“The Second Sky”
by Patrick Guest, illustrated by Jonathan Bentley.
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2017, 32 pages, K-3.
Often people want to be someone else. The other person or persons have unusual traits, skills, or beauty that make them attractive. This makes us want to be like them; to appear as graceful and talented.
We often cannot see our own gifts and talents because we keep gazing at others. This usually leads to frustration and jealousy. What can we do? Patrick Guest tells us the answers to the above questions in his charming book, “The Second Sky.” Enchantingly illustrated by Jonathan Bentley, readers will be treated to the story of a penguin overcoming his doubts about his body and finding his true self.
Gilbert peeks out of the hole in his egg the day of his birth. All above him is the magisterial blue sky and birds soaring into the heavens. Gilbert is mesmerized by the color and grandeur of the sky. As the birds soar and dip toward the ocean, his heart begins to race. He longs to fly.
As he flaps his wings, he notices that they are short and stubby, totally inadequate for the air. His family is waddling around next to him, not looking graceful in the least. He then realizes that he is a penguin. Well, no matter. Where there is a will, there is a way.
Gilbert imitates the dives of an albatross. But he doesn’t get off the ground. He continues to study the birds and begins jumping off snow mounds. This experiment ends in failure as he plows into sleeping members of his penguin family. They scold him and tell him to stop trying to be a goose.
Gilbert is crushed. Then he makes a plan that will ensure success. He climbs up the tallest mound of rocks in the area. Surely this will be high enough to get up the speed to take off. He makes a mighty leap and starts falling down the side of the hill of snow and rocks. Now he is picking up speed. With a crash about to happen, he is hurtled through a hole in the ice. Suddenly, he is swimming under water in a world of beauty and light. It seems like he is gliding. What has happened to Gilbert?
Why does the water seem so natural to the young penguin? When he finally opens his eyes, why does he discover so much beauty? Why is this new world as natural to Gilbert as trying to fly was impossible? What does he learn about himself and the beauty of being a penguin? To find out the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out this delightful picture book, “The Second Sky” by Patrick Guest.
Children will readily identify with Gilbert’s anxiety about not being able to do things they see others doing. Patrick Guest naturally and innocently allows Gilbert to understand that his own talents are unique and should be embraced. This is a beneficial way for grade school students need to learn about themselves. If you were to read this to a group of early elementary school students, it would deepen their understanding of Gilbert by having them color a picture of a penguin. This book is a great read-aloud and I hope you get a chance to share it with one of the younger members of your family. It is delightful. Enjoy!
