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Veronica McCreedy #2
Call of the Penguins
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Veronica McCreedy returns in the delightfully feel-good new novel from the No. 1 bestselling author of Away with the Penguins - sure to become a firm favourite with readers!
Meet the heroine everyone's talking about . . .
Fiercely resilient and impeccably dressed, Veronica McCreedy has lived an incredible 87 years. Most of them alone, in her huge house by the sea.
But Veronica has recently discovered a late-life love for family and friendship, adventure and wildlife.
More specifically, a love for penguins!
And so when she's invited to co-present a wildlife documentary, far away in the southern hemisphere, she jumps at the chance.
Even though it will put her in the spotlight, just when she thought she would soon fade into the wings.
Perhaps it's never too late to shine?
Veronica McCreedy returns in the delightfully feel-good new novel from the No. 1 bestselling author of Away with the Penguins - sure to become a firm favourite with readers!
Meet the heroine everyone's talking about . . .
Fiercely resilient and impeccably dressed, Veronica McCreedy has lived an incredible 87 years. Most of them alone, in her huge house by the sea.
But Veronica has recently discovered a late-life love for family and friendship, adventure and wildlife.
More specifically, a love for penguins!
And so when she's invited to co-present a wildlife documentary, far away in the southern hemisphere, she jumps at the chance.
Even though it will put her in the spotlight, just when she thought she would soon fade into the wings.
Perhaps it's never too late to shine?
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2021
About the author
Hazel Prior
7 books770 followersHazel Prior is the author of ELLIE AND THE HARP MAKER and Richard & Judy Book Club number one bestseller AWAY WITH THE PENGUINS (UK title)/HOW THE PENGUINS SAVED VERONICA (US title). Her third book, CALL OF THE PENGUINS, is a continuation of Veronica's adventures. LIFE AND OTTER MIRACLES came out last year and the third in the penguin trilogy, GONE WITH THE PENGUINS will be out this November. As well as writing, Hazel is a freelance harpist. She lives on Exmoor, in England, with her husband and a huge, ginger cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 596 reviews
October 16, 2021
Hazel Prior returns to the delightful world of penguins and the wealthy 87 year old Veronica McCreedy, living in Ayr at The Ballahays, with her helpful assistant Eileen. She has the bright and boisterous 9 year old Daisy, daughter of Gavin, bicycle shop owner and friend of Patrick, Veronica's grandson. Daisy has been undergoing cancer treatment, painful and exhausting, which Veronica has helped her to endure by exhorting her to think of the penguins, the two of them forming a close bond as a result. Patrick has fitted in well in his role at Locket Island in the Antarctic with its Adelie penguins, where one of them, Pip, continues to hold a special place in all their hearts. His relationship with Terry has turned out well and he has become the essential Mr Fix It, helping with the research, and a great cook to boot.
However, Patrick's paranoia and insecurities sees him break off his relationship with Terry, and head to Vancouver, Canada, to find out more about his father, Veronica's son, Enzo, who had been given away as a baby by a nunnery. Patrick had felt this constant hole in his life, and feels a desperate need to find out more about his father, who had died in a climbing accident. He is to find out far more than he ever anticipated, knowledge which challenges what he thought he knew about his mother and father. Veronica, a penguin ambassador, finds herself jetting around the world as she becomes a co-presenter with Sir Robert Saddlebow on a nature documentary on birds, with Veronica focusing on penguins. Daisy joins her after she writes to a programme that grants wishes to children suffering serious illness.
All of them, including Terry, end up reconnecting at Bolder Island in the Falklands, negotiating some troubled waters, mental health issues, and having to face the devastating issue of humanity's use of plastics which endanger ocean life and seabirds. The inclusion of Daisy as a character is genius, her love of penguins is infectious, particularly her love of the Rockhopper penguin, Petra, and Tony the Macaroni. If you adore penguins as much as I do, you will appreciate the central focus on the wide variety of penguins covered in this novel and the humans who love them too. This is a beautifully engaging, lovely and entertaining read, a wonderful sequel to Away with the Penguins, there is heartbreak, tragedy, and conflict in relationships which threaten friendships, such as Veronica's with Robert, and will Patrick and Terry be able to resurrect their love? Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
However, Patrick's paranoia and insecurities sees him break off his relationship with Terry, and head to Vancouver, Canada, to find out more about his father, Veronica's son, Enzo, who had been given away as a baby by a nunnery. Patrick had felt this constant hole in his life, and feels a desperate need to find out more about his father, who had died in a climbing accident. He is to find out far more than he ever anticipated, knowledge which challenges what he thought he knew about his mother and father. Veronica, a penguin ambassador, finds herself jetting around the world as she becomes a co-presenter with Sir Robert Saddlebow on a nature documentary on birds, with Veronica focusing on penguins. Daisy joins her after she writes to a programme that grants wishes to children suffering serious illness.
All of them, including Terry, end up reconnecting at Bolder Island in the Falklands, negotiating some troubled waters, mental health issues, and having to face the devastating issue of humanity's use of plastics which endanger ocean life and seabirds. The inclusion of Daisy as a character is genius, her love of penguins is infectious, particularly her love of the Rockhopper penguin, Petra, and Tony the Macaroni. If you adore penguins as much as I do, you will appreciate the central focus on the wide variety of penguins covered in this novel and the humans who love them too. This is a beautifully engaging, lovely and entertaining read, a wonderful sequel to Away with the Penguins, there is heartbreak, tragedy, and conflict in relationships which threaten friendships, such as Veronica's with Robert, and will Patrick and Terry be able to resurrect their love? Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
March 15, 2022
Call of the Penguins (Veronica McCreedy #2) is the sequel to “How The Penguins Saved Veronica” which I do STRONGLY recommend that you read prior to reading this one…
See review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Veronica is now 87 years young, and this story picks up two years after Veronica met her grandson, Patrick, and spent time on the fictional Locket Island, in Antarctica, studying the Amelie Penguins.
Sir Robert Saddlebow, a TV host, is filming a new program on bird wildlife, and he wants Veronica, to be a co-presenter, on location with him in either Australia, the Falklands, or both!
You see, when Veronica was on Locket Island, she was featured on a blog about the plight of the Penguins there-and she has achieved quite a following as a Penguin Ambassador!
This time she will be reporting on the Little Penguins (or Fairy Penguins) which frequent the coastlines of Southern Australia and New Zealand, and on the Gentoo Penguins in the Falklands, where Daisy (who is like a granddaughter to Veronica) will join her as part of the “I WISH” program. (Make a Wish in the USA)
Daisy will form a relationship with a penguin she will call Petra, much in the same way that Veronica had bonded with a penguin she named, Pip, in Antarctica.
Don’t worry, we will still catch up with Penguins Pip and Sooty, in Antarctica, as Veronica keeps in close contact with lead researcher, Terry and the others from the team on Locket Island.
And, though both books are “feel good” stories, for the most part-they don’t shy away from the realities surrounding the plight of Penguins. 🐧
Terry will report that microscopic sized granules of plastic have even found their way to Antarctica and have been found in the Penguins feces, showing that even the Penguins that far away, have been ingesting plastic, as non recyclable rubbish gets dumped into the ocean.
It can take up to 450 years for plastic bottles and bags, wrappers, bottle caps and synthetic fibers from clothes to decompose, and wildlife confuses these items with food.
In 1960 only 5% of birds had consumed plastic.
The number now is 90% and by 2050 it will be as high as 99%!
Soon there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish-quite a sobering fact! 😔
And, of course-the Penguins are being observed in their natural habitats where not all are lucky enough to survive although nothing written is gratuitous.
Although the first book in the series was slightly more entertaining, it was really nice to catch up with the Penguins and people we met in the first book, in this enjoyable sequel!
Another buddy read with DeAnn, so be sure to check out her amazing review for additional insights!
See review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Veronica is now 87 years young, and this story picks up two years after Veronica met her grandson, Patrick, and spent time on the fictional Locket Island, in Antarctica, studying the Amelie Penguins.
