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How the Penguins Saved Veronica  By  cover art

How the Penguins Saved Veronica

By: Hazel Prior
Narrated by: Helen Lloyd, Andrew Fallaize, Mandy Williams
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Publisher's summary

A curmudgeonly but charming old woman, her estranged grandson, and a colony of penguins proves it's never too late to be the person you want to be in this rich, heartwarming story from the acclaimed author of Ellie and the Harpmaker.

Eighty-five-year-old Veronica McCreedy is estranged from her family and wants to find a worthwhile cause to which to leave her fortune. When she sees a documentary about penguins being studied in Antarctica, she tells the scientists she's coming to visit - and won't take no for an answer. Shortly after arriving, she convinces the reluctant team to rescue an orphaned baby penguin. He becomes part of life at the base, and Veronica's closed heart starts to open.

Her grandson, Patrick, comes to Antarctica to make one last attempt to get to know his grandmother. Together, Veronica, Patrick, and even the scientists learn what family, love, and connection are all about.

©2020 Hazel Prior (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"A warm and witty journey of self-discovery. Prior proves that it's never too late to become the person you were meant to be. But it might require a trip to Antarctica. And penguins." (Wendy Wax, USA Today best-selling author of My Ex-Best Friend's Wedding)

"Veronica McCreedy is an unforgettable heroine. Crotchety, clever and oddly lovable, she kept me turning pages well into the night. Prior has given us a story of love, loss, forgiveness, and the unlikely bonds that form when we least expect it. Humorous and true with finely-drawn characters." (Elyssa Friedland, author of The Floating Feldmans)

"A beautiful expedition into Antarctica, but more importantly, the human heart. Hazel Prior has written a sweet and timely story about how one cranky old woman is no match for a tiny, adorable penguin chick." (Brooke Fossey, author of The Big Finish)

What listeners say about How the Penguins Saved Veronica

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A mostly pleasant story

For the most part, I enjoyed this story. It has a variety of character that are wholly relatable. The plot works
Well and is a pretty low-stress ride. The only difficulty I had is that this author seems to really like to talk about horrible things happening to animals. It did not help the plot or message at all. Warning - the later chapters get kinda environmentally preacher!

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31 people found this helpful

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Exceptional

This book was one of my favorite books I have ever been engulfed by. The imagery grasped my soul from the first moment. The character development exquisitely written and performed will be with my mind for a long time to come. Thank you for this enlightening experience. Bravo!

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  • Overall
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Just what I love

I really enjoyed this human interest story full of characters and fun. Lovely writing, lovely reading.

Thank you!

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  • Overall
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moving and essential

this is a story of evolving love from an endearing curmudgeon for other people, for penguins. and for our whole planet. I listened. rapt, too far into the night.

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a truly wonderful book

Lost nothing on the second reading. It's quirky and fun with interesting characters and a wonderful message.

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Delightful read!

Easy to imagine this likable tale. Very entertaining and crosses the generations in a poignant way!

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Wonderful Story!

My daughter recommended this book to me and I’m so glad she did! Wonderful story and awesome readers with the perfect dialects for their individual locations. I watched a few documentaries about penguins after reading this book and learned a lot.

I look forward to listening to more audio books by this author.

Excellent!

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8 people found this helpful

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Endearing

This was the most endearing book I’ve read in a long while. I fell in love with every character and was so pleased with how everything turned out. Perfect read for a rainy day or for several long walks- you won’t want to put it down.

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1 person found this helpful

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The Penguins Saved me, too!

Our book club enjoyed this novel. it touches on WWII and current times with studies of Penguins in Antarctica. I loved the readers and I could easily visualize each character. This was an easy listen - a perfect summer read.

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Enjoyable book with great performances

Really enjoyed this story, and didn't even mind that the ending was a little too perfect and cheesy! need a little happy ending in the world right now.

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