It’s a cold winter’s night in Pōneke (Wellington) when a little blue penguin (Kororā) decides to go for a walk. Leaving the beach, she waddles across a road to a nearby shop. Not just any shop – it’s a sushi shop.

It’s not long before she finds a gap underneath the shop and there she stays – until she’s spotted!

With a little help from a friendly face and a helpful police officer, Kororā is given a very personal escort back to where she belongs.

But this little Kororā is much more determined than any officials. The sushi shop is again in her sights (or nostrils) and the next time she gives them a visit, she brings along a buddy!

This time, Kororā and her friend get even more star treatment with lots of lovely fishy treats and even a brand new home.

Based on a true story (see here for details) a little blue penguin braves the traffic and crosses a road in Wellington NZ, to nest under a sushi shop.

This wonderfully rhyming picture book shares this wee Kororā’s adventure. Jenny Cooper’s beautiful illustrations capture this escapade, with Kororā the star on every page. Her cheeky face is endearing and young children will instantly fall in love with her as they hear her story.

My favourite illustration is where we as readers are under the sushi shop with Kororā and her friend, looking out at a pair of feet. Kororā looks so comfortable under there! 

Author – Linda Jane Keegan

Illustrator – Jenny Cooper

Picture Book

(2022, Scholastic, Animals, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Wellington, Poneke, Sushi Shop, Fish, Kororā, Little Blue Penguin, True Story, Nest)