Sir Robert Saddlebow, a TV host, is filming a new program on bird wildlife, and he wants Veronica, to be a co-presenter, on location with him in either Australia, the Falklands, or both!
You see, when Veronica was on Locket Island, she was featured on a blog about the plight of the Penguins there-and she has achieved quite a following as a Penguin Ambassador!
This time she will be reporting on the Little Penguins (or Fairy Penguins) which frequent the coastlines of Southern Australia and New Zealand, and on the Gentoo Penguins in the Falklands, where Daisy (who is like a granddaughter to Veronica) will join her as part of the “I WISH” program. (Make a Wish in the USA)
Daisy will form a relationship with a penguin she will call Petra, much in the same way that Veronica had bonded with a penguin she named, Pip, in Antarctica.
Don’t worry, we will still catch up with Penguins Pip and Sooty, in Antarctica, as Veronica keeps in close contact with lead researcher, Terry and the others from the team on Locket Island.
And, though both books are “feel good” stories, for the most part-they don’t shy away from the realities surrounding the plight of Penguins. 🐧
Terry will report that microscopic sized granules of plastic have even found their way to Antarctica and have been found in the Penguins feces, showing that even the Penguins that far away, have been ingesting plastic, as non recyclable rubbish gets dumped into the ocean.
It can take up to 450 years for plastic bottles and bags, wrappers, bottle caps and synthetic fibers from clothes to decompose, and wildlife confuses these items with food.
In 1960 only 5% of birds had consumed plastic.
The number now is 90% and by 2050 it will be as high as 99%!
Soon there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish-quite a sobering fact! 😔
And, of course-the Penguins are being observed in their natural habitats where not all are lucky enough to survive although nothing written is gratuitous.
Although the first book in the series was slightly more entertaining, it was really nice to catch up with the Penguins and people we met in the first book, in this enjoyable sequel!
Another buddy read with DeAnn, so be sure to check out her amazing review for additional insights!
September 24, 2021
I was thrilled to receive an early digital copy of this delightful, beautifully written book. The lovely previous book 'Away With the Penguins' ( also published with the alternate title 'How the Penguins Saved Veronica) is one of my favourites. I was pleased when I learned there would be a second chance to meet the wonderful, memorable, and unique characters once more. 'The Call of the Penguins' can be read as a standalone, but readers' enjoyment would be enhanced by also reading the first book for a better understanding of what led them to the present situation.
This book contains humour, human drama, heartache. romance, family history, genealogy, dark secrets, mystery, misunderstandings, emotions on edge, temper flair-ups, kindness, adventure, excitement, a tangled family tree, illness and love of penguins. It also carries an important environmental message, and what we can do to improve our planet.
What we know about Veronica; At the age of 87, Veronica was a stubborn, cantankerous, feisty woman who lived alone in an imposing mansion except for a daily hired woman, Eileen. Veronica had been friendless for most of her long life and had no known living relatives. After a lifetime of disappointment and loss broke her spirit, she learned to expect the worst in people. She is a very wealthy woman who became entranced watching a documentary film describing research on Adelie penguins by an underfunded three-person team on Locket Island in Antarctica. Her concern over the plight of the penguins resulted in her deciding to use her vast wealth to save them by funding the project, but only if they agreed to allow her to visit the Antarctic base to decide if the project was worthwhile. She was an unstoppable force in her determination. Her excitement in actually seeing the colony of penguins herself awakened an adventurous spirit.
Both books feature resilience and redemption and the theme that it is never too late to change one's perspective, behaviour and attitude.
This book begins with Veronica, now age 87, at home at her imposing estate. Enchanting memories of the captivating penguins and people she met on the journey fill her with pleasure, but she also has dark secrets and losses from her distant past. It seems the joy from her recent adventure must sustain her in her old age. Her housekeeper still extends a helping hand and friendship. Veronica is caring for a 9-year-old girl, Daisy, who is recovering from chemotherapy after a long illness. She is a loud, exuberant child, enthusiastic and delightful despite her serious illness. She and Veronica have formed a special bond.
A much honoured and respected producer of nature documentaries is heading to Australia and the Falkland Islands to film sea birds and environmental issues. He wants Veronica to participate in the filming of the sections about penguins. She does not hesitate in agreeing to another chance to see
her beloved, fascinating penguins. Unknown to her, Daisy has written to a TV show that grants wishes to children suffering from serious illnesses. Daisy's wish was to accompany Veronica on her journey. She is excited that the TV show granted her request.
We also learn what has been happening on Locket Island, the Antarctic base Veronica previously visited. The three-member research team added a fourth worker. This was Veronica's previously unknown grandson, whose existence was only recently discovered. He is a man in turmoil and has left the island and his romantic relationship in a fit of anger and misunderstanding. Veronica funds his travel to Vancouver, Canada to learn about his father who deserted him and led to his life in foster homes. The man was also Veronica's lost son and both have been tormented by the mystery of his life.
it is up to Veronica to attempt to untangle broken relationships and work on new friendships while watching Rosie's delight in observing the penguins and her own joy in encountering them again. The emotional toll of the human relationships is causing her much stress, interfering with her part in the filming in the Falklands. Will she return from her journey with more happy memories? The ending back home strongly hints that there may be more adventures and more penguins in her future. If so, I can't wait!
I highly recommend this lovely book. The atmospheric writing imparts a vivid sense of the settings and paints a strong visual picture in the reader's mind.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for the ARC in return for my honest review.
This book contains humour, human drama, heartache. romance, family history, genealogy, dark secrets, mystery, misunderstandings, emotions on edge, temper flair-ups, kindness, adventure, excitement, a tangled family tree, illness and love of penguins. It also carries an important environmental message, and what we can do to improve our planet.
What we know about Veronica; At the age of 87, Veronica was a stubborn, cantankerous, feisty woman who lived alone in an imposing mansion except for a daily hired woman, Eileen. Veronica had been friendless for most of her long life and had no known living relatives. After a lifetime of disappointment and loss broke her spirit, she learned to expect the worst in people. She is a very wealthy woman who became entranced watching a documentary film describing research on Adelie penguins by an underfunded three-person team on Locket Island in Antarctica. Her concern over the plight of the penguins resulted in her deciding to use her vast wealth to save them by funding the project, but only if they agreed to allow her to visit the Antarctic base to decide if the project was worthwhile. She was an unstoppable force in her determination. Her excitement in actually seeing the colony of penguins herself awakened an adventurous spirit.
Both books feature resilience and redemption and the theme that it is never too late to change one's perspective, behaviour and attitude.
This book begins with Veronica, now age 87, at home at her imposing estate. Enchanting memories of the captivating penguins and people she met on the journey fill her with pleasure, but she also has dark secrets and losses from her distant past. It seems the joy from her recent adventure must sustain her in her old age. Her housekeeper still extends a helping hand and friendship. Veronica is caring for a 9-year-old girl, Daisy, who is recovering from chemotherapy after a long illness. She is a loud, exuberant child, enthusiastic and delightful despite her serious illness. She and Veronica have formed a special bond.
A much honoured and respected producer of nature documentaries is heading to Australia and the Falkland Islands to film sea birds and environmental issues. He wants Veronica to participate in the filming of the sections about penguins. She does not hesitate in agreeing to another chance to see
her beloved, fascinating penguins. Unknown to her, Daisy has written to a TV show that grants wishes to children suffering from serious illnesses. Daisy's wish was to accompany Veronica on her journey. She is excited that the TV show granted her request.
We also learn what has been happening on Locket Island, the Antarctic base Veronica previously visited. The three-member research team added a fourth worker. This was Veronica's previously unknown grandson, whose existence was only recently discovered. He is a man in turmoil and has left the island and his romantic relationship in a fit of anger and misunderstanding. Veronica funds his travel to Vancouver, Canada to learn about his father who deserted him and led to his life in foster homes. The man was also Veronica's lost son and both have been tormented by the mystery of his life.
it is up to Veronica to attempt to untangle broken relationships and work on new friendships while watching Rosie's delight in observing the penguins and her own joy in encountering them again. The emotional toll of the human relationships is causing her much stress, interfering with her part in the filming in the Falklands. Will she return from her journey with more happy memories? The ending back home strongly hints that there may be more adventures and more penguins in her future. If so, I can't wait!
