That’s not my penguin. Its tummy is too fluffy!”

Kids love chiming in, making it a perfect read-aloud.

Cultural & Historical Context

The Usborne Touchy-Feely series began in the late 1990s, revolutionizing interactive books for babies. That’s Not My Penguin (2007) continues this legacy, proving that simple, sensory-rich books remain timeless in early childhood development.

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Little Hands

That’s Not My Penguin is more than a book—it’s an experience. Fiona Watt and Usborne have crafted a delightful, durable, and developmentally brilliant addition to any child’s library. Whether you’re building a first bookshelf or looking for a engaging bedtime read, this one’s a winner.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

  • What’s your child’s favorite texture in the book?
  • Do you prefer touch-and-feel books with stories or just sensory exploration?
  • Which other books in the Usborne Touchy-Feely series do you love?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your experiences!

Get this book on Amazon

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