Key Selling Points

• Heloise the penguin is confused because she loves her friends but finds the penguin huddles too close for her comfort; after trying to run away, she returns only to realize her friends just didn't understand what she wanted—and they're happy to support her need for personal space.
• Many readers will relate to Heloise's social anxiety and introverted nature and will feel understood as Heloise describes her plight of liking her friends but also liking to stay home. Her friends making space for her sends a positive message of respecting differences and having compassion for others.
• A great discussion starter for conversations around personal space, boundaries, fitting in, accommodating differences and social-emotional learning.
• The graphic-novel style panels on some spreads, witty writing and fun dialogue make it an inviting and engaging read for even the more reluctant readers.
• Illustrator Udayana Lugo is fantastic at depicting adorable and quirky animal characters and brings her own humour and warmth with playful touches (like winter-wear accessories) and rich colours.
• Deborah Kerbel is the award-winning author of over 25 books for young people, and her books have been nominated for the Governor General's Literary Award and Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Award, among others.