I highly recommend this lovely book. The atmospheric writing imparts a vivid sense of the settings and paints a strong visual picture in the reader's mind.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for the ARC in return for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2021
This is the second instalment featuring Veronica McCreedy, now 87 and her love of penguins. She has young Daisy aged 9, staying with her at Ballahays in Ayr to help her recover from the impact of chemotherapy. Their mantra is ‘Remember the Penguins’ and who doesn’t love a Penguin??? The redoubtable and highly capable housekeeper Eileen looks after both of them extremely well. Meanwhile, Veronica’s grandson Patrick is at the research station at Locket Island, South Shetlands in Antarctica which is paid for by the generosity of Veronica. We follow the ups and downs of his relationship with Terry and his quest to find out more about his father and Veronica’s son Enzo which takes him to Canada. Veronica is invited by Sir Robert Saddlebow to co-present documentaries from Australia and the Falkland Isles the focus will be on ... well, obviously penguins. Daisy is invited to travel with her.
Veronica and Daisy are at opposite ends of the age spectrum and both are delightfully captivating and enchanting, I love Veronica’s ‘old fashioned’ voice and turns of phrase and admirable values which charm the reader. She’s like HRH, never knowingly without her handbag even whilst filing in Antarctica! Daisy is fabulous, she’s funny as her mind whirls like a dervish and she’s very caring and bless her heart, she’s been through a lot for her young years. Her joy and enthusiasm for penguins is catching. In this one focus is especially on a Rockhopper which Daisy befriends whom they name Petra and this storyline is very moving. The book takes an important environmental angle especially the impact of plastics which makes you feel ashamed. The book has plenty of joyful laughter and much to thoroughly entertain, there is some sadness and drama, there are instances of lack of communication but plenty of examples of kindness. It’s heartwarming and thought provoking, I daresay it follows a predictable path but it’s none the worse for that!
Overall, if you love penguins and well crafted characters and a storyline that is well told then this is for you!!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Transworld, Black Swan for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Veronica and Daisy are at opposite ends of the age spectrum and both are delightfully captivating and enchanting, I love Veronica’s ‘old fashioned’ voice and turns of phrase and admirable values which charm the reader. She’s like HRH, never knowingly without her handbag even whilst filing in Antarctica! Daisy is fabulous, she’s funny as her mind whirls like a dervish and she’s very caring and bless her heart, she’s been through a lot for her young years. Her joy and enthusiasm for penguins is catching. In this one focus is especially on a Rockhopper which Daisy befriends whom they name Petra and this storyline is very moving. The book takes an important environmental angle especially the impact of plastics which makes you feel ashamed. The book has plenty of joyful laughter and much to thoroughly entertain, there is some sadness and drama, there are instances of lack of communication but plenty of examples of kindness. It’s heartwarming and thought provoking, I daresay it follows a predictable path but it’s none the worse for that!
Overall, if you love penguins and well crafted characters and a storyline that is well told then this is for you!!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Transworld, Black Swan for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
August 9, 2024
Following her grand adventure on Locket Island in Antarctica, staying at a research station and raising an orphan penguin called Pip, octagenerian Veronica McCreedy is back home in Scotland, leading a quiet life. But when she is invited by wild life presenter Sir Robert Saddlebow to co-host a documentary program on seabirds, she jumps at the chance of a new adventure.
After filming Little penguins in New Zealand, they travel on to the Falklands where they are joined by nine year old Daisy, the daughter of a friend of Veronica’s grandson Patrick. While undergoing treatment for cancer, Daisy followed Veronica on the Locket Island blog and fell in love with baby penguin Pip. Whenever she felt ill during her cancer treatment, Veronica would tell her to ‘Remember the Penguins’. Now Daisy’s wish to see penguins for herself is being fulfilled by a make-a-wish foundation.
Meanwhile, Patrick is experiencing his own adventures. After falling in love with Locket Island (when he went to ’rescue’ Veronica) as well as Terry, the woman who heads the research program, Patrick stayed on as a volunteer. However, due to poor communication he has suddenly left, leaving Terry to wonder about what went wrong. Veronica decides that rather than moping around, this would be a good time for him to search for information about the father he never knew (Veronica’s long-lost baby son) and sends him off to Canada.
This is a delightful sequel to the wonderful ‘Away with the Penguins’. There are lots of penguins and penguin facts along with many ups and downs for Patrick and Veronica on their travels. Daisy is a charming little girl and her relationship with a special penguin is a delight to read about. Hazel Prior is a gifted story teller and this is an enjoyable read with some very engaging characters.
With thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for a copy to read
After filming Little penguins in New Zealand, they travel on to the Falklands where they are joined by nine year old Daisy, the daughter of a friend of Veronica’s grandson Patrick. While undergoing treatment for cancer, Daisy followed Veronica on the Locket Island blog and fell in love with baby penguin Pip. Whenever she felt ill during her cancer treatment, Veronica would tell her to ‘Remember the Penguins’. Now Daisy’s wish to see penguins for herself is being fulfilled by a make-a-wish foundation.
Meanwhile, Patrick is experiencing his own adventures. After falling in love with Locket Island (when he went to ’rescue’ Veronica) as well as Terry, the woman who heads the research program, Patrick stayed on as a volunteer. However, due to poor communication he has suddenly left, leaving Terry to wonder about what went wrong. Veronica decides that rather than moping around, this would be a good time for him to search for information about the father he never knew (Veronica’s long-lost baby son) and sends him off to Canada.
This is a delightful sequel to the wonderful ‘Away with the Penguins’. There are lots of penguins and penguin facts along with many ups and downs for Patrick and Veronica on their travels. Daisy is a charming little girl and her relationship with a special penguin is a delight to read about. Hazel Prior is a gifted story teller and this is an enjoyable read with some very engaging characters.
With thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for a copy to read
March 23, 2022
It was wonderful to follow up on Veronica McCreedy in this sequel to 'How the Penguins Saved Veronica' by Hazel Prior.
Eighty-seven year old Veronica is invited by Sir Robert Saddlebow, whose docuseries on wildlife encouraged her interest in penguins, to be co-presenter in a documentary featuring seabirds. As 'penguin ambassador' she is to present segments featuring penguins in Australia and the Falklands. Nine-year-old Daisy, who was staying with Veronica while recuperating from her chemotherapy treatments and is on the road to recovery, is granted her wish to travel to see the penguins and joins her in the Falklands accompanied by her mother Beth, to present a small feature for the 'I Wish' initiative. Both Patrick and Terry eventually join her there too.
Patrick , Veronica's grandson, having broken up with Terry and having quit his work with Terry and her team in Antarctica is on a quest to find out as much as possible about his late father - a quest Veronica supports, wanting to know more about her long lost son who was who had been forcibly taken away from her as an infant and given up for adoption. Patrick's search takes him to Canada and back. His exploration into his father's life is an emotional journey that results in moments of pause and reflection on his life choices and forces him to rethink his priorities.
The narrative is shared between Veronica, Terry and Patrick. This is a novel about friendship, family and belongingness , adventure and openness to new ideas and experiences and of course, penguins! It was so much fun getting to follow up on Pip and Sooty and meeting Petra and Tony the Macaroni. The vivid descriptions of nature and sea life are breathtaking and the author draws our attention to the issues pertaining to environmental consciousness and how the negligence and carelessness of humans in disposing of non-biodegradable pollutants especially plastic in water endangers wildlife and disturbs the ecological balance .
Entertaining, heartwarming and thought provoking with an interesting cast of characters (human and penguin!), Call of the Penguins is a lovely story that should not be missed. As Veronica says , "I have found that one's happiness very much depends on where one chooses to put one's focus. I would do well to follow my own advice and at all times remember the penguins."
