The Penguin Lessons Audiobook By Tom Michell cover art

The Penguin Lessons

What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird

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The Penguin Lessons

By: Tom Michell
Narrated by: Bill Nighy
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NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE • The extraordinary and inspiring true story about the surprising bond between a young teacher and the small penguin he rescued

“The Penguin Lessons teaches an important truth: that a single act of compassion can be repaid a thousand-fold.”—Sy Montgomery, author of the National Book Award finalist The Soul of an Octopus

In 1975, twenty-three-year-old Englishman Tom Michell follows his wanderlust to Argentina, where he becomes assistant master at a prestigious boarding school. But Michell’s adventures really begin when, on a weekend in Uruguay, he rescues a penguin covered in oil from an ocean spill, cleans the bird up, and attempts to return him to the sea. The penguin refuses to leave his rescuer’s side. “That was the moment at which he became my penguin, and whatever the future held, we’d face it together,” says Michell in this charming memoir.

Michell names the penguin Juan Salvador (“John Saved”), but Juan Salvador, as it turns out, is the one who saves Michell.

After Michell smuggles the bird back to Argentina and into his campus apartment, word spreads about the young Englishman’s unusual roommate. Juan Salvador is suddenly the center of attention—as mascot of the rugby team, confidant to the dorm housekeeper, co-host of Michell’s parties, and an unprecedented swimming coach to a shy boy. Even through the collapse of the Perónist government and amid the country’s economic and political strife, Juan Salvador brings joy to everyone around him—especially Michell, who considers the affectionate animal a compadre and kindred spirit.

Witty and heartwarming, The Penguin Lessons is a classic in the making, a story that is both absurd and wonderful, exactly like Juan Salvador. Biographies & Memoirs Heartfelt Feel-Good Witty Pets & Animal Care
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Critic reviews

“I loved this book, and you will, too! It’s as charming, heartwarming, and surprising as a penguin on a roof terrace. What’s more, The Penguin Lessons teaches an important truth: that a single act of compassion can be repaid a thousand-fold.”—Sy Montgomery, author of The Good Good Pig and the National Book Award finalist The Soul of an Octopus

“[Tom Michell’s] tone suits the material perfectly. . . . You believe every word. . . . No fool, this penguin. No fools, these publishers, who have unleashed such a delightful and charming book just in time for Christmas.”—Daily Mail (U.K.)

“Heart-warming is a wholly inadequate phrase to describe this captivating story that is pure delight from beginning to end.”—The Bookseller (U.K.)
Heartwarming Story • Superb Narration • Educational Content • Engaging Tale • Perfect Reader • Excellent Performance

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I Thoroughly enjoyed this book it was wonderful to listen to. I just completed it and I feel so good.

Wonderful read.

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I really enjoyed the way details of the biology of penguins and the history of Argentina were woven into the storyline .

Fabulous story

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This is the true story of an unexpected companionship and what it taught the author. It has a dry British sense of humor which comes through in the narration. It could be make a good movie.

Unusual and touching story

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I thoroughly enjoyed this story, read superbly by Bill Nighy. His reading of Juan Salvato, the voice of the penguin, adds the right note of warmth, humor and a bit of sarcasm. The tales of Tom Mitchell's peripheral adventures were very interesting, but his connection with Juan really takes center stage. Very enjoyable.

Heart-warming and hilarious!

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Enjoyable book. No high drama but a wonderful insight into a different world and a different time.

Loved the glimpse of a penguin’s life

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