Penguins: Their World, Their Ways

With some recent films of ‘real’ penguins and cartoon penguins, the wider public of the world have come to like this fascinating group of birds. Who can resist them?

To accompany and follow this, there have been a good number of penguin books.

At first glance, this new book may look like another coffee-table book, with its large format and glossy photographs. But that idea is quickly dispelled.

The book is divided into three sections. In the first section Tui De Roy gives accounts of his own experience with all 18 (or 19 depending on taxonomy) species, treating them as seven groups of penguin types. He describes many aspects of each species lives from his own observations. Accompanying the text, are numerous beautiful photographs.

We probably think that we know all there is to know about penguins, but their private lives are complex and mysterious. The second section of the book looks at some of the science that is helping us to better understand them. Seventeen authors and scientists give their accounts of their findings. The topics are diverse, ranging from examination of the fossil record, how King Penguins are able to retain food in their stomachs for weeks to then feed newly hatched chicks, tracking penguins at sea, why there is a large difference in the size of first and second eggs of crested penguins, and threats that some species are facing.

The final section covers some fascinating facts about penguins, and a detailed profile of each of the 18 species, including description, colouration, size and weight, voice, population and distribution, breeding, food, and principal threats.

If you like penguins, and who doesn’t, you will find this beautiful book a fascinating read.

Book reviewed by Derek Toomer