Eighty-seven year old Veronica is invited by Sir Robert Saddlebow, whose docuseries on wildlife encouraged her interest in penguins, to be co-presenter in a documentary featuring seabirds. As 'penguin ambassador' she is to present segments featuring penguins in Australia and the Falklands. Nine-year-old Daisy, who was staying with Veronica while recuperating from her chemotherapy treatments and is on the road to recovery, is granted her wish to travel to see the penguins and joins her in the Falklands accompanied by her mother Beth, to present a small feature for the 'I Wish' initiative. Both Patrick and Terry eventually join her there too.
Patrick , Veronica's grandson, having broken up with Terry and having quit his work with Terry and her team in Antarctica is on a quest to find out as much as possible about his late father - a quest Veronica supports, wanting to know more about her long lost son who was who had been forcibly taken away from her as an infant and given up for adoption. Patrick's search takes him to Canada and back. His exploration into his father's life is an emotional journey that results in moments of pause and reflection on his life choices and forces him to rethink his priorities.
The narrative is shared between Veronica, Terry and Patrick. This is a novel about friendship, family and belongingness , adventure and openness to new ideas and experiences and of course, penguins! It was so much fun getting to follow up on Pip and Sooty and meeting Petra and Tony the Macaroni. The vivid descriptions of nature and sea life are breathtaking and the author draws our attention to the issues pertaining to environmental consciousness and how the negligence and carelessness of humans in disposing of non-biodegradable pollutants especially plastic in water endangers wildlife and disturbs the ecological balance .
Entertaining, heartwarming and thought provoking with an interesting cast of characters (human and penguin!), Call of the Penguins is a lovely story that should not be missed. As Veronica says , "I have found that one's happiness very much depends on where one chooses to put one's focus. I would do well to follow my own advice and at all times remember the penguins."
November 15, 2021
Veronica McCreedy – eighty-seven years old with a grandson, Patrick, she’d discovered only eighteen months prior, and a nine-year-old girl, Daisy, currently in her care. Daisy was recovering from chemotherapy and her recuperation for a while with Veronica in The Ballahays, in Scotland with Eileen who was a friend of Veronica, was agreed upon by Daisy’s parents Beth and Gavin. Veronica had previously been on Locket Island, rescued an orphaned penguin Pip, and now was preparing to venture out into the wilderness again with different penguins. Sir Robert had agreed to have Daisy along and participate in the “My Wish” program. They headed first to Australia then to Bolder Island in the Falklands.
Meanwhile Patrick had been working on Locket Island with Terry, Mike and Dietrich when he left in a hurry, angry and determined not to set foot on the place again. Terry and Patrick were a couple, which was made awkward by Terry being the boss of the group. She found it difficult to be both a partner and boss, and when Patrick stormed off, she tried to tell herself it was for the best. Patrick headed for Canada to search for the truth about his father, Veronica’s son and as he did so, he found out more things than he’d probably wished for.
Back on Bolder Island, Daisy had befriended a penguin and named her Petra. The filming and documentaries delighted the viewers while Sir Robert was happy with the way things were progressing. But what would happen with Patrick and Terry? The call of the penguins was strong across all their habitats. Would the documentaries be viewed favourably?
Call of the Penguins is a follow on from How the Penguins Saved Veronica and it’s another delightful, entertaining and informative tale by Hazel Prior which I thoroughly enjoyed. Petra and her friend Tony the Macaroni were cute, as was Pip, and Daisy was a treasure. Veronica is a crusty old dear, with plenty of money left by her late husband, and she does love to help people (not interfere; never interfere) Learning the “googly thing” (taught to her by 9-year-old Daisy!) and sending and receiving emails was quite an achievement! Recommended.
With thanks to Ruth Richardson, Penguin Random House UK via NetGalley for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Meanwhile Patrick had been working on Locket Island with Terry, Mike and Dietrich when he left in a hurry, angry and determined not to set foot on the place again. Terry and Patrick were a couple, which was made awkward by Terry being the boss of the group. She found it difficult to be both a partner and boss, and when Patrick stormed off, she tried to tell herself it was for the best. Patrick headed for Canada to search for the truth about his father, Veronica’s son and as he did so, he found out more things than he’d probably wished for.
Back on Bolder Island, Daisy had befriended a penguin and named her Petra. The filming and documentaries delighted the viewers while Sir Robert was happy with the way things were progressing. But what would happen with Patrick and Terry? The call of the penguins was strong across all their habitats. Would the documentaries be viewed favourably?
Call of the Penguins is a follow on from How the Penguins Saved Veronica and it’s another delightful, entertaining and informative tale by Hazel Prior which I thoroughly enjoyed. Petra and her friend Tony the Macaroni were cute, as was Pip, and Daisy was a treasure. Veronica is a crusty old dear, with plenty of money left by her late husband, and she does love to help people (not interfere; never interfere) Learning the “googly thing” (taught to her by 9-year-old Daisy!) and sending and receiving emails was quite an achievement! Recommended.
With thanks to Ruth Richardson, Penguin Random House UK via NetGalley for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 28, 2023
Hazel Prior's "Call of the Penguins" takes readers on a heartwarming journey of friendship, adventure, and the indomitable spirit of two unlikely companions.
The story revolves around the remarkable bond between Veronica McCreedy, a spirited woman approaching her nineties, and Daisy, a curious and brave nine-year-old girl. Despite their significant age difference, these two individuals forge a connection that is both poignant and magical. Veronica, living a solitary life in her grand seaside home, finds renewed purpose and excitement when Daisy enters her life. Together, they embark on an extraordinary voyage to explore the world of penguins in the southern hemisphere.
One of the book's strengths lies in its portrayal of the characters. Veronica is a fiercely independent woman who exudes both elegance and vulnerability. Her journey of self-discovery and rediscovering her zest for life is inspiring and relatable. Daisy, on the other hand, brings a childlike wonder and infectious energy to the story. Their contrasting personalities complement each other beautifully, and their evolving friendship is precious.
Hazel Prior vividly describes the landscapes and penguin colonies, transporting readers to the far reaches of the world. This aspect of the narrative adds depth to the story, making the penguins' habitats and behaviors come alive on the pages.
The thematic exploration of adventure and the pursuit of passions resonates strongly throughout the novel. "Call of the Penguins" encourages readers to embrace life's possibilities, no matter their age, and to find the courage to follow their dreams. The book reminds us that true fulfillment comes not from material possessions but from the connections we form and the experiences we cherish.
My gripes, for what it's worth:
While the story is undoubtedly heartwarming and engaging, and....wait for it....smut-free!...there are moments where the pacing feels a bit slow. Some readers may find themselves yearning for a swifter narrative to match the energy and excitement of the characters' adventures. I also was underwhelmed by the excitement of a media presence, the aspiration to become famous, and the attitude of some of the characters relying heavily on other people's money for their spending and aspirations. It is just not an environment I find particularly riveting or exciting. The pretentious lives of influencers and celebrities are so over-exploited and dull, yes, even boring, in the end. Nothing original to it. But that's just me.
As far as the characters are concerned: a parade of maladies and dysfunction is on offer. Those without challenges are ignored, or perhaps left out for the next installment of how to be miserable and probably lost to the world.
In conclusion, "Call of the Penguins" paints an entertaining portrait of the enduring spirit found within the hearts of both the young and the old, if you're willing to suspend disbelief. A relaxing experience for sure.
The story revolves around the remarkable bond between Veronica McCreedy, a spirited woman approaching her nineties, and Daisy, a curious and brave nine-year-old girl. Despite their significant age difference, these two individuals forge a connection that is both poignant and magical. Veronica, living a solitary life in her grand seaside home, finds renewed purpose and excitement when Daisy enters her life. Together, they embark on an extraordinary voyage to explore the world of penguins in the southern hemisphere.
One of the book's strengths lies in its portrayal of the characters. Veronica is a fiercely independent woman who exudes both elegance and vulnerability. Her journey of self-discovery and rediscovering her zest for life is inspiring and relatable. Daisy, on the other hand, brings a childlike wonder and infectious energy to the story. Their contrasting personalities complement each other beautifully, and their evolving friendship is precious.
Hazel Prior vividly describes the landscapes and penguin colonies, transporting readers to the far reaches of the world. This aspect of the narrative adds depth to the story, making the penguins' habitats and behaviors come alive on the pages.
