The Penguin Lessons

What I Learned from a Remarkable Bird

By: Tom Michell

Narrated by: Bill Nighy

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.

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.)

Fabulous story

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

Wonderful read.

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

I want a penguin!

Not a huge animal story fan - but this is one terrific story! Tom Michell and I are about the same age and I vaguely remembered stories of oil soaked penguins washing up many places. Knowing that there were people out there saving these adorable animals made me feel much better. I like to think that if I were in the same position, I would have had the the chutzpa to take one home with me. I fell in love with this little guy from the first. What's not to love about a creature who just wants to be, "one of the guys"?

Bill Nighy's narration is spot on. I can hardly wait to find more he has read, to listen to.

Thank you

Thank you, Tom Michell and Bill Nighy for bringing Juan Salvado to us so perfectly.

The narrator did a beautiful job and made the book come to life.

I enjoyed this book so much! I picked it up after seeing the movie. The movie was good and I would recommend going to see it but the book had so much more depth. If you are looking for a feel good book during this crazy time, read this!