The thematic exploration of adventure and the pursuit of passions resonates strongly throughout the novel. "Call of the Penguins" encourages readers to embrace life's possibilities, no matter their age, and to find the courage to follow their dreams. The book reminds us that true fulfillment comes not from material possessions but from the connections we form and the experiences we cherish.
My gripes, for what it's worth:
While the story is undoubtedly heartwarming and engaging, and....wait for it....smut-free!...there are moments where the pacing feels a bit slow. Some readers may find themselves yearning for a swifter narrative to match the energy and excitement of the characters' adventures. I also was underwhelmed by the excitement of a media presence, the aspiration to become famous, and the attitude of some of the characters relying heavily on other people's money for their spending and aspirations. It is just not an environment I find particularly riveting or exciting. The pretentious lives of influencers and celebrities are so over-exploited and dull, yes, even boring, in the end. Nothing original to it. But that's just me.
As far as the characters are concerned: a parade of maladies and dysfunction is on offer. Those without challenges are ignored, or perhaps left out for the next installment of how to be miserable and probably lost to the world.
In conclusion, "Call of the Penguins" paints an entertaining portrait of the enduring spirit found within the hearts of both the young and the old, if you're willing to suspend disbelief. A relaxing experience for sure.
December 31, 2022
I was going to give up a third of the way through this but unfortunately I'm incapable of following good advice.
Where to start with this ... I'm not sure what it is except maybe a hastily flung together book pushed on by the success of the first one. Someone should have left it where it was.
I can't quite decide whether this is supposed to be a cutesy story or a diatribe on the state of the environment or a thinly disguised "how to" book.
The cutesy story is so obvious as to be dull. The diatribe on plastic pollution comes across as about 20 years too late and as for the "how to"? I was told how to turn on a computer, read and send an email, retrieve documents ... the list went on. I think I was even taught how to make a cup of tea at one stage but that might have been my fevered brain making things up.
A few real niggles drove me to eye rolling - firstly the constant use of "my dear" in front of virtually all Veronica's interminable sentences; next I was confused as to why a so-called nature lover had never heard of a bird called a booby and (certainly not last) but how would anyone struggle to make sense a boy being called Noah. Its in the bible for crying out loud.
The rest of the book seemed to be filled with whining - Patrick whined all the way through, Terry whined for half the time, Veronica lost her temper and whined, Mike seethe and whined. Enough!
Unfortunately all this was made worse by the awful narration. Worst book of the year!
Where to start with this ... I'm not sure what it is except maybe a hastily flung together book pushed on by the success of the first one. Someone should have left it where it was.
I can't quite decide whether this is supposed to be a cutesy story or a diatribe on the state of the environment or a thinly disguised "how to" book.
The cutesy story is so obvious as to be dull. The diatribe on plastic pollution comes across as about 20 years too late and as for the "how to"? I was told how to turn on a computer, read and send an email, retrieve documents ... the list went on. I think I was even taught how to make a cup of tea at one stage but that might have been my fevered brain making things up.
A few real niggles drove me to eye rolling - firstly the constant use of "my dear" in front of virtually all Veronica's interminable sentences; next I was confused as to why a so-called nature lover had never heard of a bird called a booby and (certainly not last) but how would anyone struggle to make sense a boy being called Noah. Its in the bible for crying out loud.
The rest of the book seemed to be filled with whining - Patrick whined all the way through, Terry whined for half the time, Veronica lost her temper and whined, Mike seethe and whined. Enough!
Unfortunately all this was made worse by the awful narration. Worst book of the year!
February 28, 2024
I loved the first book so much that I rated it 5 stars.
I was expecting to feel the same about this one, but unfortunately there was nothing magical.
Everything was way too Hallmark for me.
I really don’t feel like explaining.
It wasn’t for me, that’s all.
I was expecting to feel the same about this one, but unfortunately there was nothing magical.
Everything was way too Hallmark for me.
I really don’t feel like explaining.
It wasn’t for me, that’s all.
February 12, 2022
⭐⭐.5
I really wanted to enjoy this one more than I did. It started off really well. I wasn't too lost even though I haven't read book one. However, around halfway through, I started to lose interest. The story felt like it was dragging, and I wasn't invested in the characters. It ended up being a struggle to even finish it. I have seen a few reviews that state book one was much better, so I may give that book a try in the future!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
August 1, 2021
I am absolutely gutted to report that I was left feeling a little disappointed with this as a sequel. I adored the first book but I dont see that this added any value to the original story. Also wouldn't recommend this as a standalone as I was struggling to pick up where the last one left off.
Some good moments, and of course I still love Veronica. Just greedily expected more.
Some good moments, and of course I still love Veronica. Just greedily expected more.
March 16, 2022
4.25 remember the penguins stars
Veronica McCreedy is a wonderful character! She’s 87 and ready to fly around the world to be a penguin ambassador! She’s paired with the precocious 9-year-old Daisy who has just finished cancer treatment.
This is the second in the series, and Veronica insists that you read book #1 first (How the Penguins Saved Veronica.) That one introduces us to the characters, including the beloved penguins Pip and Sooty from the fictional Locket Island.
Veronica is invited to take part in an animal film production with more penguins. I must admit I worried a bit about Veronica and Daisy flying all over the world, but this didn’t seem to faze this intrepid pair!
We also get chapters from Veronica’s grandson Patrick that we met in the first book. He’s been working with the penguins on Locket Island along with Terry and the team. Terry also makes some great perspective additions.
I liked how the author was very upfront about the reality of life for the penguins and how humans continue to poison our world, especially with plastics.
It was fun to revisit the characters in this one. I didn’t quite love it as much as the first book, but still definitely a winner for me! It made for an excellent buddy read with Jayme. Be sure to check out her informative review!
Veronica McCreedy is a wonderful character! She’s 87 and ready to fly around the world to be a penguin ambassador! She’s paired with the precocious 9-year-old Daisy who has just finished cancer treatment.
This is the second in the series, and Veronica insists that you read book #1 first (How the Penguins Saved Veronica.) That one introduces us to the characters, including the beloved penguins Pip and Sooty from the fictional Locket Island.
Veronica is invited to take part in an animal film production with more penguins. I must admit I worried a bit about Veronica and Daisy flying all over the world, but this didn’t seem to faze this intrepid pair!
We also get chapters from Veronica’s grandson Patrick that we met in the first book. He’s been working with the penguins on Locket Island along with Terry and the team. Terry also makes some great perspective additions.
I liked how the author was very upfront about the reality of life for the penguins and how humans continue to poison our world, especially with plastics.
It was fun to revisit the characters in this one. I didn’t quite love it as much as the first book, but still definitely a winner for me! It made for an excellent buddy read with Jayme. Be sure to check out her informative review!
August 2, 2021
Call of the Penguins by Hazel Prior is the sequel to her book Away With The Penguins.
Veronica is delighted to receive a request to appear in a wildlife documentary about Penguins and now at the age of 87 years she is ready for a new adventure.
I read this book immediately after finishing the first book about Veronica and the Penguins. I was totally engrossed in both these books and I’m hoping that Hazel Prior will write more stories about the characters of Veronica, Patrick, Terry and Daisy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Veronica is delighted to receive a request to appear in a wildlife documentary about Penguins and now at the age of 87 years she is ready for a new adventure.
I read this book immediately after finishing the first book about Veronica and the Penguins. I was totally engrossed in both these books and I’m hoping that Hazel Prior will write more stories about the characters of Veronica, Patrick, Terry and Daisy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2021
“‘Penguins,’ I remind her, ‘are not only a source of endless entertainment; they are an example to us all. They are well worth seeking out.’”
Call of the Penguins is another wonderful tale of family, second chances, and penguins as we rejoin eccentric octogenarian Veronica McCreedy, whose adventures in Antarctica delighted Hazel Prior’s readers in Away With the Penguins (aka How the Penguins Saved Veronica).
Eighty seven year old Veronica expects she’s had her last adventure now she is back home in Scotland after her time on Locket Island, until she is contacted by wildlife documentary presenter Sir Robert Saddlebow who invites her to join him as a co-host on a show he is filming in Australia and the Falkland Islands. Veronica is thrilled for the opportunity to be back among penguins, and the trip goes smoothly until she receives devastating news from her grandson.
Patrick, having abandoned both his job and his girlfriend at the Locket Island research station in a fit of pique and paranoia, is in Canada at the behest of his grandmother hoping to learn more about the man they both loved and lost. Patrick is shocked when he discovers the reason his father left both him and his mother, forcing him to reconsider his past, and his future.
It’s a joy to be among the penguins again in Call of the Penguins. While we are updated on the Adelie colony, and the growth of Pip, on Locket Island through Terry’s perspective, Prior introduces us to new breeds including Little Penguins, the Gentu and the Macaroni, however it’s a Rockhopper, given the name Petra, on Boulder Island in the Falklands, that steals the show.
Yet there is plenty of angst to be found among the pages of this sequel. Prior gives us rich, authentic characters that lead the reader on quite an emotional roller coaster. Patrick and Terry’s breakup leaves the future of the Locket Island project in doubt, and Terry is faced with a difficult decision. Patrick is tempted to return to his old ways as he is confronted by a secret about his father, which in turn upsets his grandmother. Veronica lashes out when she learns said secret, jeopardising her friendship with Sir Robert, and nine year old Daisy, who has joined Veronica in the Falklands thanks to a charity foundation that fulfils wishes by ill children.
Unsurprisingly, Call of the Penguins also imparts clear messages about the varied threats to the health of our natural environment. In particular Prior explores the effects of plastic pollution in our oceans and the risks it poses to the well-being of penguin populations.
Despite the many serious issues raised in this novel, Call of the Penguins is ultimately a celebration of connection, resilience and hope. Told with warmth, humour and sensitivity, this is a lovely uplifting read.
Call of the Penguins is another wonderful tale of family, second chances, and penguins as we rejoin eccentric octogenarian Veronica McCreedy, whose adventures in Antarctica delighted Hazel Prior’s readers in Away With the Penguins (aka How the Penguins Saved Veronica).
Eighty seven year old Veronica expects she’s had her last adventure now she is back home in Scotland after her time on Locket Island, until she is contacted by wildlife documentary presenter Sir Robert Saddlebow who invites her to join him as a co-host on a show he is filming in Australia and the Falkland Islands. Veronica is thrilled for the opportunity to be back among penguins, and the trip goes smoothly until she receives devastating news from her grandson.
Patrick, having abandoned both his job and his girlfriend at the Locket Island research station in a fit of pique and paranoia, is in Canada at the behest of his grandmother hoping to learn more about the man they both loved and lost. Patrick is shocked when he discovers the reason his father left both him and his mother, forcing him to reconsider his past, and his future.
It’s a joy to be among the penguins again in Call of the Penguins. While we are updated on the Adelie colony, and the growth of Pip, on Locket Island through Terry’s perspective, Prior introduces us to new breeds including Little Penguins, the Gentu and the Macaroni, however it’s a Rockhopper, given the name Petra, on Boulder Island in the Falklands, that steals the show.
Yet there is plenty of angst to be found among the pages of this sequel. Prior gives us rich, authentic characters that lead the reader on quite an emotional roller coaster. Patrick and Terry’s breakup leaves the future of the Locket Island project in doubt, and Terry is faced with a difficult decision. Patrick is tempted to return to his old ways as he is confronted by a secret about his father, which in turn upsets his grandmother. Veronica lashes out when she learns said secret, jeopardising her friendship with Sir Robert, and nine year old Daisy, who has joined Veronica in the Falklands thanks to a charity foundation that fulfils wishes by ill children.
Unsurprisingly, Call of the Penguins also imparts clear messages about the varied threats to the health of our natural environment. In particular Prior explores the effects of plastic pollution in our oceans and the risks it poses to the well-being of penguin populations.
Despite the many serious issues raised in this novel, Call of the Penguins is ultimately a celebration of connection, resilience and hope. Told with warmth, humour and sensitivity, this is a lovely uplifting read.
Want to read
December 24, 2022#1 Away with the Penguins - ★★★★★
#2 Call of the Penguins - TBR
#2 Call of the Penguins - TBR
January 3, 2022
I loved Hazel Prior's first book featuring Veronica McCreedy (Away with the Penguins and it was one I recommended to lots of people. I was excited enough about a follow up that I actually bought the ebook (which is rare for me). It was OK, but a bit disappointing.
Sometimes when an author gets a book absolutely 'right' (like Prior did with AWTP), it's tempting to stretch the successful formula into another book. I'll admit that I thought I wanted more of Mrs McCreedy. Sadly, this one just didn't work as well for me.
Please don't read this without first reading Away with the Penguins. It really won't make much sense on its own.
Veronica's grandson, Patrick, has broken up with Terry the Penguinologist and returned to the UK. Veronica has sent him to Canada in search of his past and his late father. Meanwhile, she's invited to make a documentary with a famous elderly wildlife expert - think David Attenborough with a bit of a bad attitude. All expenses paid, and Veronica's off to Australia and the Falklands, with her young friend and cancer patient, Daisy, to make a show for a sick-kids-wish-fulfilment charity.
The penguins are the stars of the show. As Veronica regularly reminds people if times are tough "Think of the Penguins". With Pip the Antarctic Adelie, and new stars Petra the Rockhopper and Tony the Macaroni, there are plenty of cute moments.
I didn't buy the gutter press coverage of 'greedy McCreedy' or the revelation of who was leaking stories. I also found the attempt to shove anti-plastics messages down our gullets like a regurgitating mother penguin feeding her young was a bit irritating. And the medical 'situation' with Terry the penguinologist was a bit too far fetched for me.
I found the 'voices' of the various narrators to be poorly distinguished. When using multiple narrators, I firmly believe they should write sufficiently differently that I don't have to flick back and check who's who.
So all in all, despite lots of lovely penguins, it was a bit of a damp squib.
Sometimes when an author gets a book absolutely 'right' (like Prior did with AWTP), it's tempting to stretch the successful formula into another book. I'll admit that I thought I wanted more of Mrs McCreedy. Sadly, this one just didn't work as well for me.
Please don't read this without first reading Away with the Penguins. It really won't make much sense on its own.
Veronica's grandson, Patrick, has broken up with Terry the Penguinologist and returned to the UK. Veronica has sent him to Canada in search of his past and his late father. Meanwhile, she's invited to make a documentary with a famous elderly wildlife expert - think David Attenborough with a bit of a bad attitude. All expenses paid, and Veronica's off to Australia and the Falklands, with her young friend and cancer patient, Daisy, to make a show for a sick-kids-wish-fulfilment charity.
The penguins are the stars of the show. As Veronica regularly reminds people if times are tough "Think of the Penguins". With Pip the Antarctic Adelie, and new stars Petra the Rockhopper and Tony the Macaroni, there are plenty of cute moments.
I didn't buy the gutter press coverage of 'greedy McCreedy' or the revelation of who was leaking stories. I also found the attempt to shove anti-plastics messages down our gullets like a regurgitating mother penguin feeding her young was a bit irritating. And the medical 'situation' with Terry the penguinologist was a bit too far fetched for me.
I found the 'voices' of the various narrators to be poorly distinguished. When using multiple narrators, I firmly believe they should write sufficiently differently that I don't have to flick back and check who's who.
So all in all, despite lots of lovely penguins, it was a bit of a damp squib.
December 1, 2021
It was nice to revisit Veronica McCreedy and the penguins. As with the first book in this series, it is a nice easy read with lots of interesting facts and information about Antarctica and the various breeds of penguins they visit in this story. There are several ongoing stories also running through/revisited from book 1 - Terry and Patrick’s romance, 9 year old Daisy’s illness and of course Patrick and Veronica’s sad background story. Not to mention the constant reminder about plastic and it’s devastating consequences to sea life. It was nice to fill in parts of the ongoing story lines. All in all an enjoyable read which incorporates lots of life’s intricacies, I just found Veronica’s parts a bit slow and tedious at times in this book. 3.5*.
November 29, 2021
Call of the Penguins is Hazel Prior's sequel to her book "Away With The Penguins", which I have yet to read, though I have a copy waiting. This is a beautifully engaging and entertaining read. The story follows wealthy 87-year-old Veronica McCreedy, living in Ayrshire at The Ballahays with her helpful assistant Eileen. Veronica has a love for penguins and when she's invited to help present a wildlife documentary she jumps at the chance to get close feathered friends. I warmed to her straightway and also to 9-year-old Daisy, daughter of Gavin, a bicycle shop owner and friend of Patrick, Veronica's grandson. A charming read with a gentle but serious environmental and conservation reminder.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Random House, Transworld, Black Swan via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Random House, Transworld, Black Swan via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
July 17, 2023
Veronica is back for more penguiny adventures, but frankly, this sequel wasn’t necessary. The first book was complete by itself. Veronica’s quirky expressions, such as “follicly speaking” to refer to facial hair and “lavatorial matters” to refer to poop, are still delightful, but in terms of plot and character development, there is nothing very thrilling going on. I expected more cute feel-good penguin stories, but except for a few brief scenes with Pip and Petra, we just get a bunch of people moaning and feeling sorry for themselves.
December 2, 2021
enjoyed this the next in the series of the penguin series. the author develops more the characters we encountered in book 1 and more characters enter the fray too as we venture back to the southern hemisphere and re-join the penguins.
August 25, 2021
The Call of the Penguins was one of my favourite books when it was released, so I was more than excited to see this follow-on story, ‘Call of the Penguins’ was being released. It did not disappoint. I would advise that you read the books in order. I feel that you need the background of why things are happening like they do in this story.
When I finished the first book, everything was tickety-boo. Patrick had seemed to find his niche in life, the penguin station had funds from Veronica so, Veronica could relax knowing that she had ‘lived the dream’. Life was looking up. But people change, situations change, and at times what we have is not enough.
Veronica, now at 87, is quite a lady in this story as she gets the chance once more to venture into the wilds, this time with a dashing gentleman, a camera crew and a little girl called Daisy, who will steal your heart. Patrick is on a mission to find some more missing pieces that connect Veronica and him. While Terry has her own predicament to consider. It is a busy story with different themes.
There is a constant thread about the environment. and how what we do is like the butterfly effect that affects the lives of the birds, penguins and other sea creatures thousands of miles away. It does make you think about the choices we make and hopefully some will change the little things they do to make a big difference.
I wish to thank the publisher and Net Galley for an e-copy of this book that I have reviewed honestly.
When I finished the first book, everything was tickety-boo. Patrick had seemed to find his niche in life, the penguin station had funds from Veronica so, Veronica could relax knowing that she had ‘lived the dream’. Life was looking up. But people change, situations change, and at times what we have is not enough.
Veronica, now at 87, is quite a lady in this story as she gets the chance once more to venture into the wilds, this time with a dashing gentleman, a camera crew and a little girl called Daisy, who will steal your heart. Patrick is on a mission to find some more missing pieces that connect Veronica and him. While Terry has her own predicament to consider. It is a busy story with different themes.
There is a constant thread about the environment. and how what we do is like the butterfly effect that affects the lives of the birds, penguins and other sea creatures thousands of miles away. It does make you think about the choices we make and hopefully some will change the little things they do to make a big difference.
I wish to thank the publisher and Net Galley for an e-copy of this book that I have reviewed honestly.
December 31, 2022
This duology is like a warm cup of cocoa on a cold day. I enjoyed thus sequel almost as much as it's predecessor!
November 30, 2021
⭐️ 4.5 ⭐️
After being totally captivated by Away with the Penguins I couldn’t wait to read Call of the Penguins, and what a total delight it was too.
After getting to know the wonderful characters in the prequel, settling down with them again was like visiting old friends. I’ve said it before, and I’m going to say it again - Hazel Prior’s characterisation is truly excellent; her characters are so real, so relatable; I was completely invested in their story.
Highlighting extremely important topics about the environment, particularly the devastating effects of plastic in our waters; it really gave me food for thought.
Call of the Penguins made me laugh, it also made me cry. It’s a heartwarming read, a story of friendship, love and hope. I can’t wait for the next adventure with Veronica and her motley crew.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
After being totally captivated by Away with the Penguins I couldn’t wait to read Call of the Penguins, and what a total delight it was too.
After getting to know the wonderful characters in the prequel, settling down with them again was like visiting old friends. I’ve said it before, and I’m going to say it again - Hazel Prior’s characterisation is truly excellent; her characters are so real, so relatable; I was completely invested in their story.
Highlighting extremely important topics about the environment, particularly the devastating effects of plastic in our waters; it really gave me food for thought.
Call of the Penguins made me laugh, it also made me cry. It’s a heartwarming read, a story of friendship, love and hope. I can’t wait for the next adventure with Veronica and her motley crew.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
December 16, 2021
3.5 rounded up - Another adventure featuring Veronica McCreedy and her penguin friends. This story was a roller coaster of emotions. Everyone is back including Veronica's grandson Patrick and his girlfriend Terry. While Veronica goes on a new voyage to help film a documentary about another group of penguins with a Richard Attenborough type figure, Patrick travels to Canada hoping to learn more about his birth parents. Meanwhile Terry is left in Antarctica with the penguins going through her own emotional journey. Recommended for fans of The man called Ove and anyone who enjoys stories with great mental health rep, environmental consciousness and family secrets. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy.
CW: death of parents, pregnancy loss, mental health, childhood cancer
CW: death of parents, pregnancy loss, mental health, childhood cancer
November 9, 2021
A wonderful return to Veronica McCreedy and her Penguins. I love Veronica’s zest for life and how she can’t help but interfere and give her opinion on everything. Her trip back to the Southern Hemisphere sounded magical and it was lovely reconnecting with Terry and the team.
January 8, 2023
Darum geht‘s:
Nach ihren Erlebnissen auf Locket Island in der Antarktis ist die 87jährige Veronica McCreedy wieder voller Elan und mag sich auf ihrem schottischen Landsitz nicht einfach nur ausruhen. Sie unterstützt weiterhin die Pinguinforschung und nimmt gleichzeitig das Mädchen Daisy als Pflegekind bei sich auf. Als sie eingeladen wird, bei einer Naturfilmreihe über Pinguine auf den Falklandinseln mitzuwirken, muss sie nicht lange überlegen. Voller Tatendrang macht sie sich auf die lange Reise mit dem Ziel, den TV-Zuschauern ihre Begeisterung für die possierlichen Tiere zu vermitteln und vor allem auch auf die gefährdete Natur aufmerksam zu machen. Währenddessen verläuft der Aufenthalt ihres Enkels Patrick auf Locket Island nicht ganz so harmonisch und die Turbulenzen holen auch die rüstige Dame bald ein.
So fand ich‘s:
Nachdem ich letztes Jahr von „Miss Veronica und das Wunder der Pinguine“ so begeistert war, freute ich mich riesig auf das Wiedersehen mit der alten Lady, dem Adeliepinguin Pip, dem Enkel Patrick und Co. Es war dann tatsächlich ein bisschen wie „nach Hause kommen“ und ich war sofort wieder gefangen von der gemütvollen Atmosphäre, die die Autorin auch in diesem zweiten Band geschaffen hat. Es war so schön, erneut zu erleben, wie sich Veronica in der Antarktis zwar verändert, aber so einige Marotten und vor allem ihren bissigen Humor beibehalten hatte.
Um der Geschichte folgen zu können, muss man das erste Buch nicht zwingend gelesen haben. Aber ich glaube, dass dem Buch einiges an Charme verloren geht, wenn man Miss Veronicas Veränderung im ersten Teil nicht miterlebt hat. Um die Geschichte vollumfänglich zu genießen, empfehle ich daher die Lektüre beider Bücher.
Auch diese Fortsetzung wird im Präsens erzählt, was aber hier tatsächlich sehr gut passt und man das Gefühl hat, selbst mitten dabei zu sein. Der Schreibstil ist locker, aber auch oft informativ, da man quasi „en passant“ einiges über die spannende Welt der Pinguine erfährt. Auch wenn ich mich zu meinem Leseeindruck vom ersten Band wiederhole: Man spürt die Faszination der Autorin für diese besonderen Vögel und ihre Liebe zur Natur. Ich finde es ist ihr sehr gut gelungen, auf die Fragilität der Welt in der wir leben hinzuweisen und dass wir viel pfleglicher mit ihr umgehen sollten. Sie macht das auf eine charmante Weise und fast ohne den berühmtberüchtigten Zeigefinger. ;-)
Die Geschichte rund um Veronica und ihre Lieben verläuft nicht immer problemfrei und auch Verlust und Trauer werden nicht ausgeklammert. Trotzdem empfinde ich das Buch als ein richtiges Wohlfühlbuch. Man kann schmunzeln, manchmal laut lachen, mitfiebern und auch mit trauern – es ist ein Wechselbad der Gefühle – aber ohne Kitsch und aufgebauschte Dramen.
Da ich bei Fortsetzungen immer ein wenig skeptisch bin, wurde ich hier von der Autorin positiv überrascht. Das Thema ist zwar durch den ersten Teil nicht neu und brachte so keine Überraschung mit sich. Aber ich empfand den Plot zu keinem Moment als Wiederholung und auch in diesem Band haben sich die Figuren nochmals weiterentwickelt.
Es ist mir klar, dass ich an dieser Stelle nicht mehr explizit erwähnen muss, wie sehr mir das Buch gefallen hat. Dennoch möchte ich unbedingt eine Leseempfehlung aussprechen für alle, die herzerwärmende Geschichten mögen, aber auch für Pinguinfans oder für alle die, die es werden möchten. Nach dieser Lektüre ist man das auf jeden Fall…:-)
Nach ihren Erlebnissen auf Locket Island in der Antarktis ist die 87jährige Veronica McCreedy wieder voller Elan und mag sich auf ihrem schottischen Landsitz nicht einfach nur ausruhen. Sie unterstützt weiterhin die Pinguinforschung und nimmt gleichzeitig das Mädchen Daisy als Pflegekind bei sich auf. Als sie eingeladen wird, bei einer Naturfilmreihe über Pinguine auf den Falklandinseln mitzuwirken, muss sie nicht lange überlegen. Voller Tatendrang macht sie sich auf die lange Reise mit dem Ziel, den TV-Zuschauern ihre Begeisterung für die possierlichen Tiere zu vermitteln und vor allem auch auf die gefährdete Natur aufmerksam zu machen. Währenddessen verläuft der Aufenthalt ihres Enkels Patrick auf Locket Island nicht ganz so harmonisch und die Turbulenzen holen auch die rüstige Dame bald ein.
So fand ich‘s:
Nachdem ich letztes Jahr von „Miss Veronica und das Wunder der Pinguine“ so begeistert war, freute ich mich riesig auf das Wiedersehen mit der alten Lady, dem Adeliepinguin Pip, dem Enkel Patrick und Co. Es war dann tatsächlich ein bisschen wie „nach Hause kommen“ und ich war sofort wieder gefangen von der gemütvollen Atmosphäre, die die Autorin auch in diesem zweiten Band geschaffen hat. Es war so schön, erneut zu erleben, wie sich Veronica in der Antarktis zwar verändert, aber so einige Marotten und vor allem ihren bissigen Humor beibehalten hatte.
Um der Geschichte folgen zu können, muss man das erste Buch nicht zwingend gelesen haben. Aber ich glaube, dass dem Buch einiges an Charme verloren geht, wenn man Miss Veronicas Veränderung im ersten Teil nicht miterlebt hat. Um die Geschichte vollumfänglich zu genießen, empfehle ich daher die Lektüre beider Bücher.
Auch diese Fortsetzung wird im Präsens erzählt, was aber hier tatsächlich sehr gut passt und man das Gefühl hat, selbst mitten dabei zu sein. Der Schreibstil ist locker, aber auch oft informativ, da man quasi „en passant“ einiges über die spannende Welt der Pinguine erfährt. Auch wenn ich mich zu meinem Leseeindruck vom ersten Band wiederhole: Man spürt die Faszination der Autorin für diese besonderen Vögel und ihre Liebe zur Natur. Ich finde es ist ihr sehr gut gelungen, auf die Fragilität der Welt in der wir leben hinzuweisen und dass wir viel pfleglicher mit ihr umgehen sollten. Sie macht das auf eine charmante Weise und fast ohne den berühmtberüchtigten Zeigefinger. ;-)
Die Geschichte rund um Veronica und ihre Lieben verläuft nicht immer problemfrei und auch Verlust und Trauer werden nicht ausgeklammert. Trotzdem empfinde ich das Buch als ein richtiges Wohlfühlbuch. Man kann schmunzeln, manchmal laut lachen, mitfiebern und auch mit trauern – es ist ein Wechselbad der Gefühle – aber ohne Kitsch und aufgebauschte Dramen.
Da ich bei Fortsetzungen immer ein wenig skeptisch bin, wurde ich hier von der Autorin positiv überrascht. Das Thema ist zwar durch den ersten Teil nicht neu und brachte so keine Überraschung mit sich. Aber ich empfand den Plot zu keinem Moment als Wiederholung und auch in diesem Band haben sich die Figuren nochmals weiterentwickelt.
Es ist mir klar, dass ich an dieser Stelle nicht mehr explizit erwähnen muss, wie sehr mir das Buch gefallen hat. Dennoch möchte ich unbedingt eine Leseempfehlung aussprechen für alle, die herzerwärmende Geschichten mögen, aber auch für Pinguinfans oder für alle die, die es werden möchten. Nach dieser Lektüre ist man das auf jeden Fall…:-)
November 5, 2021
What a lovely surprise this book was!
I hadn't read Away with the Penguins, but it was my first purchase as soon as I finished this one, because I loved the characters and the story and I wanted to go back to know more about them.
In addition to the beautiful writing style, excellent description of landscapes, lovable characters and heartwarming story, this book delivers also a very important and thought provoking message about invironmental issues and wildlife, an added bonus for sure.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I hadn't read Away with the Penguins, but it was my first purchase as soon as I finished this one, because I loved the characters and the story and I wanted to go back to know more about them.
In addition to the beautiful writing style, excellent description of landscapes, lovable characters and heartwarming story, this book delivers also a very important and thought provoking message about invironmental issues and wildlife, an added bonus for sure.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2021
Call of the Penguins by Hazel Prior
I give this book 4.5 stars
87 year old Veronica McCreedy has recently discovered a late-life love for family and friendship, adventure and wildlife.
More specifically, a love for penguins!
And so when she's invited to co-present a wildlife documentary, far away in the southern hemisphere, she jumps at the chance.
Perhaps it’s never too late….to shine?
This is one of those rare books that has that perfect mix of a beautifully written story and location with equally strong well rounded characters to connect with..For me the narrative was totally absorbing and the uplifting plot warmed my heart with emotion. It also portrays an important message about looking after nature and thinking about packaging.l found the Penguins informative and delightful.
A book ld highly recommend
With thanks to Netgalley,Hazel Prior and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Black Swan for the chance to read and review this book
I give this book 4.5 stars
87 year old Veronica McCreedy has recently discovered a late-life love for family and friendship, adventure and wildlife.
More specifically, a love for penguins!
And so when she's invited to co-present a wildlife documentary, far away in the southern hemisphere, she jumps at the chance.
Perhaps it’s never too late….to shine?
This is one of those rare books that has that perfect mix of a beautifully written story and location with equally strong well rounded characters to connect with..For me the narrative was totally absorbing and the uplifting plot warmed my heart with emotion. It also portrays an important message about looking after nature and thinking about packaging.l found the Penguins informative and delightful.
A book ld highly recommend
With thanks to Netgalley,Hazel Prior and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Black Swan for the chance to read and review this book
November 28, 2021
Loved it just as much as the first one. Just a lovely and heartwarming read!
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